Task 2 essay
IELTS Writing Task 2: Spending on space exploration
Question type: To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The question
Some people believe that governments should stop spending money on space exploration and use it to solve problems on Earth instead.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Write your own answer first. Then get an estimated band and corrections from our AI marker.
Answer this questionHow to approach it
- Take a clear position; this model disagrees.
- Show that you understand the opposing argument before explaining why you reject it.
- Give concrete benefits of space research, such as satellites and new technology.
Model essay
265 words (minimum 250). Written to show the features of a Band 8-level answer.
Some people believe that governments should stop funding space exploration and spend the money on problems on Earth instead. Although I understand this view, I disagree, because space research brings important practical benefits and costs less than people often think.
Those who hold this view point out that millions of people still lack clean water, healthcare and education. When a government spends billions on sending a rocket to Mars, it can seem wasteful and even unfair while such urgent problems remain unsolved. It is also true that some space projects are driven partly by national pride rather than scientific need.
However, space exploration contributes directly to solving problems on Earth. Satellites developed through space programmes allow us to forecast extreme weather, monitor climate change and deforestation, and provide navigation and communication services that we use every day. Research carried out for space missions has also led to many everyday technologies, including improvements in medical imaging and water purification. In addition, space budgets are relatively small. In most countries, they account for a tiny fraction of government spending, far less than is spent on health or defence, so cancelling them would not solve the world's major problems.
Rather than abandoning space research, governments should ensure that it is focused on projects with clear benefits, such as Earth observation, and that international cooperation reduces the costs for individual countries.
In conclusion, although poverty and disease are urgent issues, I disagree that governments should stop spending on space exploration. The benefits are considerable, and the savings from ending it would be too small to make a real difference.
Useful language from this answer
- although I understand this view, I disagree
- stating a clear position politely
- it can seem wasteful
- presenting the opposing argument fairly
- contributes directly to
- has a direct effect on
- a tiny fraction of
- a very small part of
- rather than abandoning…
- offering an alternative
Common mistakes with this question
- Writing about space as a topic in general instead of government spending.
- Agreeing in the introduction but arguing the opposite in the body.
- Using the same example (such as the Moon landing) without explaining what benefit it brought.
Now write your own answer
Reading a model helps, but writing is what improves your band. Answer this question and get an estimated band for all four criteria, with corrections taken from your own sentences.
This model answer was written by TestWise Prep to show the features of a high-scoring answer. It is not official IELTS material. Use it for ideas and language, not to memorise.