Some people think governments should spend money looking for life on other planets, while others believe that there are many unsolved problems on Earth.

IELTS Writing Task 2 (Essay): Hints and Sample Answers Let me try to write.
Stories of USA Today
Materials for Reading & Listening Practice
 IELTS General Essay Answers - #7174
Question:
Some people think governments should spend money looking for life on other planets, while others believe that there are many unsolved problems on Earth. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Answer Hints:
1 Introduction:
  • Paraphrase the question: Some people support funding the search for life on other planets, while others think governments should solve Earth’s problems first.
  • State your thesis: both sides have valid reasons, but governments should focus mainly on Earth while maintaining limited space research.
2 Body Paragraph 1 (Support space exploration):
  • Space research drives scientific and technological progress (e.g., satellites, GPS).
  • It satisfies human curiosity and could ensure survival if Earth becomes uninhabitable.
  • Seen as a long-term investment for humanity’s future.
3 Body Paragraph 2 (Prioritize Earth’s issues):
  • Many people still face poverty, disease, and environmental threats.
  • Space projects are extremely costly and may divert funds from urgent needs.
  • Governments have a moral duty to improve living conditions and protect the planet first.
4 Conclusion:
  • Reaffirm balanced opinion: space exploration is valuable, but solving current global challenges should take precedence.
  • Suggest moderate investment in space science while prioritizing sustainable development on Earth.
Answer 1
The debate over whether governments should invest in searching for extraterrestrial life or focus their resources on solving Earth’s existing problems has long been contentious...

Those who support investing in the search for life on other planets often believe it is a vital component of human curiosity and long-term survival...

On the other hand, critics argue that such projects are prohibitively expensive and divert attention from urgent global crises...

In my opinion, although exploring space can inspire scientific progress and foster international collaboration, governments must strike a balance by prioritizing terrestrial concerns first...

In conclusion, while searching for extraterrestrial life holds potential scientific and existential value, the immediate and tangible problems on Earth warrant greater governmental attention...
Band: 8.5
View full answer
View comments
Word Statistics
GroupWord NumberDistinctPercent
All Words41624458%
Top 300 Words147 (35%)60 (24%)40%
300 - 1000 Words78 (18%)41 (16%)52%
Over 1000 Words191 (45%)143 (58%)74%
Other Comments (davidnelson)
Link Words: 36 (including link phrase: 3)
Sentences: Number: 19; Average Length: 159 characters; Words/Sentence: 21
Suggestions:
IELTS Essay Format:
-The essay is too long, try to shrink it.
-Suggest using a few rare or uncommon words to demonstrate your vocabulary range and level.