Looking for life on other planets: IELTS Task 2 essay #6, band 8.0

There is an ongoing debate about whether channeling public funds into space programs to search for extraterrestrial life wastes money. While some claim that allocating money for these programs yields positive results, I side with those who argue that, given the existing problems on Earth, such programs should not receive government funding.

1. Grammar & accuracy

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   RevisedWhile some claim that allocating money for these programs yields positive results, I align myself with those who argue that, given the existing problems on Earth, such programs should not receive government funding.

   The revision provides a more natural and clear phrasing.

Proponents of space exploration present multiple arguments to defend their viewpoint. They believe that considering the threats of climate change, nuclear war, and overpopulation, authorities must seek habitable planets to ensure humanity’s survival. Space research has also led to many technological advancements that benefit daily life. A prime example is satellite technology, which has revolutionized global communication, environmental monitoring, and weather forecasting. Other innovations, such as water purification systems, solar panels, and heat-resistant materials—originally designed for space missions—are now widely used on Earth, showcasing the far-reaching impact of cosmic exploration.

1. Coherence & cohesion

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   RevisedSupporters of space exploration provide several arguments to support their position.

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   RevisedAdditionally, space research has led to many technological advancements that benefit our daily lives.

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However, I believe the counterarguments bear greater weight. The first one is associated with the ethical aspect of the situation. In a world where millions suffer from malnutrition and extreme poverty, investing billions in space missions is unjustifiable. This is especially egregious in countries like India, where the vast majority of people lack access to basic necessities. Moreover, despite decades of exploration, space programs have not yielded any tangible results since the moon landings. No habitable planets have been discovered/traced, nor have significant breakthroughs emerged to directly address global crises. Instead of prioritizing interstellar ambitions, governments should focus on eradicating poverty, improving education, healthcare, and infrastructure, and tackling climate change—issues with immediate and measurable impacts on human well-being.

1. Coherence & cohesion

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   RevisedHowever, in my opinion, the counterarguments are more compelling.

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2. Lexical resource

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   RevisedThis is particularly egregious in countries like India, where the majority of people lack access to clean water and adequate sanitation.

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   RevisedNo habitable planets have been discovered or identified as of yet, nor have there been any significant breakthroughs that directly address global crises.

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4. Coherence & cohesion

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   RevisedInstead of prioritizing interstellar ambitions, I argue that governments should focus on addressing Earth’s most pressing issues, such as eradicating poverty, improving education, healthcare, and infrastructure, and tackling climate change—issues with immediate and measurable impacts on human well-being.

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To conclude, while some technological breakthroughs stemmed from interplanetary exploration efforts, specifically satellite technology and water purification, I contend that prioritizing space research over pressing global issues is a poor allocation of taxpayer money. Only by addressing urgent problems on Earth before investing vast sums in outer space investigation can we create a more equitable world where resources are directed toward improving human welfare and sustainable development.

1. Lexical resource

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   RevisedOnly by prioritizing urgent Earth-based issues before investing substantial amounts in space exploration can we create a more equitable world, directing resources towards human welfare and sustainable development.

   The revision provides a more natural and clear phrasing.