The topic of universal access to clean water is a critical global issue that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and the importance of this subject, it’s highly likely that you’ll encounter a question related to clean water access in your IELTS test. Let’s explore this topic through a carefully selected essay question and provide sample answers for different band scores.
Some people say that governments should invest in projects to explore outer space, while others argue that governments should spend this money on providing clean water to all citizens. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question presents two contrasting viewpoints on government spending priorities: space exploration versus universal access to clean water. It requires you to:
- Discuss arguments for investing in space exploration projects
- Discuss arguments for providing clean water to all citizens
- Present your own opinion on the issue
Remember to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced discussion before stating your personal view.
Sample Essay for Band 8
Space exploration and universal access to clean water are two crucial areas that governments often debate when allocating resources. While both have their merits, I believe that ensuring clean water for all citizens should be the primary focus of government spending.
Proponents of space exploration argue that it drives technological innovation and scientific discovery. These advancements often have far-reaching benefits for society, from improving satellite communication to developing new materials. Moreover, space missions inspire future generations of scientists and engineers, fostering a culture of innovation. Additionally, some argue that space exploration is essential for the long-term survival of humanity, as it may lead to the discovery of habitable planets or resources that could sustain our growing population.
On the other hand, advocates for universal access to clean water emphasize its fundamental importance to human health and development. Clean water is essential for preventing waterborne diseases, which claim millions of lives each year, particularly in developing countries. Furthermore, access to clean water is crucial for economic development, as it improves agricultural productivity, enables better hygiene practices, and allows people to focus on education and work rather than spending hours collecting water. Investing in clean water infrastructure also creates jobs and stimulates local economies.
In my opinion, while space exploration has undeniable benefits, ensuring clean water for all citizens should take precedence. The immediate and tangible impact of clean water on human lives, health, and economic development cannot be overstated. Governments have a primary responsibility to meet the basic needs of their citizens, and clean water is arguably the most fundamental of these needs. Once a country has achieved universal access to clean water, it can then consider allocating more resources to space exploration and other advanced scientific endeavors.
To conclude, while both space exploration and clean water access are important, governments should prioritize the latter. The immediate benefits to public health, economic development, and quality of life make clean water a more pressing concern. Once this basic need is met, nations can then turn their attention to more ambitious projects like space exploration, which can drive long-term scientific and technological progress.
(Word count: 345)
Explanation of Band 8 Score
This essay would likely receive a Band 8 score for the following reasons:
-
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly stating a personal opinion. It provides a well-developed response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
-
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, and ideas are logically sequenced. Cohesive devices are used effectively, but not overused.
-
Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Some examples include:
- “allocating resources”
- “far-reaching benefits”
- “fostering a culture of innovation”
- “waterborne diseases”
- “tangible impact”
-
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. It uses complex structures naturally and appropriately. For example:
- “While both have their merits, I believe that…”
- “Once a country has achieved universal access to clean water, it can then consider…”
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
Governments often face difficult decisions about how to spend their money. Some people think that exploring space is important, while others believe providing clean water to everyone should be the main goal. In my opinion, clean water is more important than space exploration.
People who support space exploration say it helps us learn new things about science and technology. When we send rockets to space, we often invent new materials or machines that can be used on Earth too. Space exploration can also inspire young people to become scientists or engineers. Some people even think we might find new places to live in space one day, which could be important for our future.
On the other hand, clean water is necessary for life and health. Many people in poor countries get sick because they don’t have clean water to drink or wash with. If governments provide clean water, it can help prevent diseases and save lives. Clean water is also important for farming and many businesses. When people have clean water, they can spend more time working or studying instead of walking long distances to find water.
I think clean water is more important than space exploration because it helps people right now. While space exploration might bring benefits in the future, clean water can immediately improve people’s lives and health. Governments should focus on meeting the basic needs of their people before spending money on space projects.
In conclusion, both space exploration and clean water are important, but I believe governments should prioritize clean water. It has a bigger impact on people’s daily lives and health. Maybe after all people have clean water, governments can then think about spending more money on space exploration.
(Word count: 295)
Explanation of Band 6-7 Score
This essay would likely receive a Band 6-7 score for the following reasons:
-
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task and presents a clear position. However, the ideas could be more fully developed and supported.
-
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear overall progression. Paragraphing is logical, but the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical.
-
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. For example:
- “inspire young people”
- “necessary for life and health”
- “prevent diseases”
-
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication. For example:
- “Governments often face difficult decisions about how to spend their money.”
- “While space exploration might bring benefits in the future, clean water can immediately improve people’s lives and health.”
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Universal access (noun phrase) – /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsl ˈækses/ – the ability for all people to use or obtain something
- Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise
- Waterborne diseases (noun phrase) – /ˈwɔːtəbɔːn dɪˈziːzɪz/ – illnesses caused by microscopic organisms in untreated or contaminated water
- Sanitation (noun) – /sænɪˈteɪʃn/ – conditions relating to public health, especially the provision of clean drinking water and adequate sewage disposal
- Sustainable development (noun phrase) – /səˈsteɪnəbl dɪˈveləpmənt/ – economic development that is conducted without depletion of natural resources
- Allocation of resources (noun phrase) – /ˌæləˈkeɪʃn əv rɪˈsɔːsɪz/ – the distribution of resources, especially financial resources, among competing groups or programs
- Public health (noun phrase) – /ˈpʌblɪk helθ/ – the health of the population as a whole, especially as monitored, regulated, and promoted by the state
- Economic development (noun phrase) – /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk dɪˈveləpmənt/ – the process by which a nation improves the economic, political, and social well-being of its people
- Prioritize (verb) – /praɪˈɒrətaɪz/ – to designate or treat something as more important than other things
- Fundamental right (noun phrase) – /ˌfʌndəˈmentl raɪt/ – a basic entitlement believed to belong to every person
Conclusion
Understanding how to approach essays on universal access to clean water is crucial for success in IELTS Writing Task 2. The sample essays provided demonstrate the differences between Band 6-7 and Band 8 responses, highlighting the importance of comprehensive task response, coherent structure, varied vocabulary, and accurate grammar.
As you prepare for your IELTS exam, consider practicing with similar topics related to global issues and resource allocation. Some potential questions you might encounter include:
- Should governments prioritize environmental protection over economic growth?
- Is it more important for governments to invest in healthcare or education?
- To what extent should developed countries assist developing nations in providing basic necessities like clean water and food?
Remember, the key to improving your IELTS Writing score is consistent practice and self-reflection. Try writing your own essay on the topic provided in this article and share it in the comments section below. This active practice will help you internalize the essay structure and improve your ability to express complex ideas in English.