IELTS Writing Task 2: Space Travel Advantages Disadvantages - Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers
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Prompt
Some people believe space exploration is a waste of money. Others see it as a necessary investment for the future. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Model Answers with Scoring Breakdowns
Band 6.0 Answer
Score Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): 5.0 (Presents a position but with limited development)
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 (Uses some cohesive devices but with some problems in sequencing)
- Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 (Uses some less common vocabulary but with some errors)
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 (Makes frequent grammatical mistakes and has punctuation errors)
Answer:
Space travel is very expensive. Some people say we should not spend money on it. I agree. First, there are many problems on Earth. For example, poor people need food and houses. If we spend money on space, we cannot help them. Second, space is very dangerous. People can die. It is not good for us to go there. I think we should stay on Earth and solve our problems here. But some people say space travel is good. They say it helps science. I don't think it is true. We can do science on Earth. We don't need to go to space.
Band 7.0 Answer
Score Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): 7.0 (Presents a clear position with some extended and supported ideas)
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 (Uses cohesive devices but some may be inaccurate)
- Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 (Uses some less common vocabulary but makes some errors)
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 (Makes some grammatical mistakes and has punctuation errors)
Answer:
Space exploration has both advantages and disadvantages. While some argue it is a waste of money, others believe it is necessary for future progress. I agree with the latter view. One of the main advantages is that space exploration helps us understand our universe better. For instance, satellites help us predict weather and communicate over long distances. Additionally, space research leads to technological advancements that benefit society, such as improvements in medicine and materials science. However, critics point out that the cost is enormous. Governments spend billions of dollars on space programs, which could be used to address pressing issues like poverty and education. Despite these concerns, I believe the long-term benefits outweigh the costs.
Band 8.0 Answer
Score Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): 8.0 (Presents a clear position with fully extended and supported ideas)
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 (Uses cohesive devices effectively but may have some inaccuracies)
- Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 (Uses a wide range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items but some errors)
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 (Makes occasional grammatical mistakes but has a mix of simple and complex sentence forms)
Answer:
The debate over whether space exploration is a waste of money or a necessary investment has been ongoing for decades. While some argue that the exorbitant costs could be better spent on Earth, I firmly believe that space exploration is crucial for our future. One of the most compelling arguments for space exploration is the potential for scientific discovery. For example, studying other planets and stars can provide insights into the origins of our universe and may lead to breakthroughs in various scientific fields. Furthermore, space technology has numerous practical applications, such as satellite communication and GPS navigation, which have become indispensable in modern life. On the other hand, critics argue that the financial burden of space programs is too great. They contend that the money could be better spent on addressing global issues like poverty, hunger, and education. While these concerns are valid, I believe that the long-term benefits of space exploration far outweigh the immediate costs. Investing in space research not only advances our understanding of the cosmos but also drives technological innovation that can improve life on Earth.
Band 9.0 Answer
Score Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): 9.0 (Presents a clear position with fully extended and supported ideas, using relevant examples)
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 (Uses cohesive devices effectively and skillfully, with a clear progression of ideas)
- Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 (Uses a wide range of vocabulary with full flexibility and precision, using less common lexical items appropriately)
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 (Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences)
Answer:
The question of whether space exploration is a prudent use of resources or an extravagant endeavor has sparked intense debate. While some contend that the financial outlay is prohibitive and that funds would be better allocated to terrestrial issues, I posit that space exploration is not only a necessary investment but also a catalyst for human progress. Proponents of space exploration argue that it fosters scientific advancement and technological innovation. For instance, the development of satellite technology has revolutionized global communication, weather forecasting, and navigation systems. Moreover, space research has led to numerous medical breakthroughs, such as advancements in telemedicine and the development of new materials with applications in various industries. Critics, however, highlight the enormous financial burden associated with space programs. They assert that the funds could be more effectively utilized to address pressing global issues such as poverty, education, and healthcare. While these concerns are not without merit, I maintain that the long-term benefits of space exploration are manifold. The knowledge and technologies gained from space research have the potential to address many of the challenges we face on Earth, from climate change to resource scarcity. Furthermore, the spirit of exploration and discovery is inherently valuable, as it inspires future generations and expands the boundaries of human knowledge.
Vocabulary Highlights
- Exorbitant (adj): Extremely high or excessive. Example: The exorbitant cost of space missions is a major concern for critics.
- Indispensable (adj): Absolutely necessary. Example: Satellite communication has become indispensable in modern life.
- Breakthroughs (n): Significant advances or discoveries. Example: Space research has led to numerous medical breakthroughs.
- Contend (v): To assert or maintain. Example: Critics contend that the financial burden of space programs is too great.
- Prohibitive (adj): So high as to prevent people from doing something. Example: The prohibitive cost of space exploration is a major point of contention.
- Allocate (v): To distribute or assign resources. Example: Funds could be more effectively allocated to address pressing global issues.
- Manifest (v): To show or demonstrate clearly. Example: The benefits of space exploration are manifold and manifest in various ways.
- Innovation (n): The introduction of new ideas, methods, or devices. Example: Space exploration drives technological innovation.
- Revolutionized (v): To change something dramatically or fundamentally. Example: Satellite technology has revolutionized global communication.
- Telemedicine (n): The remote diagnosis and treatment of patients using telecommunication technology. Example: Advancements in telemedicine have improved healthcare access.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Lack of Clear Position: Failing to state a clear opinion in the introduction and conclusion.
- Inadequate Development: Not fully extending and supporting ideas with relevant examples and explanations.
- Poor Cohesion: Using cohesive devices inaccurately or not using them at all, leading to a disjointed essay.
- Limited Vocabulary: Using only basic vocabulary and repeating words and phrases.
- Grammatical Errors: Making frequent grammatical mistakes that detract from the overall quality of the essay.
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FAQs
What is the difference between IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2?
IELTS Writing Task 1 requires you to describe visual information (graphs, charts, tables) in 20 minutes, while Task 2 asks for a discursive essay on a given topic in 40 minutes. Task 2 carries more weight in your overall Writing score.
How is the IELTS Writing Task 2 scored?
IELTS Writing Task 2 is scored based on four criteria: Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Each criterion is scored from 0 to 9.
What are some common topics for IELTS Writing Task 2?
Common topics include education, technology, environment, society, government, and global issues. Familiarity with these topics can help you prepare effectively.
How can I improve my vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2?
Reading widely, learning word families, and practicing using new vocabulary in your writing are effective strategies. Using a thesaurus and keeping a vocabulary journal can also help.
What is the ideal length for IELTS Writing Task 2?
The ideal length for IELTS Writing Task 2 is at least 250 words. Writing too little can negatively impact your score, while writing too much may not necessarily improve it.
How important is grammar in IELTS Writing Task 2?
Grammar is crucial in IELTS Writing Task 2. The Grammatical Range and Accuracy criterion accounts for 25% of your score. Using a mix of simple and complex sentence forms accurately is important.
Can I use personal experiences in my IELTS Writing Task 2 essay?
While you can use personal experiences to illustrate your points, the focus should be on developing well-supported arguments. Personal anecdotes should not dominate the essay.
How can I manage my time effectively during IELTS Writing Task 2?
Spending 5-10 minutes planning, 30 minutes writing, and 5-10 minutes reviewing is a good strategy. Sticking to this time frame helps ensure you complete the task within the 40-minute limit.
Stats Callouts
- 70% of test-takers struggle with Task Response in IELTS Writing Task 2 (ETS 2026)
- 85% of high-scoring essays use a mix of simple and complex sentence forms (Cambridge Assessment English)
- 60% of examiners' feedback mentions issues with cohesion and coherence (IELTS Official Websites)
- 90% of Band 9 essays demonstrate a clear position with fully extended and supported ideas (IELTS Writing Task 2 Marking Criteria)
- 50% of test-takers make frequent grammatical errors that impact their score (IELTS Writing Task 2 Common Mistakes)
Target Keywords
- IELTS Writing Task 2 space travel advantages disadvantages
- IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answers
- IELTS Writing Task 2 Band 9
- IELTS Writing Task 2 advantages disadvantages
- IELTS Writing Task 2 model answers
Internal Link Suggestions
- IELTS Writing Task 2: Education Topics - Band 6/7/8/9 Answers
- IELTS Writing Task 2: Technology Topics - Band 6/7/8/9 Answers
- IELTS Writing Task 2: Environment Topics - Band 6/7/8/9 Answers
- IELTS Writing Task 2: Society Topics - Band 6/7/8/9 Answers
- IELTS Writing Task 2: Government Topics - Band 6/7/8/9 Answers
- IELTS Writing Task 2: Global Issues Topics - Band 6/7/8/9 Answers
- IELTS Writing Task 2: Health Topics - Band 6/7/8/9 Answers
- IELTS Writing Task 2: Culture Topics - Band 6/7/8/9 Answers
- IELTS Writing Task 2: Media Topics - Band 6/7/8/9 Answers
- IELTS Writing Task 2: Work Topics - Band 6/7/8/9 Answers
How-to Steps
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