Space exploration has been a topic of increasing interest in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. This article will provide you with sample essays at different band levels, focusing on the question “Should governments invest more in space exploration?” We’ll analyze the question, provide sample essays, and offer insights to help you improve your writing skills for the IELTS exam.
Analyzing the Question
Some people think that governments should spend more money on space exploration, while others believe that funds should be used to solve problems on Earth. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question asks you to discuss two opposing viewpoints:
- Governments should invest more in space exploration
- Funds should be used to address problems on Earth
You are required to:
- Discuss both perspectives
- Provide your personal opinion
- Support your arguments with relevant examples and explanations
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Space exploration has been a subject of debate for decades, with some advocating for increased government funding while others argue that resources should be directed towards solving earthly problems. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view on this contentious issue.
Proponents of space exploration argue that it drives technological innovation and scientific discovery, which can have far-reaching benefits for humanity. The development of satellite technology, for instance, has revolutionized global communications and weather forecasting. Moreover, space research has led to advancements in fields such as medicine and materials science, improving our quality of life on Earth. Additionally, supporters contend that space exploration inspires future generations to pursue careers in science and technology, fostering a culture of innovation and progress.
On the other hand, critics argue that the enormous costs associated with space programs could be better spent addressing pressing issues on our planet. With millions of people living in poverty, lacking access to basic healthcare and education, it is difficult to justify billions of dollars being spent on missions to other planets. Furthermore, environmental challenges such as climate change and deforestation require immediate attention and substantial funding to mitigate their impacts. Opponents of increased space funding believe that these earthly concerns should take precedence over extraterrestrial endeavors.
In my opinion, while addressing immediate global challenges is crucial, investing in space exploration remains vital for long-term human progress. I believe a balanced approach is necessary, where governments allocate resources to both earthly problems and space research. By doing so, we can harness the technological and scientific advancements from space exploration to develop innovative solutions for terrestrial issues. For example, satellite technology developed for space missions now plays a crucial role in monitoring deforestation and climate change, demonstrating how space research can directly contribute to solving Earth’s problems.
In conclusion, while the debate between funding space exploration and addressing earthly concerns is complex, I believe that a balanced investment strategy is the most beneficial approach. By continuing to explore space while simultaneously tackling global challenges, we can ensure both immediate progress and long-term advancement for humanity.
(Word count: 339)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and meets the criteria for a Band 8-9 score:
- Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear opinion.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph has a central topic, and ideas are logically connected.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately. Sophisticated words and phrases are employed, such as “contentious issue,” “far-reaching benefits,” and “extraterrestrial endeavors.”
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a variety of complex structures accurately. There are no noticeable errors, and the writing demonstrates full control of complex language.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Nowadays, there is a debate about whether governments should spend more money on space exploration or use these funds to solve problems on Earth. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
On one hand, some people think that investing in space exploration is important. They believe that it can lead to new discoveries and technologies that can benefit humanity. For example, research in space has helped develop better communication systems and weather forecasting. Also, exploring space can inspire young people to study science and technology, which is good for a country’s future.
On the other hand, many people argue that there are more urgent problems on Earth that need attention. They say that governments should focus on issues like poverty, healthcare, and education. These problems affect millions of people every day, and solving them could improve many lives. For instance, the money spent on a space mission could be used to build schools or hospitals in poor areas.
In my opinion, I think both space exploration and solving Earth’s problems are important. However, I believe that we should prioritize fixing issues on our planet first. While space research can bring benefits, it is more crucial to ensure that people have their basic needs met and live in a healthy environment. Once we have made significant progress in addressing global challenges, we can then increase investment in space exploration.
To conclude, although space exploration has its advantages, I believe that governments should focus more on solving problems on Earth before spending large amounts of money on space programs. A balanced approach that prioritizes immediate global issues while still maintaining some investment in space research would be the best way forward.
(Word count: 283)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates good writing skills and meets the criteria for a Band 6-7 score:
- Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing an opinion. However, the ideas could be developed more fully.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear overall progression. Each paragraph has a central topic, though the linking of ideas could be more sophisticated.
- Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used appropriately, with some attempts at more sophisticated words. However, the lexical resource is not as advanced as in the Band 8-9 essay.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are no major errors, but the range of structures is not as wide as in the higher band essay.
Key Vocabulary
-
Space exploration (noun): The discovery and exploration of celestial structures in outer space by means of space technology.
Pronunciation: /speɪs ˌekspləˈreɪʃən/ -
Technological innovation (noun phrase): The process of developing and introducing new methods, ideas, or products in the field of technology.
Pronunciation: /ˌteknəˈlɒdʒɪkəl ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/ -
Extraterrestrial (adjective): Originating, existing, or occurring outside the earth or its atmosphere.
Pronunciation: /ˌekstrətəˈrestriəl/ -
Deforestation (noun): The action of clearing a wide area of trees.
Pronunciation: /diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃən/ -
Mitigate (verb): Make (something bad) less severe, serious, or painful.
Pronunciation: /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ -
Endeavor (noun): An attempt to achieve a goal.
Pronunciation: /ɪnˈdevər/ -
Contentious (adjective): Causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.
Pronunciation: /kənˈtenʃəs/ -
Prioritize (verb): Designate or treat (something) as more important than other things.
Pronunciation: /praɪˈɒrətaɪz/ -
Terrestrial (adjective): Of, on, or relating to the earth.
Pronunciation: /təˈrestriəl/ -
Harness (verb): Control and make use of (natural resources), especially to produce energy.
Pronunciation: /ˈhɑːnəs/
Conclusion
The topic of government investment in space exploration is a complex and thought-provoking subject that is likely to appear in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. By studying these sample essays and understanding the criteria for different band scores, you can improve your writing skills and prepare for similar questions.
To practice, try writing your own essay on this topic or related ones, such as:
- “Some people believe that space exploration is a waste of resources. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
- “The benefits of space exploration do not justify its enormous costs. Do you agree or disagree?”
- “Should developing countries invest in space programs? Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.”
Remember to focus on clear structure, coherent arguments, and a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with fellow IELTS candidates.