Space exploration has become an increasingly popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. Based on recent trends and analysis of past exams, questions related to government investment in space exploration are likely to appear with moderate frequency in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people think that governments should spend as much money as possible on developing or buying computer technology. Other people 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.
While this question doesn’t directly mention space exploration, it touches on the broader topic of government spending on technology versus basic needs, which is highly relevant to the debate on space exploration funding.
Analyzing the Question
This question asks you to choose between two opposing views:
- Governments should prioritize spending on computer technology.
- Governments should focus on spending on basic needs.
You need to:
- Clearly state your position
- Provide reasons to support your view
- Include relevant examples
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, focusing on how they might address this topic in relation to space exploration.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Space exploration, as a pinnacle of technological advancement, serves as an excellent example for this essay topic. Here’s a high-scoring sample:
Technology has become an integral part of modern society, and governments worldwide face the dilemma of balancing investments in cutting-edge developments with addressing fundamental societal needs. While both aspects are crucial for a nation’s progress, I believe that prioritizing basic needs should take precedence over extensive spending on computer technology or similar advanced fields like space exploration.
Firstly, ensuring that a population’s basic needs are met forms the foundation of a stable and productive society. Access to clean water, nutritious food, quality healthcare, and education are fundamental human rights that directly impact citizens’ quality of life and a country’s overall development. When these needs are adequately addressed, it creates a solid platform for future technological advancements. For instance, countries like South Korea and Singapore initially focused on improving living standards and education before becoming technological powerhouses.
Secondly, overemphasis on technological investments, particularly in areas like space exploration, can lead to a misallocation of resources. While space programs undoubtedly yield scientific benefits, the immediate tangible impact on the average citizen’s life is often limited. For example, NASA’s annual budget of approximately $22.6 billion could potentially be used to significantly improve healthcare or education systems, directly benefiting millions of Americans.
However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t mean completely neglecting technological advancements. A balanced approach is key. Governments should allocate a reasonable portion of their budget to research and development, including computer technology and space exploration, but not at the expense of meeting basic societal needs. The European Space Agency, for instance, operates on a much smaller budget compared to NASA, yet still achieves significant scientific milestones while European countries maintain strong social welfare systems.
In conclusion, while technological progress is undoubtedly important for a nation’s development and competitiveness, governments should prioritize spending on basic needs. This approach ensures a strong societal foundation, which in turn supports sustainable technological advancement in the long run. A balanced strategy that addresses fundamental requirements while still investing in future technologies is likely to yield the best outcomes for a country’s overall progress.
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that justify a high band score:
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Task Response: The essay clearly addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed argument with a clear position.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout the essay. Each paragraph has a clear central topic.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Examples include “dilemma,” “cutting-edge,” “precedence,” and “misallocation of resources.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: It uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. Complex sentences are used effectively.
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Relevance to Space Exploration: While addressing the broader question, the essay effectively incorporates the topic of space exploration as a relevant example of advanced technology investment.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Here’s a sample essay that would likely score in the Band 6-7 range:
In today’s world, technology is very important, but so are people’s basic needs. Some think governments should spend a lot on computer technology, while others believe money should go to basic needs. I think basic needs are more important, but some money should also go to technology.
First, basic needs are very important for everyone. If people don’t have enough food, clean water, or good healthcare, they can’t live well. For example, in many poor countries, people are hungry and sick because the government doesn’t spend enough on these things. If the government helps with these needs, people can be healthier and happier.
Second, while technology like computers and space exploration is exciting, it doesn’t always help everyone right away. Space programs cost a lot of money, but many people on Earth still need help with everyday problems. For instance, the money spent on sending a rocket to Mars could build many schools or hospitals.
However, technology is still important. Computers help us work better and learn more. Space exploration can teach us new things about our planet. So, governments should spend some money on these things, but not as much as on basic needs.
In conclusion, I believe governments should focus more on basic needs like food, water, and healthcare. But they shouldn’t forget about technology completely. A good balance is important. By taking care of people’s basic needs first, countries can build a strong foundation for future progress in technology.
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates qualities that align with a Band 6-7 score:
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Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task and presents a clear position, though the ideas could be more fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but the cohesive devices are sometimes overused or inadequate.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary, but with some inaccuracy.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: It uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. There are some errors, but they don’t impede communication.
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Relevance to Space Exploration: The essay mentions space exploration as an example of high-cost technology investment, though it could be more deeply integrated into the argument.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Space exploration (noun) /speɪs ˌekspləˈreɪʃən/ – the investigation of physical conditions in space and on stars, planets, and their moons through the use of artificial satellites, space probes, and spacecraft with human crews.
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Technological advancement (noun phrase) /ˌteknəˈlɒdʒɪkəl ədˈvɑːnsmənt/ – progress in technology or science that leads to new developments and improvements.
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Resource allocation (noun phrase) /rɪˈsɔːs ˌæləˈkeɪʃən/ – the assignment of available resources to various uses.
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Basic needs (noun phrase) /ˈbeɪsɪk niːdz/ – the absolute minimum resources necessary for long-term physical well-being, usually in reference to consumption goods.
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Prioritize (verb) /praɪˈɒrətaɪz/ – to designate or treat something as more important than other things.
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Misallocation (noun) /ˌmɪsæləˈkeɪʃən/ – the incorrect or inefficient distribution or assignment of resources.
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Tangible impact (noun phrase) /ˈtændʒəbl ˈɪmpækt/ – a noticeable or real effect that can be clearly seen or felt.
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Sustainable development (noun phrase) /səˈsteɪnəbl dɪˈveləpmənt/ – development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Conclusion
The topic of government investment in space exploration provides an excellent opportunity to discuss broader issues of resource allocation and societal priorities in IELTS Writing Task 2. When approaching such questions, it’s crucial to:
- Clearly state your position
- Provide well-reasoned arguments
- Use relevant examples
- Maintain a balanced view, acknowledging counterarguments
- Use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your target band score
For practice, try writing your own essay on this topic: “Some people believe that space exploration is a waste of resources while others think it is essential for our future. Discuss both views and give your opinion.” Share your essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your IELTS Writing skills and prepare for potential space exploration topics in future exams.