This is a practice question for IELTS Writing Task 2.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task and write at least 250 words.
Write about the following topic:
Some people argue that space exploration is a waste of resources, while others believe it is essential for human progress. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample answer outline:#
Introduction: Present the topic and state your position
Main body paragraph 1: Arguments against space exploration
Main body paragraph 2: Arguments for space exploration
Main body paragraph 3: Your opinion and justification
Conclusion: Summarize main points and restate your position
Model answer (Band 8 style)
Write your own answer first, then compare structure and vocabulary. Task 2 · 268 words.
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Since the first Moon landing, space exploration has fascinated the public, but its high cost raises questions. Some people consider it a waste of resources, while others see it as essential for human progress. In my view, space exploration is a worthwhile investment, as long as it is pursued efficiently and cooperatively.
Critics argue that the money spent on rockets and probes could achieve more on Earth. Funds used for a single mission could provide clean water, vaccines or schools for millions of people. They also point out that some space projects are driven by national prestige or private companies seeking profit rather than genuine scientific need. From this perspective, exploring distant planets seems a luxury while problems such as poverty and climate change remain unsolved.
However, space exploration has delivered enormous practical benefits. Satellites provide weather forecasts, GPS navigation, global communications and data that help farmers and disaster relief teams. Technologies developed for space missions have found uses in medicine, food preservation and water purification. Moreover, observing Earth from space has been crucial for understanding climate change, so space research can actually help solve the problems critics mention. Exploration also inspires young people to study science and engineering, which benefits society in the long term.
In my opinion, the key is to make space programmes cost-effective, for example through international collaboration, which shares expenses and expertise, and by focusing on missions with clear scientific or practical value.
In conclusion, although space exploration is expensive, its contributions to technology, knowledge and our understanding of Earth make it essential for human progress rather than a waste of resources.
Task Response
Both views are discussed with relevant examples; the opinion is clear and includes a condition (efficiency and cooperation).
Coherence & Cohesion
Strong cohesion: the writer links back to the critics’ argument (“space research can actually help solve the problems critics mention”).
Lexical Resource
Science vocabulary: probes, national prestige, disaster relief, water purification, cost-effective.
Grammatical Range
Variety of grammar, including passives, relative clauses and “as long as” conditions.
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Tips for approaching this question:
1. Clearly state your position in the introduction.
2. You can use specific examples to support your arguments.
3. Consider both short-term and long-term implications of space exploration.
4. Use a variety of sentence structures and advanced vocabulary.
5. Ensure a logical flow of ideas throughout your essay.