Renewable energy and its impact on electricity costs is a topic that has gained significant attention in recent IELTS examinations. Based on trends observed in past tests and predictions for future exams, it’s highly likely that candidates will encounter questions related to this subject. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS Writing Task 2 exams and analyze how to approach it effectively.
Analyzing the Question
Some people think that governments should invest in projects to explore outer space, while others believe that it is a waste of public money. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question presents a balanced argument about government investment in space exploration. It requires candidates to discuss both perspectives and provide their personal opinion. Let’s break down the key elements:
- Topic: Government investment in space exploration
- Two viewpoints:
- Support for space exploration projects
- Opposition, considering it a waste of public money
- Task: Discuss both views and give your own opinion
Now, let’s examine three sample essays of varying quality, representing different band scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Space exploration has been a topic of debate for decades, with some arguing for increased government investment and others viewing it as an unnecessary expense. This essay will discuss both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint on this contentious issue.
Proponents of space exploration argue that it drives technological innovation and scientific discovery. The space race of the 1960s, for instance, led to numerous advancements in fields such as telecommunications, weather forecasting, and materials science. These innovations have had far-reaching benefits for society, improving our daily lives in countless ways. Furthermore, space exploration inspires future generations of scientists and engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and progress.
On the other hand, critics contend that the enormous costs associated with space exploration could be better allocated to pressing terrestrial issues. They argue that funds invested in space programs could be used to address poverty, improve healthcare, or combat climate change – problems that directly affect millions of people on Earth. From this perspective, space exploration appears to be a luxury that we can ill afford given the numerous challenges facing our planet.
In my opinion, while the concerns about resource allocation are valid, the long-term benefits of space exploration outweigh its costs. The technological advancements and scientific knowledge gained from these endeavors often have unforeseen applications that can significantly improve life on Earth. Moreover, as we face global challenges like climate change and resource depletion, the insights gained from studying other planets and the broader universe may prove crucial for our survival and progress as a species.
In conclusion, while space exploration requires substantial investment, its potential to drive innovation, inspire future generations, and provide solutions to global challenges makes it a worthwhile endeavor. Governments should continue to invest in space exploration, but with a balanced approach that also addresses immediate societal needs.
(Word count: 298)
Benefits of Space Exploration
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and meets all the criteria for a high band score:
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph has a central topic, and ideas are logically linked using cohesive devices.
Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately. Some examples include:
- “contentious issue”
- “far-reaching benefits”
- “fostering a culture of innovation”
- “unforeseen applications”
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and appropriately. It includes complex sentences and various grammatical features without noticeable errors.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The topic of government spending on space exploration is debated by many people. Some think it’s a good idea, while others say it’s a waste of money. This essay will look at both sides and give my opinion.
People who support space exploration say it helps develop new technology. For example, many things we use every day, like GPS and weather satellites, came from space research. They also say it’s important for human progress and can inspire young people to study science.
On the other hand, those against it argue that the money could be used for more important things. They think we should focus on problems on Earth first, like poverty and healthcare. These issues affect many people directly, so they think it’s more important to solve them before exploring space.
In my opinion, I think space exploration is important, but we need to balance it with other needs. The technology from space research can help solve Earth’s problems too. However, we shouldn’t ignore immediate issues that people face.
To conclude, while space exploration has benefits, governments should carefully consider how much they spend on it. They need to make sure they’re also addressing other important issues that affect people’s lives every day.
(Word count: 218)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates good writing skills but has some limitations:
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the ideas could be more fully developed.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is sometimes repetitive (e.g., overuse of “they say”).
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate but lacks the sophistication of higher band scores. Some attempts at less common vocabulary are made (e.g., “inspire young people”).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control, though there is less variety compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Some people think governments should spend money on space projects, but others say it’s a waste. I will discuss both ideas and give my opinion.
People who like space projects say it’s good for new technology. We get things like satellite TV from space research. It also makes people interested in science, which is good for the country.
But other people think it’s not good to spend money on space. They say we have big problems on Earth, like poor people and bad hospitals. We should fix these problems first before we go to space.
I think both ideas have good points. Space projects can help make new things, but we also need to help people on Earth. Maybe governments can do both if they are careful with money.
In conclusion, space projects can be good, but governments need to think carefully about how much money they spend on them. They should also help people on Earth with their problems.
(Word count: 157)
Analysis of Band 5-6 Essay
This essay demonstrates basic writing skills but has several limitations:
Task Response: The essay addresses the task but lacks depth in its discussion and development of ideas.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a basic structure, but paragraphing and use of cohesive devices are limited.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is simple and repetitive, with few attempts at using less common words.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses mostly simple sentences with limited variety. There are some errors, but they do not significantly impede communication.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Space exploration (noun) – /speɪs ˌekspləˈreɪʃən/ – The investigation of outer space using spacecraft
- Innovation (noun) – /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/ – The introduction of new ideas or methods
- Allocation (noun) – /ˌæləˈkeɪʃən/ – The action of distributing resources for a particular purpose
- Contentious (adjective) – /kənˈtenʃəs/ – Causing or likely to cause disagreement
- Far-reaching (adjective) – /ˌfɑːr ˈriːtʃɪŋ/ – Having wide-ranging effects or implications
- Endeavor (noun) – /ɪnˈdevər/ – An attempt to achieve a goal
- Unforeseen (adjective) – /ˌʌnfɔːrˈsiːn/ – Not anticipated or predicted
- Terrestrial (adjective) – /təˈrestriəl/ – Relating to the earth or its inhabitants
Conclusion
The topic of government investment in space exploration is likely to appear in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams, given its relevance to current global discussions. To prepare, practice writing essays on similar topics such as:
- The role of technology in solving global problems
- Balancing scientific research with immediate societal needs
- The importance of inspiring future generations in STEM fields
Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and fully address all parts of the question. Feel free to write your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for practice and feedback.