IELTS Writing Task 2: Space Exploration (Positive Negative) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

Related guides:

• IELTS Writing Task 2: Recycling (Discussion) — Band 6/7/8/9…
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Deforestation Two Part Question Sample…
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Renewable Energy Two Part Question…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Plastic Pollution (Advantages…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Climate Change Discussion Sample Band…

The Prompt

Paraphrased Prompt: Some people believe that space exploration is a waste of money and should be stopped. Others argue that space exploration is essential for humanity's future. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

Space exploration is very expensive and some people think we should not spend money on it. I agree with this view because there are more important things to spend money on. First, we have many problems on Earth like poverty and pollution. We should solve these problems before going to space. Second, space exploration is dangerous and people can die. It is not worth the risk. I think we should focus on Earth and make it a better place.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with limited development
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Logical but with some repetition
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Some appropriate vocabulary but limited range
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Mostly simple sentences with some errors

Band 7.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

The issue of space exploration has sparked considerable debate. While some argue that it is a futile expenditure of resources, others contend that it is vital for our future. I believe that space exploration has both advantages and disadvantages.

On one hand, space exploration can lead to technological advancements that benefit life on Earth. For instance, satellites have improved communication and weather forecasting. Additionally, space research has led to medical breakthroughs. On the other hand, the cost of space exploration is enormous. The money spent on space missions could be used to address pressing issues such as poverty and education. Furthermore, space exploration poses significant risks to astronauts.

In conclusion, while space exploration has its benefits, the high costs and risks cannot be ignored. We should prioritize solving Earth's problems before venturing further into space.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with some development
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Logical with some cohesive devices
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Some appropriate vocabulary with some errors
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Mix of simple and complex sentences with some errors

Band 8.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

The debate surrounding space exploration is multifaceted. Proponents argue that it is essential for humanity's progress, while critics contend that it is an exorbitant waste of resources. I believe that both perspectives have merit.

Advocates of space exploration highlight its potential to drive technological innovation. For example, advancements in satellite technology have revolutionized global communication and navigation systems. Moreover, space research has contributed to medical breakthroughs, such as improved imaging techniques and materials science. Additionally, space exploration inspires scientific curiosity and fosters international collaboration.

Conversely, detractors point to the substantial financial burden of space missions. The funds allocated to space exploration could be redirected to address pressing issues such as poverty alleviation, healthcare, and education. Furthermore, the inherent risks to astronauts and the environmental impact of space debris are significant concerns.

In my view, while space exploration offers numerous benefits, it is crucial to strike a balance between investing in space and addressing terrestrial challenges. A measured approach that prioritizes sustainable and ethical space exploration is essential.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with thorough development
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Logical with effective cohesive devices
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Appropriate vocabulary with some errors
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Mix of simple and complex sentences with few errors

Band 9.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

The contentious issue of space exploration has garnered significant attention. While some advocate for its cessation due to exorbitant costs, others argue that it is indispensable for humanity's future. I firmly believe that space exploration is a worthwhile endeavor, albeit with certain caveats.

Proponents of space exploration contend that it drives technological innovation and scientific discovery. The development of satellite technology has revolutionized global communication, weather forecasting, and navigation systems. Furthermore, space research has led to medical advancements, such as improved imaging techniques and materials science. The exploration of space also inspires scientific curiosity and fosters international collaboration, potentially mitigating geopolitical tensions.

However, critics highlight the substantial financial burden of space missions. The funds allocated to space exploration could be redirected to address pressing issues such as poverty alleviation, healthcare, and education. Additionally, the inherent risks to astronauts and the environmental impact of space debris are significant concerns. To mitigate these issues, it is imperative to prioritize sustainable and ethical space exploration practices.

In conclusion, while space exploration offers numerous benefits, it is crucial to balance these advantages with the need to address terrestrial challenges. A measured approach that prioritizes responsible space exploration is essential for humanity's progress.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear position with thorough development
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Logical with effective cohesive devices
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Appropriate vocabulary with precise usage
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Mix of simple and complex sentences with minimal errors

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Exorbitant (adj.): Extremely high or excessive. Example: The exorbitant cost of space missions.
2. Indispensable (adj.): Absolutely necessary. Example: Space exploration is indispensable for humanity's future.
3. Albeit (conj.): Although. Example: Space exploration is worthwhile, albeit with certain caveats.
4. Caveat (n.): A condition or stipulation. Example: There are certain caveats to consider.
5. Contentious (adj.): Controversial or disputed. Example: The contentious issue of space exploration.
6. Multifaceted (adj.): Having many aspects or facets. Example: The multifaceted debate surrounding space exploration.
7. Proponent (n.): A supporter or advocate. Example: Proponents of space exploration.
8. Detractor (n.): A critic or opponent. Example: Detractors of space exploration.
9. Mitigate (v.): To make less severe or serious. Example: To mitigate the risks of space exploration.
10. Imperative (adj.): Of vital importance. Example: It is imperative to prioritize sustainable space exploration.
11. Geopolitical (adj.): Relating to the politics of different countries. Example: Geopolitical tensions.
12. Terrestrial (adj.): Relating to the Earth. Example: Terrestrial challenges.
13. Allevation (n.): The process of reducing suffering or distress. Example: Poverty alleviation.
14. Stipulation (n.): A condition or requirement. Example: There are certain stipulations to consider.
15. Revolutionized (v.): To change something completely. Example: Satellite technology has revolutionized global communication.
16. Inherent (adj.): Existing in something as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute. Example: The inherent risks to astronauts.
17. Environmental (adj.): Relating to the environment. Example: Environmental impact of space debris.
18. Ethical (adj.): Relating to moral principles. Example: Ethical space exploration practices.
19. Sustainable (adj.): Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources. Example: Sustainable space exploration.
20. Advancement (n.): The process of moving forward in a purposeful way. Example: Medical advancements.
21. Navigation (n.): The process of planning and following a route. Example: Navigation systems.
22. Forecasting (n.): The process of making predictions. Example: Weather forecasting.
23. Collaboration (n.): The action of working with someone to produce or create something. Example: International collaboration.
24. Curiosity (n.): A strong desire to know or learn something. Example: Scientific curiosity.
25. Debris (n.): Scattered pieces of rubbish or remains. Example: Space debris.

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of Clear Position: Some students fail to present a clear position on the issue, leading to a lower score in Task Response.
2. Inadequate Development: Students often provide insufficient development of arguments, resulting in a lower score in Coherence and Cohesion.
3. Limited Vocabulary: Using a limited range of vocabulary can lead to a lower score in Lexical Resource.
4. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can negatively impact the score in Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
5. Repetition: Repeating the same ideas or words can make the essay less coherent and reduce the score in Coherence and Cohesion.

Get Your Own Response Scored by AI on English AIdol

Get your own response scored by AI on English AIdol