IELTS Academic Module: Paper 3 – Academic Writing Practice Test 1, Writing Task 2 (Sample Answer Included)
Writing Task 2
You should spend 40 minutes on this task.
Write on the following topic:
Space exploration is a luxury that we cannot afford. Instead of spending billions of dollars on space programmes, governments should use this money to fight global problems such as poverty, disease, and climate change.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer
Space exploration has long sparked debate due to its high costs, with detractors suggesting that funds for space programmes would be better spent on terrestrial crises such as poverty, disease, and climate change. I argue that while global challenges must be prioritised, we should not forsake space exploration, as its indirect benefits include technological progress and solutions to Earth's pressing issues.
Critics of space funding underscore the urgent need to tackle immediate global crises. World Bank data from 2021 indicates that 9.2% of the global population lives in extreme poverty, a statistic that highlights the dire need for focused economic interventions. Redistributing funds from space exploration to these causes could yield immediate benefits.
Nonetheless, forgoing space programmes could mean overlooking their valuable indirect benefits. Innovations from space research, particularly in satellite technology, have significantly enhanced communication, weather forecasting, and disaster management. These advancements are pivotal in addressing global issues such as predicting and responding to climate events and boosting agricultural productivity in impoverished regions.
Moreover, space exploration acts as a beacon of inspiration, fuelling a spirit of innovation and discovery. Collaborative international ventures like the International Space Station have led to scientific breakthroughs with wide-ranging applications in medicine and environmental conservation.
In conclusion, while addressing global challenges is paramount, completely divesting from space exploration would be short-sighted. A balanced approach that supports both humanitarian needs and exploratory pursuits of space research is essential. By leveraging space technology and the inspiration it provides, we can equip ourselves to both explore the cosmos and address our planet's pressing issues.
(257 words)
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