International cooperation in science has become an increasingly important topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. This theme explores the critical role of global collaboration in advancing scientific knowledge and solving complex global challenges. Let’s examine a relevant IELTS question and analyze sample essays to help you prepare for this topic.
Analyzing the Topic
The importance of international scientific cooperation has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in various forms over the past few years. Its relevance continues to grow, especially in light of global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and technological advancements. We can expect this topic to remain significant in future IELTS exams.
Let’s focus on a specific question that encapsulates this theme:
Some people believe that scientific research should be carried out and controlled by the governments rather than private companies. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Analyzing the Question
This question requires you to discuss the role of governments versus private companies in scientific research. Key points to consider:
- The main stakeholders: governments and private companies
- The concepts of control and funding in scientific research
- Potential advantages and disadvantages of each approach
- Your personal stance on the issue
Remember to address both aspects – research conducted by governments and by private companies – and clearly state your opinion.
Sample Essays
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Scientific research plays a crucial role in societal progress, and the debate over whether it should be controlled by governments or private entities is a complex one. While both sectors have their strengths, I believe that a balanced approach involving cooperation between governments and private companies is most beneficial for advancing scientific knowledge and addressing global challenges.
Government-led research offers several advantages. Firstly, governments can prioritize projects that serve the public interest rather than being driven solely by profit motives. This approach ensures that critical areas such as public health, environmental protection, and national security receive adequate attention and funding. Additionally, government-funded research often promotes collaboration between institutions and countries, fostering a more open exchange of ideas and resources. For instance, international initiatives like the Human Genome Project have demonstrated the power of government-led scientific cooperation in achieving groundbreaking results.
However, private sector involvement in scientific research is equally important. Private companies often bring efficiency, innovation, and substantial financial resources to the table. They can quickly mobilize funds and expertise to address emerging challenges, as seen in the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines by pharmaceutical companies. Moreover, the competitive nature of the private sector can drive faster advancements and practical applications of scientific discoveries.
The ideal approach, in my opinion, is a collaborative model where governments and private companies work together. Governments can set research priorities, provide baseline funding, and establish regulatory frameworks to ensure ethical practices. Private companies can contribute additional resources, expertise, and a focus on application and commercialization. This synergy can lead to more comprehensive and impactful scientific outcomes.
In conclusion, while government control ensures public interest is served, and private sector involvement brings efficiency and innovation, the most effective approach is a balanced collaboration between the two. This model harnesses the strengths of both sectors, potentially leading to more robust, ethical, and beneficial scientific advancements for society as a whole.
(Word count: 307)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The question of who should control scientific research – governments or private companies – is an important one. Both have their good points and bad points, and I think a mix of both is probably the best way forward.
Governments controlling scientific research has some advantages. They can focus on research that helps everyone, not just what makes money. For example, they might research cures for rare diseases that drug companies might ignore because they’re not profitable. Also, when governments do research, they often share the results with everyone, which helps science move forward faster.
But private companies doing research is also important. They often work faster and can be more creative than government projects. Private companies have lot of money to spend on research and they’re good at turning scientific discoveries into products that people can actually use. A good example is how quickly private companies made COVID-19 vaccines.
However, there are also problems with both approaches. Government research can be slow and might be influenced by politics. Private company research might only focus on things that make money and might keep their discoveries secret to beat their competitors.
I think the best way is for governments and private companies to work together. Governments can decide what’s important to research and make sure it’s done ethically. Private companies can add their money and skills to make the research happen faster and turn it into useful things for people.
In conclusion, I believe that a mix of government control and private company involvement in scientific research is the best approach. This way, we can get the benefits of both while trying to avoid the downsides.
(Word count: 272)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Scientific research is very important for our world. Some people think the government should do it and control it, but others think private companies should do it. I think both have good and bad points.
Government research is good because it helps everyone. They can do research that doesn’t make money but is important for people. Like finding cures for rare diseases. Also, when the government does research, they usually share what they find with everyone. This is good for science.
Private companies doing research is also good. They work fast and have a lot of money. They can make new things quickly. For example, they made COVID-19 vaccines very fast. But sometimes they only do research that makes money.
There are problems too. Government research can be slow. Private companies might keep their discoveries secret to make more money.
I think it’s best if governments and private companies work together. The government can choose what’s important to study and make sure it’s done right. Private companies can use their money and skills to do the research faster.
In conclusion, I believe both government and private companies should do scientific research together. This way, we can get the best results for everyone.
(Word count: 198)
Explaining the Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts of the task with a clear position throughout.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression. Uses a range of cohesive devices effectively.
- Lexical Resource: Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy.
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Information and ideas are generally arranged coherently. Uses some cohesive devices effectively.
- Lexical Resource: Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task. Some errors in word choice but meaning is generally clear.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. Some errors are present but do not impede communication.
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses the task only partially. The format may be inappropriate in places.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression.
- Lexical Resource: Uses a limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally adequate for the task.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses only a limited range of structures. Errors may be frequent but meaning is generally clear.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Collaboration (noun) /kəˈlæbəreɪʃn/: The action of working with someone to produce something.
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Innovation (noun) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/: A new method, idea, product, etc.
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Prioritize (verb) /praɪˈɒrətaɪz/: To decide which of a group of things are the most important so that you can deal with them first.
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Ethical (adjective) /ˈeθɪkl/: Morally correct or acceptable.
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Synergy (noun) /ˈsɪnədʒi/: The interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects.
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Groundbreaking (adjective) /ˈɡraʊndbreɪkɪŋ/: Innovative; pioneering.
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Commercialization (noun) /kəˌmɜːʃəlaɪˈzeɪʃn/: The process of managing or running something principally for financial gain.
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Impactful (adjective) /ɪmˈpæktfl/: Having a major impact or effect.
For more information on interdisciplinary research in science, you can check out this article on the importance of interdisciplinary research.
Conclusion
The topic of international cooperation in science and its importance for progress is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of international collaboration in solving global environmental issues.
- The impact of cross-border scientific projects on diplomatic relations.
- The challenges and benefits of sharing scientific data across nations.
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and always address all parts of the question. Feel free to practice writing an essay on the topic we’ve discussed and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active practice is one of the most effective ways to improve your IELTS writing skills.