Space exploration has been a topic of intense debate in recent years, with many questioning whether governments should allocate substantial resources to this field. This subject frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2, making it crucial for test-takers to be well-prepared. In this article, we’ll analyze a relevant question, provide sample essays for different band scores, and offer insights to help you excel in your IELTS writing task.

Analyzing the Topic

The question of government investment in space exploration is a complex and multifaceted one. It touches on various aspects such as scientific advancement, economic benefits, and global cooperation. This topic has appeared in several past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests due to ongoing developments in space technology and exploration.

Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this subject:

Some people think that governments should spend as much money as possible on developing or buying computer technology. Others disagree and think that this money should be spent on more basic needs. Which one of these opinions do you agree with? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Analyzing the Question

This question presents two contrasting viewpoints:

1. Governments should invest heavily in computer technology.
2. Governments should focus on basic needs instead.

The task requires you to:

• Choose a side (agree with one of the opinions)
• Provide reasons for your choice
• Include relevant examples

Remember, there’s no “correct” answer. The examiners are looking for a well-structured, coherent argument that clearly expresses your viewpoint and supports it with logical reasoning and examples.

IELTS Writing Task 2 essay structure

Sample Essays

Band 8-9 Essay

In the modern era, the rapid advancement of technology has sparked a debate about government spending priorities. While some argue for substantial investment in computer technology, I believe that addressing basic needs should take precedence. This essay will explore the reasons behind this stance and provide relevant examples to support this viewpoint.

Firstly, ensuring that a population’s basic needs are met is fundamental to a nation’s stability and progress. Access to clean water, adequate food, healthcare, and education forms the foundation of a healthy and productive society. Without these essentials, even the most advanced technology would fail to improve the quality of life for the majority. For instance, in many developing countries, the lack of basic infrastructure and services hinders economic growth and social development far more than a lack of cutting-edge technology.

Moreover, investing in basic needs often has a more immediate and widespread impact on a population. Improvements in areas such as sanitation, primary education, and basic healthcare can lead to significant increases in life expectancy, literacy rates, and overall well-being. These outcomes, in turn, create a more capable workforce and a stronger economy. The success of countries like South Korea in rapidly developing their economy was largely due to initial investments in education and healthcare, which laid the groundwork for subsequent technological advancements.

However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t mean completely neglecting technological development. A balanced approach is key. Once basic needs are adequately addressed, governments can then allocate more resources to advanced technology. This sequencing ensures that technological advancements can be effectively utilized by a healthy, educated population.

In conclusion, while computer technology is undoubtedly important in today’s digital age, I believe that governments should prioritize spending on basic needs. This approach not only ensures the well-being of the population but also creates a solid foundation for future technological growth and economic development. A society with its basic needs met is better positioned to innovate and advance in the long term.

(Word count: 309)

Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay

This essay demonstrates several qualities that contribute to a high band score:

1. Clear position: The writer clearly states their opinion in the introduction and maintains this stance throughout the essay.

2. Coherent structure: The essay follows a logical structure with a clear introduction, body paragraphs that each discuss a main point, and a conclusion that summarizes the argument.

3. Well-developed ideas: Each point is thoroughly explained and supported with relevant examples.

4. Sophisticated vocabulary: The essay uses a range of advanced vocabulary accurately (e.g., “precedence”, “fundamental”, “hinders”).

5. Varied sentence structures: The writing includes a mix of simple and complex sentences, which adds to the essay’s sophistication.

6. Cohesive devices: The essay uses a variety of linking words and phrases to connect ideas smoothly (e.g., “Firstly”, “Moreover”, “However”).

7. Addressing the task fully: The essay discusses both aspects mentioned in the question (basic needs and technology) and provides reasons and examples as required.

Band 6-7 Essay

In today’s world, technology plays a big role in our lives. Some people think governments should spend a lot of money on computer technology, but others believe basic needs are more important. In my opinion, governments should focus more on basic needs because they are essential for everyone’s life.

First, basic needs like food, water, and healthcare are necessary for survival. If people don’t have these things, they can’t live well or be productive. For example, in some poor countries, many people don’t have clean water or enough food. This causes health problems and makes it hard for them to work or study. If the government spends money on these basic needs, it can help people live better lives.

Second, investing in basic education is important for a country’s future. When people have good education, they can get better jobs and help their country’s economy grow. For instance, countries like Japan and Singapore invested a lot in education, and now they have strong economies. If a government spends money on schools and teachers instead of expensive computers, more people can get an education and improve their lives.

However, computer technology is also important in today’s world. Governments shouldn’t ignore it completely, but they should balance it with basic needs. Maybe they can spend some money on technology after making sure everyone has food, water, and education.

In conclusion, I believe governments should prioritize spending on basic needs over computer technology. This will help more people and make the country stronger in the long run. Once basic needs are met, then the government can think about investing more in advanced technology.

(Word count: 273)

Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay

This essay demonstrates several qualities that contribute to a band 6-7 score:

1. Clear position: The writer states their opinion clearly in the introduction and maintains it throughout the essay.

2. Basic structure: The essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

3. Relevant ideas: The main points are relevant to the question and supported with basic examples.

4. Adequate vocabulary: The essay uses some topic-specific vocabulary, though not as sophisticated as the band 8-9 essay.

5. Simple and compound sentences: The writing mainly uses simple and compound sentences, with fewer complex structures compared to the higher band essay.

6. Basic cohesive devices: The essay uses some linking words, though less varied than in the higher band essay.

7. Addresses the task: The essay covers the main aspects of the question, providing reasons and examples as required.

Areas for improvement to reach a higher band could include:

• Using more sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures
• Developing ideas more fully with more specific examples
• Using a wider range of cohesive devices

Band 5-6 Essay

Nowadays, technology is very important. Some people say governments should spend lots of money on computer technology. But others think basic needs are more important. I think basic needs are more important because everyone needs them.

First, people need food, water, and houses to live. If they don’t have these things, they can’t survive. For example, in some countries, people don’t have clean water. This makes them sick. If the government gives them clean water, they will be healthier.

Second, education is very important too. When people go to school, they can learn many things. This helps them get good jobs later. For example, my country spends money on schools, and now more people can read and write. This is better than buying expensive computers.

But computers are also important. Maybe the government can buy some computers for schools. This way, students can learn about technology too.

In conclusion, I think governments should spend more money on basic needs like food, water, and education. This is more important than computer technology. When people have these basic things, they can live better lives.

(Word count: 171)

Analysis of Band 5-6 Essay

This essay demonstrates several qualities that contribute to a band 5-6 score:

1. Basic position: The writer states their opinion, though it could be more clearly expressed.

2. Simple structure: The essay has a basic introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

3. Relevant ideas: The main points are relevant to the question, though not fully developed.

4. Simple vocabulary: The essay uses mostly simple, everyday vocabulary.

5. Simple sentences: The writing mainly uses simple sentences with few complex structures.

6. Limited cohesive devices: The essay uses some basic linking words (e.g., “First”, “Second”, “But”).

7. Addresses the task: The essay covers the main aspects of the question, though in a limited way.

Areas for improvement to reach a higher band could include:

• Developing ideas more fully with more specific examples
• Using a wider range of vocabulary, including more topic-specific terms
• Incorporating more complex sentence structures
• Using a wider range of cohesive devices
• Increasing the word count to allow for more detailed discussion

Key Vocabulary

Here are some key vocabulary items from the essays, along with their definitions and pronunciations:

1. Precedence (noun) /ˈpresɪdəns/: The condition of being considered more important than someone or something else.

2. Fundamental (adjective) /ˌfʌndəˈmentl/: Forming a necessary base or core; of central importance.

3. Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/: The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.

4. Sanitation (noun) /ˌsænɪˈteɪʃn/: Conditions relating to public health, especially the provision of clean drinking water and adequate sewage disposal.

5. Literacy (noun) /ˈlɪtərəsi/: The ability to read and write.

6. Sequencing (noun) /ˈsiːkwənsɪŋ/: The action of arranging things in a particular order.

7. Prioritize (verb) /praɪˈɒrətaɪz/: Designate or treat (something) as more important than other things.

8. Productive (adjective) /prəˈdʌktɪv/: Producing or able to produce large amounts of goods, crops, or other commodities.

9. Innovative (adjective) /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv/: Featuring new methods; advanced and original.

10. Essential (adjective) /ɪˈsenʃl/: Absolutely necessary; extremely important.

Conclusion

The topic of government spending on technology versus basic needs is a complex one that requires careful consideration. As we’ve seen in these sample essays, there are valid arguments on both sides. However, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is not just about having the “right” opinion, but about expressing your ideas clearly, logically, and with relevant examples.

As you prepare for your IELTS exam, consider practicing with similar topics. For instance, you might encounter questions about government spending on space exploration, military technology, or environmental protection versus social welfare programs. The skills you’ve learned from analyzing these sample essays can be applied to a wide range of similar topics.

Remember, the best way to improve your writing skills is through practice. Try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice will help you internalize the structure and vocabulary needed for a high-scoring IELTS essay.

Good luck with your IELTS preparation!