Space exploration has been a fascinating topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 for years. It’s a subject that combines science, economics, and global cooperation, making it an excellent choice for testing candidates’ ability to articulate complex ideas. In this article, we’ll analyze a common question about government investment in space exploration and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Analyzing the Topic: Government Investment in Space Exploration
The question of whether governments should invest more in space exploration has appeared in various forms in IELTS Writing Task 2. It’s a topic that allows candidates to showcase their knowledge of current affairs, scientific progress, and economic priorities. Based on past trends, we can expect this theme to continue appearing in future IELTS exams.
Let’s focus on a specific question that encapsulates this topic:
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:
- Governments should prioritize spending on computer technology.
- Governments should focus on basic needs.
The task requires you to:
- Choose one side of the argument
- Provide reasons for your choice
- Include relevant examples
While the question doesn’t explicitly mention space exploration, it falls under the broader category of technological investment, which includes space exploration. We’ll approach our sample essays from this angle.
Sample Essays for Different Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Sample
In the modern era, where technological advancements are reshaping our world at an unprecedented pace, I firmly believe that governments should allocate substantial resources to developing and acquiring cutting-edge computer technology, including space exploration endeavors. While addressing basic needs is undoubtedly crucial, investing in high-tech sectors can yield far-reaching benefits that ultimately contribute to meeting those fundamental requirements more effectively.
Firstly, investment in advanced technology, particularly in space exploration, often leads to innovations that trickle down to everyday life, improving basic needs indirectly. For instance, NASA’s space research has resulted in numerous spinoff technologies that benefit society, such as water purification systems, advanced food preservation techniques, and medical imaging devices. These innovations have significantly enhanced our ability to address basic needs like access to clean water, food security, and healthcare.
Moreover, technological advancements drive economic growth and job creation, which in turn generates resources to tackle basic needs more comprehensively. The space industry, for example, has created a multitude of high-skilled jobs and stimulated various sectors of the economy. SpaceX, a private space company, has not only revolutionized space travel but also created thousands of jobs and contributed billions to the US economy. This economic boost enables governments to allocate more resources to basic needs in the long run.
Furthermore, investing in computer technology and space exploration fosters scientific knowledge and inspires future generations. The Apollo moon landings, for instance, sparked a surge in interest in science and technology education, leading to a generation of innovators who have contributed to solving many of our basic needs challenges. By prioritizing such investments, governments can cultivate a knowledge-based society better equipped to address fundamental issues creatively and efficiently.
However, it’s important to note that this approach should not come at the complete expense of addressing immediate basic needs. A balanced approach is necessary, where governments allocate sufficient funds to both technological advancement and basic requirements. The key lies in recognizing that these are not mutually exclusive goals, but rather complementary ones that can reinforce each other.
In conclusion, while meeting basic needs is essential, I argue that governments should prioritize substantial investment in computer technology and related fields like space exploration. This strategy not only drives innovation and economic growth but also enhances our capacity to address basic needs more effectively in the long term. By fostering a technologically advanced society, we pave the way for sustainable solutions to our most pressing challenges.
(Word count: 398)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates characteristics of a high band score:
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Task Response: The essay clearly addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed argument in favor of investing in technology while acknowledging the importance of basic needs.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph focuses on a main idea, and linking words are used effectively (e.g., “Firstly”, “Moreover”, “Furthermore”).
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “unprecedented pace”, “trickle down”, “spinoff technologies”, “multitude”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and appropriately (e.g., complex sentences, passive voice, conditional statements).
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Development and Support: Each main point is well-supported with relevant examples and explanations, showing a deep understanding of the topic.
Band 6-7 Essay Sample
In today’s world, technology plays a crucial role in our daily lives. While some argue that governments should spend as much as possible on computer technology, I believe that a balance between technological investment and meeting basic needs is necessary.
Investing in computer technology, including space exploration, can bring many benefits to a country. For example, it can lead to new inventions that improve people’s lives. NASA’s space research has created many useful products like memory foam and cordless tools. Also, technology companies create jobs and help the economy grow. This can give the government more money to spend on other things.
However, basic needs should not be ignored. Many people still lack access to clean water, food, and healthcare. If a government spends too much on technology, it might not have enough money to help these people. For instance, in some developing countries, people suffer from hunger while the government invests in expensive technology projects.
I think the best approach is to find a balance. Governments should invest in technology, but not at the expense of basic needs. They can set a budget that includes both areas. For example, they could spend a certain percentage on technology and ensure that basic needs are still met.
Moreover, governments can look for ways to use technology to solve basic problems. For instance, they can use computers to improve education or develop better farming methods. This way, investing in technology can directly help with basic needs.
In conclusion, while computer technology is important, governments should not neglect basic needs. A balanced approach that considers both technology and fundamental requirements is the best way to benefit all citizens.
(Word count: 282)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates characteristics of a mid-range band score:
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Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task, presenting an argument for a balanced approach. However, the ideas could be more fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, with clear paragraphing. Some use of cohesive devices is evident, but it could be more sophisticated.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, with some attempts at using less common words. However, the range could be wider.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control. There are no major grammatical errors, but the range could be broader.
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Development and Support: The main points are supported with examples, but these could be more detailed and specific.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Technological advancement (noun) – /ˌtek.nəˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl ədˈvɑːns.mənt/ – Progress in technology
- Innovation (noun) – /ˌɪn.əˈveɪ.ʃən/ – A new idea or method
- Spinoff technology (noun) – /ˈspɪn.ɒf tekˈnɒl.ə.dʒi/ – Technology developed for one purpose that has other applications
- Economic growth (noun phrase) – /ˌiː.kəˈnɒm.ɪk ɡrəʊθ/ – Increase in the amount of goods and services produced per head of the population over a period of time
- Knowledge-based society (noun phrase) – /ˈnɒl.ɪdʒ beɪst səˈsaɪ.ə.ti/ – A society based on creating, sharing, and using knowledge
- Sustainable solutions (noun phrase) – /səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl səˈluː.ʃəns/ – Solutions that can be maintained without depleting resources
- Prioritize (verb) – /praɪˈɒr.ə.taɪz/ – To decide which of a group of things are the most important so that you can deal with them first
- Trickle down (phrasal verb) – /ˈtrɪk.əl daʊn/ – To pass gradually from one level to another, especially from rich to poor
- Multitude (noun) – /ˈmʌl.tɪ.tjuːd/ – A very large number of things or people
- Complementary (adjective) – /ˌkɒm.plɪˈmen.tər.i/ – Combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize the qualities of each other or another
IELTS Writing Task 2 Space Exploration
Conclusion
The topic of government investment in space exploration and technology is a complex one that requires careful consideration of various factors. By practicing with sample essays like these and expanding your vocabulary, you can improve your ability to tackle such questions in IELTS Writing Task 2.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of international cooperation in space exploration
- The ethical implications of space exploration
- The balance between space exploration and environmental protection
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is to present a clear, well-structured argument supported by relevant examples. Practice writing your own essays on this topic and share them in the comments below for feedback and discussion. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!