IELTS Writing Task 2: Space Exploration - Band 6.5 Sample with Full Breakdown
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Full Prompt
Prompt: Some people believe that space exploration is a waste of money and that there are more important things to spend money on. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Sample Answers
Band 6.5 Sample Answer
Response:
There is a debate about whether space exploration is a waste of money. I disagree with this view because space exploration has many benefits for humanity. Firstly, it helps us understand our planet better. For example, satellites help in weather prediction and communication. Secondly, space research leads to technological advancements that improve our daily lives. However, some people argue that money should be spent on solving problems on Earth, such as poverty and disease. While these are important issues, investing in space exploration can also lead to solutions for these problems. In conclusion, space exploration is not a waste of money but a necessary investment for the future.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): The response presents a clear position with some development. The arguments are relevant but not fully extended.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): The ideas are logically organized but with some repetition and lack of clear progression.
- Lexical Resource (LR): The vocabulary is adequate but with some errors and limited range.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): The grammar is generally accurate but with some errors that affect clarity.
Band 7.0 Sample Answer
Response:
The question of whether space exploration is a waste of money is a contentious one. I firmly believe that it is not. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, space exploration has led to significant scientific discoveries that have improved our understanding of the universe. For instance, the Hubble Space Telescope has provided invaluable data about the origins of the universe. Secondly, space technology has practical applications that benefit society. For example, GPS technology, which is used in navigation systems, was developed for space exploration. Additionally, space research can lead to medical advancements. However, critics argue that the money spent on space exploration could be better used to address issues like poverty and education. While these are valid concerns, the long-term benefits of space exploration outweigh the costs. In conclusion, space exploration is a worthwhile investment that should continue to be supported.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): The response presents a clear position with well-developed arguments and relevant examples.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): The ideas are logically organized with clear progression and appropriate use of cohesive devices.
- Lexical Resource (LR): The vocabulary is varied and appropriate, with some less common lexical items used effectively.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): The grammar is generally accurate with a mix of simple and complex sentence forms.
Band 8.0 Sample Answer
Response:
The debate surrounding the allocation of resources to space exploration is a complex one. I strongly believe that the benefits of space exploration far outweigh the costs. There are several compelling reasons for this. Firstly, space exploration has led to groundbreaking scientific discoveries that have expanded our knowledge of the universe. For example, the discovery of exoplanets has provided insights into the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Secondly, space technology has practical applications that enhance our daily lives. Satellite technology, for instance, is crucial for communication, weather forecasting, and navigation. Moreover, space research has led to medical advancements, such as the development of new materials and technologies used in healthcare. Critics argue that the money spent on space exploration could be better used to address pressing issues on Earth, such as poverty and disease. While these are important concerns, the long-term benefits of space exploration, including the potential for finding new resources and habitats, make it a worthwhile investment. In conclusion, space exploration is not a waste of money but a necessary endeavor for the future of humanity.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): The response presents a clear position with fully developed arguments and relevant, extended examples.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): The ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices.
- Lexical Resource (LR): The vocabulary is varied and sophisticated, with a wide range of lexical items used appropriately.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): The grammar is generally accurate with a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, and a good control of grammar and punctuation.
Vocabulary Highlights
- Debate: A discussion or argument about a particular topic.
- Example: There is an ongoing debate about the benefits of space exploration.
- Contentious: Causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument.
- Example: The issue of space exploration funding is contentious.
- Groundbreaking: Introducing or involving new ideas; innovative or pioneering.
- Example: The discovery of exoplanets was a groundbreaking achievement.
- Insights: The capacity to gain an accurate and deep understanding of someone or something.
- Example: The Hubble Space Telescope provided valuable insights into the universe.
- Enhance: To increase or improve in value, quality, or extent.
- Example: Satellite technology enhances our communication systems.
- Critical: Involving or causing a crisis; decisive or crucial.
- Example: Satellite technology is critical for weather forecasting.
- Pressing: Requiring immediate action or attention.
- Example: Addressing poverty is a pressing issue.
- Endeavor: An undertaking, especially one that is difficult and requires effort.
- Example: Space exploration is a necessary endeavor for humanity.
- Allocation: The action or process of distributing something.
- Example: The allocation of resources to space exploration is a complex issue.
- Exoplanets: Planets that orbit around other stars, outside our solar system.
- Example: The discovery of exoplanets has expanded our knowledge of the universe.
- Extraterrestrial: Originating, occurring, or existing outside the Earth or its atmosphere.
- Example: The search for extraterrestrial life is a major focus of space exploration.
- Navigation: The process or activity of accurately ascertaining one's position and planning and following a route.
- Example: GPS technology is essential for navigation.
- Forecasting: The action or process of predicting or estimating future events, especially weather conditions.
- Example: Satellite technology is crucial for weather forecasting.
- Habitats: A place or environment where a person or animal naturally or normally lives and grows.
- Example: Finding new habitats is a potential benefit of space exploration.
- Resources: A stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively.
- Example: The allocation of resources to space exploration is a contentious issue.
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Lack of Clear Position: Some students fail to present a clear position on the issue, making their arguments less effective.
- Inadequate Development of Arguments: Students often present arguments without sufficient development or examples, leading to a lower score in Task Response.
- Poor Organization: The response may lack logical organization, making it difficult for the examiner to follow the arguments.
- Limited Vocabulary: Using a limited range of vocabulary can result in a lower score in Lexical Resource.
- Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can affect the clarity and coherence of the response, leading to a lower score in Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
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