IELTS Writing Task 2: Space vs Ocean Exploration – Sample Essays and Analysis for Bands 6-9

Space exploration and ocean exploration are two fascinating fields of scientific research that have captured the imagination of humanity for decades. In recent IELTS exams, questions comparing these two areas have appeared with increasing frequency, making it a highly relevant topic for test-takers to prepare for. Based on past exam trends and current global interests, we can expect to see more questions on this subject in future IELTS Writing Task 2 prompts.

Let’s examine a typical question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:

Some people think that scientists should focus more on space exploration, while others believe that ocean exploration is more important. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Analyzing the Question

This question requires you to:

1. Discuss arguments for prioritizing space exploration
2. Discuss arguments for prioritizing ocean exploration
3. Present your own opinion on which area should receive more focus

It’s crucial to address all three points to fully answer the question. Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.

Sample Essay for Band 8-9

Space and ocean exploration represent two frontiers of human knowledge, each offering unique potential benefits and challenges. While both fields merit scientific attention, I believe that ocean exploration should be given greater priority due to its more immediate relevance to our planet’s health and sustainability.

Proponents of space exploration argue that it holds the key to humanity’s long-term survival. They contend that studying other planets and celestial bodies could lead to revolutionary discoveries in physics, astronomy, and even potential habitable worlds for future colonization. Moreover, technologies developed for space missions often have practical applications on Earth, from satellite communications to advanced materials. Space exploration also inspires human imagination and drives technological innovation, potentially yielding unforeseen benefits for society.

On the other hand, advocates for ocean exploration emphasize the vast unexplored potential of our own planet’s seas. The oceans cover over 70% of Earth’s surface, yet we have explored less than 5% of their depths. Ocean research could unlock crucial insights into climate regulation, biodiversity, and untapped resources. Understanding marine ecosystems is vital for addressing pressing issues such as climate change, overfishing, and pollution. Additionally, the oceans hold promise for new medicines, sustainable energy sources, and food security solutions.

In my opinion, while space exploration certainly has merit, ocean exploration should take precedence in the near term. The immediate challenges facing our planet, particularly in terms of environmental sustainability and resource management, make ocean research more urgently relevant. The health of our oceans is inextricably linked to the health of our entire planet, affecting everything from weather patterns to food chains. By focusing on ocean exploration, we can gain critical knowledge to address immediate global concerns while still reaping many of the technological and inspirational benefits associated with scientific discovery.

In conclusion, both space and ocean exploration offer valuable opportunities for scientific advancement. However, given the pressing environmental challenges we face, I believe that prioritizing ocean exploration is the more prudent course of action for the immediate future. This focus can yield vital insights for Earth’s sustainability while still pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and innovation.

(Word count: 340)

Space vs Ocean Exploration Comparison Chart

Explanation of Band 8-9 Score

This essay would likely receive a Band 8-9 score for the following reasons:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly stating a personal opinion. It provides a well-developed response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is logically organized with clear progression throughout. It uses a range of cohesive devices effectively, and each paragraph has a clear central topic.

3. Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Key terms like “sustainability,” “biodiversity,” and “ecosystem” are used appropriately and accurately.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used flexibly and accurately. It contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with very few errors.

5. Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant supporting details and examples. The essay shows a nuanced understanding of the topic and presents a balanced argument before arriving at a conclusion.

Sample Essay for Band 6-7

Many people have different opinions about whether scientists should focus more on exploring space or the oceans. Both areas are important for scientific research, but they have different benefits and challenges.

Those who support space exploration say it is crucial for the future of humanity. They believe that studying space can help us find new planets to live on and discover important things about the universe. Space research has already given us useful technologies like satellite communication and GPS. It also inspires people to think creatively and pursue careers in science and technology.

On the other hand, supporters of ocean exploration argue that we need to learn more about our own planet first. The oceans cover most of the Earth, but we have only explored a small part of them. Studying the oceans can help us understand climate change, find new species, and discover important resources. Ocean research is also important for protecting marine life and managing fish populations, which many people depend on for food.

In my opinion, I think ocean exploration should be given more attention right now. While space exploration is exciting, the problems facing our oceans are more urgent. Climate change is affecting sea levels and marine life, and pollution is damaging coral reefs and other important ecosystems. By focusing on ocean research, we can find solutions to these problems and protect our planet’s health.

To conclude, both space and ocean exploration have their own importance, but I believe that studying the oceans should be the priority. This can help us address immediate environmental issues while still advancing our scientific knowledge.

(Word count: 276)

Explanation of Band 6-7 Score

This essay would likely receive a Band 6-7 score for the following reasons:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting both views and offering a personal opinion. However, the ideas are less fully developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear overall progression. It uses some cohesive devices, though not always with complete flexibility.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, with some attempts at more sophisticated words. However, it lacks the range and precision of higher band scores.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, with generally good control. There are fewer complex structures compared to the Band 8-9 essay.

5. Development of Ideas: Main ideas are present and supported, but the level of detail and elaboration is less than in higher band essays.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Exploration (noun) – /ˌekspləˈreɪʃən/ – the action of traveling in or through an unfamiliar area in order to learn about it
2. Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level
3. Biodiversity (noun) – /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat
4. Ecosystem (noun) – /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment
5. Innovation (noun) – /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/ – the action or process of innovating; a new method, idea, product, etc.
6. Colonization (noun) – /ˌkɒlənaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – the action or process of settling among and establishing control over the indigenous people of an area
7. Climate regulation (noun phrase) – /ˈklaɪmət ˌreɡjʊˈleɪʃən/ – the processes that control the Earth’s climate
8. Resource management (noun phrase) – /rɪˈsɔːs ˈmænɪdʒmənt/ – the process of using a company’s resources in the most efficient way possible

Scientist Exploring Deep Ocean

In conclusion, the topic of space versus ocean exploration is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, consider practicing with similar prompts, such as:

1. Some argue that funding should be directed towards solving Earth’s problems rather than space exploration. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
2. Discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of deep-sea mining for resources.
3. Compare the importance of space technology and ocean technology in addressing climate change.

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and fully address all parts of the question. Practice writing your own essays on this topic and feel free to share them in the comments for feedback and discussion. This active practice is one of the most effective ways to improve your IELTS Writing skills.