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IELTS Writing Task 2:
Space Exploration Band 9.0 Sample with Full Breakdown

Get the definitive IELTS Writing Task 2 space exploration Band 9.0 sample answer with scoring breakdown, vocabulary, and expert analysis.

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Get the definitive IELTS Writing Task 2 space exploration Band 9.0 sample answer with scoring breakdown, vocabulary, and expert analysis.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Space Exploration Band 9.0 Sample with Full Breakdown

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Prompt

Some people believe that space exploration is a waste of resources, while others see it as essential for humanity's future. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Band 9.0 Sample Answer

The significance of space exploration has been a contentious issue, with proponents arguing it is vital for progress and critics claiming it diverts resources from pressing terrestrial needs.

From a pragmatic perspective, space exploration offers substantial benefits. Firstly, it drives technological innovation, with advancements in materials science, medicine, and computing often originating from space programs. For instance, memory foam and scratch-resistant lenses were developed for NASA missions. Secondly, space exploration contributes to our understanding of Earth. Satellite data helps monitor climate change, predict weather patterns, and manage natural resources. Finally, the quest for extraterrestrial life could answer fundamental questions about our existence, with projects like SETI and Mars rovers representing humanity's collective curiosity.

However, critics argue that space exploration squanders finite resources. The annual budget of NASA alone exceeds $20 billion, which could be redirected to address poverty, healthcare, or education. The risk to astronauts is another concern, with missions to Mars exposing crews to deadly radiation. Additionally, space debris poses increasing threats to satellites and spacecraft, potentially creating an orbital catastrophe known as Kessler syndrome.

In my view, the benefits of space exploration outweigh the drawbacks. While costs are substantial, they represent a small fraction of global GDP. The scientific and technological returns justify this investment. Moreover, international cooperation in space - exemplified by the ISS - demonstrates how exploration can transcend political boundaries and foster global unity. To maximize benefits, we should focus on sustainable practices, such as developing reusable spacecraft and mitigating space debris.

Scoring Breakdown

| Criteria | Band 9.0 Features | |-------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Task Response | Presents a clear position throughout with extended and supported arguments; considers both views comprehensively; presents a logical conclusion with relevant examples. | | Coherence | Uses cohesive devices effectively; paragraphing is logical; clear progression between ideas. | | Lexical Resource | Uses a wide range of vocabulary with great flexibility and precision; sophisticated collocations; rare errors. | | Grammar | Uses complex sentence forms with full flexibility and accuracy; varied sentence structures; minor errors do not impede communication. |

Vocabulary Highlights

  1. Contentious (adjective): causing or likely to cause disagreement
  • Collocation: contentious issue, contentious debate
  1. Prudent (adjective): acting with or showing care and thought for the future
  • Collocation: prudent investment, prudent decision
  1. Extraterrestrial (adjective): originating, living, or occurring outside the Earth's atmosphere
  • Collocation: extraterrestrial life, extraterrestrial intelligence
  1. Kessler syndrome (noun): a scenario in which the density of objects in low Earth orbit is high enough that collisions between objects could cause a cascade of further collisions
  • Collocation: Kessler syndrome risk, Kessler syndrome prevention
  1. Transcend (verb): to rise above or go beyond something
  • Collocation: transcend boundaries, transcend limitations
  1. Mitigate (verb): to make less severe, serious, or painful
  • Collocation: mitigate risk, mitigate effects
  1. Orbital (adjective): relating to or involving an orbit
  • Collocation: orbital debris, orbital mechanics
  1. Collective (adjective): done by people acting as a group
  • Collocation: collective curiosity, collective effort
  1. Reusable (adjective): able to be used again
  • Collocation: reusable spacecraft, reusable rockets
  1. Sustainable (adjective): able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources
  • Collocation: sustainable practices, sustainable development
  1. Diverts (verb): to turn something aside from its course
  • Collocation: divert resources, divert attention
  1. Substantial (adjective): of considerable importance, size, or worth
  • Collocation: substantial benefits, substantial costs
  1. Exemplified (verb): to be a typical example of something
  • Collocation: exemplified by, exemplified in
  1. Finite (adjective): limited in size or extent
  • Collocation: finite resources, finite time
  1. Collective (adjective): done by people acting as a group
  • Collocation: collective curiosity, collective effort
  1. Transcend (verb): to rise above or go beyond something
  • Collocation: transcend boundaries, transcend limitations
  1. Mitigate (verb): to make less severe, serious, or painful
  • Collocation: mitigate risk, mitigate effects
  1. Orbital (adjective): relating to or involving an orbit
  • Collocation: orbital debris, orbital mechanics
  1. Reusable (adjective): able to be used again
  • Collocation: reusable spacecraft, reusable rockets
  1. Sustainable (adjective): able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources
  • Collocation: sustainable practices, sustainable development

Common Mistakes Students Make

  1. Overgeneralizing: Making broad statements without sufficient evidence or examples
  1. Ignoring the task: Failing to address both views or present a clear opinion
  1. Repetition: Using the same vocabulary or phrases excessively
  1. Poor paragraph structure: Mixing ideas between paragraphs without clear organization
  1. Grammar errors: Using complex structures incorrectly, leading to unclear meaning

Band 8.0 Sample Answer

Space exploration has been debated for decades, with some arguing it is essential for humanity's advancement, while others believe it is an unnecessary expense.

On one hand, space exploration provides significant advantages. Technological advancements often result from space research. For example, improvements in satellite technology have enhanced global communication and navigation systems. Additionally, studying space helps us understand our planet better. Scientists use satellite data to monitor environmental changes and predict natural disasters. Furthermore, the search for life beyond Earth could lead to groundbreaking discoveries.

On the other hand, critics argue that the costs of space exploration are too high. The money spent on space programs could be used to address pressing issues on Earth, such as poverty and healthcare. Moreover, space missions pose risks to astronauts, and the environmental impact of rocket launches is a growing concern. The accumulation of space debris also threatens existing satellites and future missions.

I believe that space exploration is beneficial, but it should be managed carefully. While the costs are high, the scientific and technological returns justify the investment. International cooperation, such as the International Space Station, demonstrates the potential for unity and shared progress. However, efforts should be made to reduce costs and minimize environmental impact through reusable technology and better waste management.

Band 7.0 Sample Answer

People have different opinions about space exploration. Some think it is important, while others say it is a waste of money.

Those who support space exploration say it helps technology. Many things we use today, like memory foam and better cameras, came from space research. Also, satellites help us with weather forecasts and studying the environment. Finding life on other planets could be very interesting and important.

However, others believe space exploration costs too much. The money could be used for problems on Earth, like hunger and education. Space travel is dangerous, and accidents can happen. Also, rockets pollute the air, and space junk is becoming a problem.

I think space exploration is good, but we should spend money wisely. The benefits are important, but we need to balance it with solving Earth's problems. Using better technology and working together with other countries can help make space exploration more affordable and safer.

Band 6.0 Sample Answer

Some people like space exploration, but others do not.

Space exploration is good because it helps science. We learn about planets and stars. Satellites help us with weather and phones. Maybe we can find life on other planets.

But space exploration is expensive. We could use the money for other things. Space travel is dangerous. Rockets make pollution. There is too much trash in space.

I think space exploration is okay, but not too important. We should spend more money on Earth problems. Space is interesting, but not the most important thing.

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