IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer.
IELTS Essay # 98 - Governments are spending billions in support of space programs
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Governments around the world are spending billions in support of space programs. This money would be better spent on research into improvements in human health.
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 or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: [Agreement]
In recent years, there has been an ongoing debate about whether governments should continue to fund space programs or allocate these resources towards research into improving human health. In my opinion, I completely agree that the money spent on space programs would be better utilized to address critical health issues.
Firstly, there are countless health issues that continue to plague communities around the world. These issues include but are not limited to, infectious diseases, cancer, mental health, and drug addiction. With the increased investment in the health sector, governments can provide more funds for research that could lead to better treatments and ultimately save lives. Moreover, advancements in healthcare technology and infrastructure are necessary to combat emerging diseases such as COVID-19 and other future pandemics.
Furthermore, space programs are incredibly costly and can consume a significant portion of a government's budget. For instance, the annual budget of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is approximately $25 billion. This is a considerable amount of money that could be better spent on improving healthcare services and facilities, especially in developing countries that are most affected by health crises. Most developed nations have similar high budgets for space exploration but many citizens in those countries lack basic healthcare support. Therefore this is often seen as hypocrisy by many critics.
In conclusion, while space exploration may be exciting and interesting, the benefits of improving human health through the allocation of government funds far outweigh the benefits of space programs. Governments, around the world, therefore, prioritize the health and well-being of their citizens by investing in research and infrastructure that will help to combat health issues and improve healthcare outcomes.
Sample Answer 2: [Disagreement]
Healthcare is a basic need for people and it is the government's responsibility to ensure proper health care for all. While there is no denying the importance of investing in research into improving human health, I cannot agree with the opinion that the money spent on space programs would be better utilized for this purpose. In my opinion, the government should continue to fund space programs, as they have significant benefits for both humanity and society while also supporting public health.
Firstly, space programs have the potential to advance technology and drive innovation, leading to advancements in various industries, including healthcare. The development of technologies such as telemedicine, remote surgery, and satellite communication are just a few examples of how space programs have contributed to healthcare advancements.
Secondly, space exploration can help us understand our place in the universe, which can lead to a better understanding of our planet, our environment, and our own existence. This knowledge can inspire future generations to become scientists, researchers, and engineers, and may lead to future discoveries that can benefit humanity.
Furthermore, space programs also have significant economic benefits. They create jobs and stimulate innovation, leading to the development of new industries and new technologies that can be applied in a range of fields, including healthcare. For example, the technology used in space exploration has led to advancements in medical imaging, robotics, and remote sensing, which have been used in medical research and treatment.
In conclusion, while there are certainly many challenges facing the healthcare industry, and it is important to invest in research to improve human health, I believe that space programs are also critical. They have the potential to drive innovation, inspire future generations, and contribute to the economic growth and development of society. Therefore, it is important to continue funding space programs alongside healthcare research.
Model Answer 3:
There is an opinion that countries are spending a lot of their assets on space projects while they should have rather financed in the medical science sufficiently. Spaceships are flying all over the Universe at the time people are dying from AIDS or even flu. Is there any point of throwing money into the outer space?
On the one hand, humans have not fought so many dangerous and highly contagious diseases so far though many dangerous diseases have wiped away the population of an entire city at a time. Moreover, industrialisation and economic progress have brought new diseases as a result of receiving more comfortable life. They are diabetes, cardiovascular problems, etc. In addition, launching just one space shuttle into the sky requires so many natural resources and brings so many pollutions that it negatively influences ecology a lot. That brings us new health issues, that need additional funding, which could be withdrawn from excessive payments for space research.
On the other hand, scientists already have started raising funds from commercial pharmaceutical companies. A lot of diseases have been fought in just last 100 years according to many and there is an increase in mankind's life expectancy. Moreover, improved health and elongated life of population lead to a new problem – overpopulation. Space research can help to find a new home for the Earth's inhabitants. The last, but not the least, who knows, there is a chance we could found other planets where a panacea for all diseases is waiting for us or a more advanced civilisation is waiting for us with unimaginable knowledge.
As for me, I am not a very healthy person and my parents either. However, if there is a one, very small chance, that something exciting will happen and astronauts will meet alien civilisation on other planets, I would not be happy that government is spending money for medicine only. We have an overcrowded planet and we should search for ways of expanding our habitat.
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