Money spent on space exploration is a waste of money. It is better to spend on other things to improve people's lives on Earth.

Practice this IELTS Writing Task 2 question on IELTSX. Money spent on space exploration is a waste of money. It is better to spend on other things to improve people's lives on Earth.

Money Spent Space Exploration Waste Earth Improvement - IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Write at least 250 words.

A student's answer to this task, and the feedback on it

Written by an IELTSX user under exam conditions and published unedited and anonymously. Band 7 ยท 346 words.

The effectiveness of space projects has always sparked a widespread debate. Some claim that space exploration is a waste of money and that governments should focus on solutions to public problems instead. I totally agree with this argument and believe that resolving healthcare and environmental problems is much more effective than investing in space exploration.

Perhaps the most effective way to allocate funds is to improve the healthcare system. Although I acknowledge that exploring outer space advances science and technology, I contend that its benefits remain relatively minor compared to those of improving healthcare. When authorities invest in modern technology and better medical services, the overall well-being of local citizens improves. Providing access to quality treatment allows people to use medical services regardless of their economic background, thereby both reducing financial difficulties and improving their health. Consequently, investment in better healthcare services brings economic benefits, which can be directed towards other areas such as sports or education. Therefore, better medical services are the main reason why I contend that investment in solutions to local problems is much more effective than space projects.

Furthermore, another compelling reason why solving public problems is more effective than space exploration is its positive impact on the environment. Since many developing countries suffer from climate change and its consequences such as droughts and famine, solving these problems benefits both local people and their surroundings. Investing in the construction of irrigation channels can effectively tackle the root causes of hunger across the country and protect the country's ecosystem. These irrigation channels serve as a reliable water supply, which can be used for agricultural purposes, ultimately providing a valuable source of food for local people. As a result, the country's population increases noticeably and the ecosystem becomes more stable. Thus, solving environmental problems is another reason why I find space projects less effective.

In conclusion, some people believe that space exploration is a waste of money and governments should solve local problems instead. I totally agree with this statement and believe that solving healthcare and environmental problems is much more beneficial and effective.

Examiner feedback

This is a strong Band 7.0 essay. The response is well-organized, logically structured, and demonstrates a high degree of grammatical control with virtually no errors. To move to a higher band, the candidate should aim for more sophisticated vocabulary variety and ensure that every logical link in the argument is precisely justified.

Task Response - 7

- All parts of the task are addressed, and the candidate presents a clear position throughout the response. - Main ideas are well-developed, particularly the argument regarding healthcare systems. - The second body paragraph regarding the environment is slightly less focused, specifically the claim that irrigation leads to a 'noticeable increase in population'.

Coherence & Cohesion - 7

- Information and ideas are logically sequenced with a clear progression from the introduction to the conclusion. - Use of cohesive devices such as 'Consequently', 'Furthermore', and 'Therefore' is appropriate and effective. - Each paragraph maintains a clear central topic (healthcare in the first, environment in the second).

Lexical Resource - 7

- A sufficient range of vocabulary is used, including some less common items like 'allocate funds', 'irrigation channels', and 'root causes'. - There is an awareness of style and collocation, though some terms like 'effective' are repeated frequently. - Spelling and word formation are accurate with no noticeable errors.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 8

- The candidate uses a variety of complex structures including subordinate clauses and relative clauses with good control. - The majority of sentences are error-free, demonstrating high accuracy in basic and complex grammar. - Punctuation is used correctly throughout to aid the flow of the arguments.

Related prompts

Start Practice