Space tourism has become an increasingly popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. As space exploration continues to advance, the concept of commercial space travel is no longer confined to science fiction. This trend in exam topics reflects the growing interest in how space tourism might shape the future of exploration. Let’s analyze a recent IELTS question on this subject and explore sample essays for different band scores.
Some people think that space tourism will become an important part of the future of space exploration. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Analyzing the Question
This question asks for your opinion on the role of space tourism in future space exploration. It’s essential to:
- Clearly state your position (agree or disagree)
- Provide reasons and examples to support your view
- Consider potential counterarguments
- Conclude by summarizing your main points
Now, let’s examine sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay for Band 8
Space tourism, once a distant dream, is rapidly becoming a reality. I strongly agree that it will play a crucial role in the future of space exploration for several compelling reasons.
Firstly, space tourism has the potential to significantly increase funding for space exploration. As wealthy individuals pay exorbitant sums for the privilege of venturing into space, this influx of private capital can supplement government budgets for space agencies. This additional funding could accelerate research and development in space technologies, ultimately benefiting the broader field of space exploration. For instance, the development of reusable rockets by companies like SpaceX, partly driven by the prospect of space tourism, has already revolutionized the economics of space travel.
Secondly, space tourism can foster public interest and support for space exploration. As more civilians experience space travel and share their experiences, it can ignite public imagination and enthusiasm for space-related endeavors. This increased public engagement can translate into greater political and social support for space exploration initiatives. The “Overview Effect” experienced by astronauts – a shift in awareness from seeing the Earth as a whole – could become more widespread, potentially influencing public opinion on global issues and the importance of space exploration.
Moreover, space tourism can drive technological advancements that have wider applications in space exploration. The need to ensure safety and comfort for civilian space travelers will likely lead to innovations in life support systems, radiation protection, and spacecraft design. These improvements could be crucial for long-duration space missions, such as those planned for Mars exploration. How space exploration can lead to technological breakthroughs is evident from the numerous spin-off technologies that have emerged from space programs, and space tourism could accelerate this trend.
However, it is important to acknowledge potential drawbacks. Critics argue that space tourism diverts resources from more scientifically valuable missions and may contribute to space debris. Additionally, the environmental impact of frequent rocket launches is a concern that needs to be addressed.
In conclusion, while there are valid concerns, the potential benefits of space tourism for the future of space exploration are substantial. By generating funding, public interest, and technological advancements, space tourism can serve as a catalyst for broader space exploration efforts. As we venture into this new era, it will be crucial to balance commercial interests with scientific goals to ensure that space tourism truly benefits the future of space exploration.
(Word count: 398)
Space tourism shaping future exploration
Explanation of Band 8 Score
This essay would likely receive a Band 8 score for the following reasons:
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with well-developed ideas and relevant examples.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph focuses on a specific point, and ideas are logically connected.
Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately. Complex phrases like “exorbitant sums,” “influx of private capital,” and “Overview Effect” demonstrate advanced vocabulary usage.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a variety of complex structures accurately. There is good control of grammar and punctuation throughout.
Critical Thinking: The essay demonstrates nuanced thinking by acknowledging potential counterarguments and limitations of space tourism.
Sample Essay for Band 7
I largely agree that space tourism will become an important aspect of future space exploration, although there are some potential drawbacks to consider.
One of the main advantages of space tourism is its ability to generate substantial funding for space exploration. Private companies investing in space tourism technologies can contribute to the development of more efficient and cost-effective space travel methods. This could lead to advancements that benefit not only tourists but also scientific missions. For example, the development of reusable rockets by companies like SpaceX has already significantly reduced the cost of launching payloads into orbit.
Furthermore, space tourism can increase public interest in space exploration. As more people have the opportunity to experience space travel, even if only vicariously through others, it can inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers to pursue careers in space-related fields. This increased interest could lead to greater support for space exploration programs and potentially accelerate our understanding of the universe.
However, there are also some potential negative impacts of space tourism on space exploration. One concern is that it might divert resources and attention from more scientifically valuable missions. If space agencies and companies focus too heavily on developing tourism infrastructure, it could come at the expense of other important research and exploration projects.
Additionally, the environmental impact of increased rocket launches for tourism purposes is a valid concern. The carbon emissions and potential contribution to space debris could have long-term consequences that need to be carefully considered and mitigated.
In conclusion, while space tourism has the potential to play a significant role in advancing space exploration through increased funding and public interest, it is important to balance these benefits with potential drawbacks. By carefully managing the development of space tourism alongside scientific missions, we can harness its potential to contribute positively to the future of space exploration.
(Word count: 295)
Explanation of Band 7 Score
This essay would likely receive a Band 7 score for the following reasons:
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task and presents a clear position. Ideas are extended and supported, though not as fully as in the Band 8 essay.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear overall progression. Paragraphing is logical, and ideas are connected, though not always with the same sophistication as the Band 8 essay.
Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used appropriately, with some less common items like “vicariously” and “divert resources.” However, the range and precision are not as wide as in the Band 8 essay.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence structures is used with generally good control. There are no significant errors, but the range is not as wide as in the Band 8 essay.
Critical Thinking: The essay shows some critical thinking by considering both advantages and disadvantages, but the analysis is not as deep or nuanced as the Band 8 essay.
Sample Essay for Band 6
Space tourism is becoming more popular these days, and I think it will be important for space exploration in the future.
One reason why space tourism is good for space exploration is because it can bring more money to space research. Rich people who want to go to space will pay a lot of money, and this money can help scientists do more research. For example, companies like SpaceX are making new rockets that can be used again, which makes space travel cheaper.
Another good thing about space tourism is that it can make more people interested in space. When people see tourists going to space, they might want to learn more about space and maybe even become scientists or astronauts. This could help us learn more about space in the future.
However, there are also some problems with space tourism. One problem is that it might be bad for the environment because rockets make pollution. Also, if too many rockets go into space, it might create more space junk, which can be dangerous for satellites and spaceships.
Another problem is that space tourism might take money and attention away from important science missions. If companies focus too much on tourism, they might not spend enough time and money on other important space research.
In conclusion, I think space tourism will be important for space exploration in the future because it can bring more money and interest to space research. But we need to be careful about the problems it might cause and make sure it doesn’t stop us from doing other important space science.
(Word count: 253)
Explanation of Band 6 Score
This essay would likely receive a Band 6 score for the following reasons:
Task Response: The essay addresses the task and presents a clear position. However, the ideas are not as fully developed or supported as in higher band essays.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure with introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Ideas are generally connected, but the cohesion is not always smooth.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, but lacks the range and sophistication of higher band essays. There is some attempt to use less common vocabulary (e.g., “pollution,” “satellites”), but it’s limited.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and some complex sentences, but the range is limited. There are no major errors, but the structures are less varied than in higher band essays.
Critical Thinking: The essay shows some attempt at critical thinking by considering both positives and negatives, but the analysis lacks depth and nuance.
Environmental impact of space tourism
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Space tourism (noun) – /speɪs ˈtʊərɪzəm/ – Commercial space travel for recreational purposes
- Exploration (noun) – /ˌekspləˈreɪʃn/ – The action of traveling in or through an unfamiliar area in order to learn about it
- Reusable rockets (noun phrase) – /riːˈjuːzəbl ˈrɒkɪts/ – Rockets designed to be used multiple times
- Influx (noun) – /ˈɪnflʌks/ – An arrival or entry of large numbers of people or things
- Catalyst (noun) – /ˈkætəlɪst/ – A person or thing that precipitates an event or change
- Overview Effect (noun phrase) – /ˈəʊvəvjuː ɪˈfekt/ – A cognitive shift reported by some astronauts during spaceflight, often while viewing the Earth from outer space
- Spin-off technologies (noun phrase) – /spɪn ɒf tekˈnɒlədʒiz/ – Commercial products developed through space research
- Space debris (noun phrase) – /speɪs ˈdebrɪ/ – Defunct human-made objects in space, especially in Earth’s orbit
- Vicarious (adjective) – /vɪˈkeəriəs/ – Experienced in the imagination through the feelings or actions of another person
- Mitigation (noun) – /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/ – The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something
In conclusion, the topic of space tourism and its impact on future space exploration is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. As you prepare for your exam, consider practicing with similar topics such as:
- The ethical implications of space tourism
- The role of private companies in space exploration
- The potential benefits and risks of colonizing other planets
Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and demonstrate critical thinking by considering multiple perspectives. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!