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Spending Money on Space Exploration Is a Complete Waste - IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Essay Sample

Updated: Jan 17

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.


Write about the following topic:


With all the problems in the world today, spending money on space exploration is a complete waste. The money could be better spent on other causes.


To what extent do you agree with this view?


The Same question appeared in anther exam as below:


Some people believe that exploring outer space is important because it expands human knowledge and might lead to discoveries that will benefit humanity in the future. Other people believe that space exploration is a waste of money that could be better spent solving immediate problems here on Earth.


Which point of view do you agree with?


Spending Money on Space Exploration Is a Complete Waste - IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Essay Sample

Is Spending Money on Space Exploration a Waste? Band 9 Essay Insights!

Before diving into the Band 9 sample essays, let’s take a moment to understand the topic and the strategy for tackling it. Of course, if you’re eager to see the essays, feel free to scroll down now! This question asks you to discuss whether spending money on space exploration is justified or if it would be better directed toward other pressing issues. The key to writing a high-scoring response is to focus on one or two well-developed points, explaining them thoroughly. Remember, IELTS examiners value depth over breadth, so avoid listing numerous ideas without sufficient detail. Take a position you can support with strong arguments, and don’t worry about whether your view reflects real-life policies. Use examples to reinforce your ideas, whether they are hypothetical scenarios or real-life experiences. Above all, ensure your essay aligns with the Band Descriptors: address the task fully, use coherent organization, and demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical accuracy.


To maximize your preparation, explore the valuable resources we’ve crafted for you on this website. Our comprehensive eBooks, available in PDF format, cover every strategy you need to succeed, including step-by-step examples and a wealth of practice questions inspired by recent IELTS exams. Additionally, our personalized essay correction service offers detailed feedback from a dedicated IELTS examiner within 24 hours, helping you identify and improve specific weaknesses. These resources are designed to help you achieve your desired band score efficiently—download them today and take the next step in your IELTS journey!



Sample Essay 1

The question of whether spending money on space exploration is justified, given the multitude of global challenges, is a contentious issue. While some argue that such investments are wasteful, others believe they are crucial for humanity’s progress. This essay strongly supports the idea that resources allocated to space exploration are essential for technological advancement and long-term survival, despite the immediate appeal of prioritizing terrestrial concerns.


Advancements driven by space exploration significantly benefit society in ways often overlooked. Investments in this field have led to innovations in communication, healthcare, and disaster management. For instance, satellite technology, a product of space research, enables global connectivity and accurate weather forecasting, saving countless lives. Moreover, many medical advancements, such as portable X-ray devices and water purification systems, have origins in space research. These breakthroughs not only address global challenges but also improve the quality of life for millions. Neglecting such efforts could hinder technological progress, leaving society less equipped to tackle pressing issues effectively.


In addition to technological gains, exploring space is vital for ensuring humanity’s long-term survival. Earth’s resources are finite, and overpopulation, climate change, and natural disasters threaten our existence. Space exploration provides the means to discover alternative habitats and resources beyond our planet. For example, Mars colonization and asteroid mining are becoming viable solutions to resource depletion. By pursuing these opportunities, humanity secures a contingency plan for the future. Although urgent global problems demand attention, neglecting space exploration could jeopardize the planet’s ability to address existential threats in the long run.


In conclusion, while addressing immediate global challenges is essential, spending money on space exploration is far from a waste. This investment not only drives technological advancements that tackle current issues but also lays the foundation for humanity’s long-term survival. Therefore, a balanced approach that incorporates both priorities is the most prudent path forward.


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Sample Essay 2

The debate surrounding the allocation of funds to space exploration persists, especially given the pressing global issues such as poverty, healthcare, and climate change. This essay fully agrees that spending money on space exploration is unnecessary when these immediate problems demand urgent attention. The discussion will focus on how such expenditures divert resources from critical global needs and why space exploration offers limited tangible benefits for the majority of humanity.


The immense financial resources spent on space exploration could be far more impactful if redirected to address urgent global challenges. For example, billions of dollars invested in launching satellites and spacecraft could instead be used to combat world hunger, improve access to education, or fund renewable energy projects. According to the World Bank, over 700 million people live in extreme poverty, yet space programs prioritize speculative ventures over concrete solutions to reduce human suffering. By reallocating these resources, governments could achieve meaningful progress in solving real-world issues, which directly affect millions of lives on a daily basis. This misalignment of priorities raises questions about the ethical justification for such spending.


Furthermore, the benefits of space exploration are disproportionately distributed, providing little to no advantage for the average person. While proponents argue that technological spin-offs from space research benefit society, these innovations often remain inaccessible to those in need. For instance, advanced communication systems and scientific discoveries primarily cater to industrialized nations, widening the gap between wealthy and developing countries. Additionally, speculative ventures, such as colonizing other planets, remain distant and uncertain goals with no immediate relevance to pressing human needs. This makes space exploration an expensive luxury rather than a necessity, especially when the majority of the world still struggles with basic survival needs.


In conclusion, while space exploration may inspire scientific curiosity, it fails to justify the massive financial resources required when immediate global issues remain unresolved. Redirecting these funds to address pressing human needs would yield far greater benefits for society, ensuring that resources are utilized in ways that directly improve the lives of people today.


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