Space exploration has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams, often focusing on its importance for scientific progress. This topic’s frequency in past tests suggests it may continue to appear in future exams. Let’s dive into a sample question and explore how to craft compelling essays at different band levels.
Space exploration advancing scientific knowledge
Analyzing the Question
Some people think that space exploration is a waste of resources while others believe that it is essential for the survival of humankind. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question asks us to consider two contrasting viewpoints on space exploration:
- It’s a waste of resources
- It’s essential for human survival
We need to discuss both perspectives and then provide our own opinion. This type of question requires a balanced approach, presenting arguments for both sides before concluding with a personal stance.
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
Space exploration has been a topic of debate for decades, with some viewing it as an unnecessary expenditure and others considering it crucial for humanity’s future. While both perspectives have merit, I believe that the benefits of space exploration far outweigh its costs.
Those who argue against space exploration often point to the immense financial resources required. They contend that these funds could be better allocated to solving pressing issues on Earth, such as poverty, disease, and climate change. This argument is not without merit, as space missions indeed require substantial investments that could potentially address immediate societal needs.
However, proponents of space exploration argue that it is essential for the long-term survival and advancement of humankind. They emphasize that space research has led to numerous technological breakthroughs that benefit everyday life, from satellite communications to medical imaging technologies. Moreover, the knowledge gained from studying other planets and celestial bodies contributes to our understanding of Earth’s climate and geology, potentially aiding in addressing environmental challenges.
Furthermore, space exploration opens up possibilities for resource acquisition and potential colonization of other planets, which could be crucial as Earth’s resources become increasingly strained. The development of sustainable living systems for space missions also drives innovation in renewable energy and efficient resource management, which can be applied to solve problems on Earth.
In my opinion, while the concerns about the cost of space exploration are valid, the potential long-term benefits for scientific advancement and human survival are too significant to ignore. The knowledge and technologies derived from space missions have far-reaching applications that can address many of the very issues critics are concerned about. Additionally, the inspiration and unity that space exploration fosters among nations and individuals should not be underestimated.
In conclusion, while space exploration requires substantial resources, its contributions to scientific progress and its potential to ensure the long-term survival of our species make it a worthwhile endeavor. As we face global challenges, the innovations and knowledge gained from space exploration may prove to be our best hope for a sustainable future.
(Word count: 321)
Band 6-7 Essay
Space exploration is a topic that many people have different opinions about. Some think it’s a waste of money, while others believe it’s very important for humans. In this essay, I will discuss both sides and give my own thoughts.
People who think space exploration is a waste of resources have some good points. They say that the money used for space missions could be used to solve problems on Earth, like hunger, poverty, and diseases. These are real problems that affect many people, and it’s understandable to want to focus on them first.
On the other hand, those who support space exploration believe it’s essential for our future. They argue that studying space helps us learn more about our planet and can lead to new technologies that make our lives better. For example, many inventions we use every day, like GPS and weather forecasting, came from space research.
Space exploration can also help us find new resources and maybe even new places to live in the future. This could be important as Earth’s population grows and resources become limited. Additionally, learning about other planets can help us understand and protect our own planet better.
In my opinion, I think space exploration is very important and worth the investment. While it’s true that there are many problems on Earth that need attention, the knowledge and technology we gain from space research can actually help solve these problems. For example, satellites help us monitor climate change and natural disasters, which can save lives.
To conclude, even though space exploration is expensive, I believe its benefits for science and humanity’s future make it necessary. We should continue to explore space while also working on Earth’s problems, as the two are not mutually exclusive and can often benefit each other.
(Word count: 298)
Band 5-6 Essay
Space exploration is a big topic that people argue about. Some think it’s a waste of money, but others say it’s very important. I will talk about both sides and give my opinion.
People who don’t like space exploration say it costs too much money. They think we should use this money to fix problems on Earth like poverty and hunger. These are big problems that need a lot of help, so they think space exploration is not important.
But other people say space exploration is very important for humans. They say it helps us learn new things and make new technology that can help us on Earth. For example, we use satellites for phones and TV, and these came from space research.
Space exploration can also help us find new places to live in the future. This might be important if Earth gets too crowded or if we use up all our resources. Learning about other planets can also help us understand Earth better and take care of it.
I think space exploration is good and we should keep doing it. Even though it costs a lot of money, it can help us in many ways. The things we learn from space can help us solve problems on Earth, like finding new energy sources or understanding climate change.
In conclusion, I believe space exploration is important for our future. We should keep exploring space, but we should also try to solve problems on Earth at the same time. Both are important for making our lives better.
(Word count: 246)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Explanation
This essay demonstrates the qualities of a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items are used with awareness of style and collocation.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used flexibly and accurately. Complex sentences are frequent and error-free.
Band 6-7 Essay Explanation
This essay shows characteristics of a mid-range IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others.
Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some lapses may occur in cohesion. Paragraphing is generally logical.
Lexical Resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used for the task. There may be some inaccuracies in word choice or spelling, but these do not impede communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used. There are some errors, but these do not impede communication.
Band 5-6 Essay Explanation
This essay exhibits features of a lower mid-range IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
Task Achievement: The essay addresses the task, but the format may be inappropriate in places. Main ideas are present but limited and not well-developed.
Coherence and Cohesion: The overall structure is evident, but not always logical. Paragraphs are present but may not always be coherent.
Lexical Resource: A limited range of vocabulary is used, adequate for basic communication. There may be noticeable errors in word choice and spelling.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A limited range of structures is used. Complex sentences are attempted but may have accuracy issues. Errors are frequent but do not greatly impede communication.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Space exploration (noun) – /speɪs ˌekspləˈreɪʃən/ – The investigation of physical conditions in space and on stars, planets, and other celestial bodies through the use of artificial satellites, space probes, and human spaceflight.
Resource allocation (noun) – /rɪˈsɔːrs ˌæləˈkeɪʃən/ – The assignment of available resources to various uses.
Technological breakthrough (noun) – /ˌteknəˈlɒdʒɪkəl ˈbreɪkθruː/ – A significant development or discovery in technology.
Celestial bodies (noun) – /sɪˈlestiəl ˈbɒdiz/ – Natural objects visible in the sky, such as stars, planets, and moons.
Colonization (noun) – /ˌkɒlənaiˈzeɪʃən/ – The action or process of settling among and establishing control over the indigenous people of an area.
Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbəl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
Innovation (noun) – /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/ – The action or process of innovating; a new method, idea, product, etc.
Long-term survival (noun) – /lɒŋ tɜːm səˈvaɪvəl/ – The ability to continue to exist or live for an extended period.
Climate change (noun) – /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/ – Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns.
Renewable energy (noun) – /rɪˈnjuːəbəl ˈenədʒi/ – Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.
Conclusion
Mastering essays on the vital role of space exploration in scientific advancement is crucial for IELTS Writing Task 2 success. The sample essays provided demonstrate how to approach this topic at different band levels, highlighting the importance of coherent arguments, varied vocabulary, and grammatical accuracy.
To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic:
Some argue that investing in space exploration is crucial for scientific advancement, while others believe these resources should be used to address immediate global challenges. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Practice writing your response and consider sharing it in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you refine your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.
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