IELTS Writing Task 2: Space Travel (Two Part Question) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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The Prompt

Some people believe that space travel is a waste of money and governments should spend this money on other things. Others believe that space travel is important and beneficial. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion? Also, discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of space exploration.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

The space travel is very important because it helps us to understand the universe better. Some people say it is waste of money but I disagree. First, space travel helps scientists to learn about planets and stars. Second, it can help us find new resources. However, space travel is expensive and maybe we should spend money on other things like education or health. In conclusion, I think space travel is beneficial but we must be careful with money.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Addresses both parts of the question but with limited development and some irrelevant points.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Ideas are logically organized but with some unclear progression.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Limited range of vocabulary with some errors in word choice.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Some complex sentences but frequent grammatical errors.

Band 7.0 Answer

Space exploration has been a contentious issue, with proponents arguing for its scientific value and critics viewing it as an extravagant expenditure. I firmly believe that the benefits outweigh the costs, and I will discuss both perspectives before exploring the potential advantages and disadvantages of space travel.

On one hand, space travel requires substantial financial investment. Governments could allocate these funds to pressing issues like poverty alleviation or healthcare. However, the long-term benefits of space exploration often outweigh these initial costs. For instance, satellite technology developed for space missions has revolutionized communication and navigation systems on Earth.

On the other hand, space exploration presents several drawbacks. The environmental impact of rocket launches contributes to atmospheric pollution, and the high-risk nature of space missions poses threats to astronauts' lives. Nevertheless, the scientific advancements and potential resource discoveries make space travel a worthwhile endeavor.

In conclusion, while space exploration has its critics, the potential benefits for scientific progress and technological innovation justify the investment. Governments should continue to support space programs while also addressing immediate societal needs.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Addresses all parts of the question with a clear position and relevant supporting ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Logical organization with clear progression and appropriate use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Sufficient range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items used appropriately.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - A mix of simple and complex sentence forms with occasional errors.

Band 8.0 Answer

The debate surrounding space travel's value has intensified as technological advancements have made interstellar exploration more feasible. While some argue that the financial burden outweighs the benefits, I contend that space exploration is not only scientifically invaluable but also economically advantageous.

Proponents of space travel highlight its potential to unlock new resources and drive technological innovation. For example, the development of satellite technology has transformed global communication and weather forecasting. Moreover, the search for extraterrestrial life could yield groundbreaking discoveries that reshape our understanding of the universe. Conversely, critics point to the exorbitant costs and environmental impacts, such as the carbon footprint of rocket launches. However, these concerns are mitigated by the long-term economic benefits and the potential for space-based solutions to Earth's environmental challenges.

In conclusion, space travel offers immense scientific and economic benefits that justify its costs. Governments should prioritize space exploration while also implementing measures to mitigate its environmental impact. By doing so, we can ensure that the advantages of space travel are realized without compromising our planet's well-being.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Fully addresses all parts of the question with a clear position and well-developed arguments.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Logical organization with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - A wide range of vocabulary with precise and sophisticated word choice.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - A mix of simple and complex sentence forms with minimal errors.

Band 9.0 Answer

The question of whether space travel is a prudent use of resources has sparked vigorous debate, with detractors citing fiscal irresponsibility and proponents advocating for its transformative potential. I firmly assert that the advantages of space exploration far outweigh its detractions, and I will elucidate this stance while also examining the nuanced benefits and drawbacks of interstellar ventures.

Those who decry space travel as a fiscal folly often point to the astronomical costs associated with such endeavors. Indeed, the financial outlay required for space missions could be redirected to address pressing terrestrial issues like global poverty or healthcare disparities. However, this perspective overlooks the profound long-term benefits that space exploration confers. For instance, the technological spin-offs from space research have revolutionized industries ranging from medicine to agriculture, while the search for extraterrestrial resources could alleviate Earth's burgeoning resource depletion crisis.

Conversely, the drawbacks of space travel are not insignificant. The environmental impact of rocket launches, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases and the depletion of the ozone layer, cannot be disregarded. Furthermore, the high-risk nature of space missions poses existential threats to astronauts and the potential for catastrophic failures looms large. Nevertheless, these concerns are tempered by the potential for space-based solutions to Earth's most intractable problems, such as the development of asteroid mining to mitigate resource scarcity or the establishment of space-based solar power stations to address energy demands sustainably.

In conclusion, space travel represents a paradigm shift in humanity's quest for knowledge and resource security. While the financial and environmental costs are substantial, the potential benefits—ranging from scientific discovery to technological innovation—justify the investment. Governments should continue to prioritize space exploration while also implementing robust measures to mitigate its environmental impact and ensure the equitable distribution of its benefits.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Fully addresses all parts of the question with a clear, sophisticated position and well-supported arguments.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Logical organization with clear progression and sophisticated use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - A wide range of vocabulary with precise, sophisticated, and natural word choice.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - A mix of simple and complex sentence forms with minimal errors and varied sentence structures.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Contentious (adj.) - Causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument.

• Example: The issue of space travel has become increasingly contentious.

1. Extravagant (adj.) - Lacking restraint in the use of resources.

• Example: Critics view space travel as an extravagant expenditure.

1. Allocate (v.) - Distribute resources or funds to a particular purpose.

• Example: Governments could allocate these funds to pressing issues.

1. Revolutionized (v.) - Drastically changed the way something is done or thought about.

• Example: Satellite technology has revolutionized communication systems.

1. Exorbitant (adj.) - Exceeding reasonable limits.

• Example: The exorbitant costs of space travel are a major concern.

1. Mitigated (v.) - Make less severe or painful.

• Example: These concerns are mitigated by the long-term benefits.

1. Interstellar (adj.) - Relating to or occurring between the stars.

• Example: Technological advancements have made interstellar exploration more feasible.

1. Feasible (adj.) - Possible to do easily or conveniently.

• Example: The search for extraterrestrial resources is feasible with current technology.

1. Transformative (adj.) - Effective in changing someone or something in a fundamental way.

• Example: Space travel has transformative potential for scientific progress.

1. Elucidate (v.) - Make something clear; explain.

• Example: I will elucidate my stance on space travel.

1. Decry (v.) - Publicly denounce.

• Example: Those who decry space travel often cite fiscal irresponsibility.

1. Fiscal (adj.) - Relating to government revenue, especially taxes.

• Example: The fiscal irresponsibility of space travel is a common criticism.

1. Outlay (n.) - An amount of money spent on something.

• Example: The financial outlay required for space missions is substantial.

1. Redirected (v.) - Cause to change direction or focus.

• Example: The funds could be redirected to address terrestrial issues.

1. Conferred (v.) - Grant a title, degree, benefit, or right to someone.

• Example: Space exploration confers profound long-term benefits.

1. Spin-offs (n.) - A secondary development from a stem or main product, process, or idea.

• Example: The technological spin-offs from space research are numerous.

1. Burgeoning (adj.) - Beginning to grow or increase rapidly.

• Example: The burgeoning resource depletion crisis is a global concern.

1. Depletion (n.) - The reduction or exhaustion of something.

• Example: The depletion of Earth's resources is a pressing issue.

1. Intractable (adj.) - Resistant to control or treatment.

• Example: Space-based solutions could address Earth's most intractable problems.

1. Paradigm (n.) - A typical example or pattern of something.

• Example: Space travel represents a paradigm shift in humanity's quest for knowledge.

1. Robust (adj.) - Strong and healthy; vigorous.

• Example: Robust measures are needed to mitigate the environmental impact of space travel.

1. Equitable (adj.) - Fair and impartial.

• Example: The benefits of space travel should be distributed equitably.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Failing to Address Both Parts of the Question: Many students focus solely on one aspect of the question, either agreeing or disagreeing without discussing the potential benefits and drawbacks.

1. Lack of Specific Examples: Students often make general statements without providing concrete examples to support their arguments.

1. Poor Organization: Some answers lack clear paragraph structure, making it difficult for the examiner to follow the argument.

1. Inadequate Vocabulary: Using repetitive or basic vocabulary can limit the lexical resource score.

1. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical mistakes can significantly lower the grammatical range and accuracy score.

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