Space tourism is an emerging topic that has caught the attention of IELTS examiners in recent years. As the commercial space industry continues to grow, it’s likely that we’ll see more questions related to this subject in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Let’s explore a potential question and analyze sample essays at different band levels to help you prepare for this fascinating topic.
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that space tourism will have a positive economic impact, while others think it will only benefit the wealthy. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question asks you to consider two contrasting views on the economic impact of space tourism. It’s important to address both perspectives and provide your own opinion, supported by relevant examples and logical reasoning.
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9
Space tourism, once a concept confined to science fiction, is rapidly becoming a reality. While some argue that this emerging industry will bring widespread economic benefits, others contend that it will primarily serve the interests of the affluent. In my opinion, while space tourism may initially cater to the wealthy, its long-term economic impact is likely to be positive and far-reaching.
Proponents of space tourism argue that it will stimulate economic growth across various sectors. The development of space tourism requires significant investment in research, technology, and infrastructure, creating jobs in aerospace engineering, materials science, and related fields. Furthermore, as the industry grows, it could lead to the establishment of new spaceports and support services, boosting local economies in the same way that airports have done for decades. For example, Virgin Galactic’s Spaceport America in New Mexico has already created hundreds of jobs and attracted tourism to a previously overlooked region.
On the other hand, critics argue that space tourism will remain an exclusive pursuit for the ultra-wealthy, with limited broader economic benefits. They contend that the enormous costs associated with space travel will keep it out of reach for the vast majority of people, concentrating wealth among a small group of space companies and their wealthy clientele. This perspective raises valid concerns about increasing economic inequality and the allocation of resources that could be used to address pressing terrestrial issues.
However, I believe that the economic impact of space tourism will ultimately be positive and more inclusive than its critics suggest. History has shown that many technologies that were initially available only to the wealthy eventually become accessible to the broader public. Just as air travel was once a luxury for the elite but is now widely available, space tourism could follow a similar trajectory. As competition increases and technology advances, costs are likely to decrease, making space travel more accessible to a broader range of people.
Moreover, the innovations developed for space tourism could have spillover effects in other industries. Technologies created for space travel often find applications in everyday life, from memory foam to satellite navigation systems. These technological advancements can create new industries and job opportunities, contributing to overall economic growth.
In conclusion, while space tourism may initially appear to benefit only the wealthy, I believe its long-term economic impact will be positive and widespread. As the industry matures, it has the potential to create jobs, stimulate technological innovation, and eventually become more accessible to the general public. However, it is crucial that policymakers and industry leaders work to ensure that the benefits of space tourism are distributed as widely as possible, mitigating concerns about inequality and resource allocation.
(Word count: 420)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates the qualities of a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
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Clear structure: The essay has a well-defined introduction, body paragraphs addressing both views, and a conclusion that summarizes the main points and provides a clear opinion.
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Coherent arguments: Each paragraph develops a single main idea, supported by relevant examples and explanations.
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Advanced vocabulary: The essay uses a range of sophisticated vocabulary accurately, such as “stimulate economic growth,” “spillover effects,” and “mitigating concerns.”
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Complex sentence structures: The writer employs a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences with multiple clauses.
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Relevant examples: The essay provides specific examples, such as Virgin Galactic’s Spaceport America, to support its arguments.
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Clear opinion: The writer’s stance is evident throughout the essay and is explicitly stated in the conclusion.
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Cohesive devices: The essay uses a range of linking words and phrases to connect ideas smoothly.
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7
Space tourism is a new industry that some people think will bring economic benefits, while others believe it will only help rich people. In my opinion, space tourism can have both positive and negative economic effects.
Those who support space tourism say it will create jobs and help the economy grow. When companies build spaceships and launch sites, they need to hire many workers. This can create jobs in engineering, construction, and tourism. Also, when tourists come to see space launches, they spend money on hotels, restaurants, and souvenirs. This can help local businesses make more money.
However, some people argue that space tourism is only for very rich people and won’t help most people. Space travel is very expensive, so only millionaires can afford it. This means that only a small number of people will benefit from this industry. Critics worry that this could make the gap between rich and poor people even bigger.
I think that space tourism can have both good and bad effects on the economy. In the beginning, it might only help rich people and big companies. But over time, it could create more jobs and lead to new inventions that everyone can use. For example, technologies created for space travel might be used to make better computers or medical equipment.
It’s important to make sure that the benefits of space tourism are shared with more people. Governments could make rules to help smaller companies join the space tourism industry. They could also use some of the money from space tourism to fund education and other programs that help everyone.
In conclusion, while space tourism might start as something only for the wealthy, I believe it has the potential to bring economic benefits to more people in the future. However, we need to be careful to manage it in a way that helps as many people as possible.
(Word count: 309)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a Band 6-7 response:
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Adequate structure: The essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs addressing both views, and a conclusion. However, the development of ideas is less sophisticated than in the Band 8-9 essay.
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Relevant ideas: The essay presents relevant arguments for both perspectives and provides some examples.
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Appropriate vocabulary: The essay uses some topic-specific vocabulary, but the range is more limited compared to the higher band essay.
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Mix of simple and complex sentences: The writer uses both simple and complex sentences, but with less variety than the Band 8-9 essay.
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Basic examples: The essay provides some examples, but they are less specific and developed compared to the higher band essay.
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Clear opinion: The writer’s opinion is presented, although it could be more consistently developed throughout the essay.
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Some cohesive devices: The essay uses some linking words, but with less sophistication than the Band 8-9 essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Space tourism (noun) – /speɪs ˈtʊərɪzəm/ – The practice of traveling into space for recreational purposes.
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Economic impact (noun phrase) – /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈɪmpækt/ – The effect that an event, policy, or market condition has on the economy.
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Stimulate (verb) – /ˈstɪmjuleɪt/ – To encourage or cause something to happen or develop.
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Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
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Spillover effects (noun phrase) – /ˈspɪləʊvər ɪˈfekts/ – The impact of an activity on those not directly involved in it.
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Trajectory (noun) – /trəˈdʒektəri/ – The path followed by a project, idea, or person over time.
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Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – To make something less severe, serious, or painful.
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Allocation (noun) – /ˌæləˈkeɪʃn/ – The action or process of distributing resources or duties for a particular purpose.
Conclusion
The economic impact of space tourism is a complex and evolving topic that requires careful consideration of multiple perspectives. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2 exam, practice developing balanced arguments and supporting your ideas with relevant examples. Remember to address all parts of the question and clearly state your own opinion.
To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic or a related one, such as:
- The environmental impact of space tourism
- The role of government regulation in the space tourism industry
- The potential benefits and drawbacks of investing public funds in space exploration
Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below. This active practice will help you refine your writing skills and prepare you for success in your IELTS exam.