Is scientific research a waste?: IELTS Task 2 essay #12, band 8.0
A student’s answer to this repeated IELTS question, shared without their name and marked by Axiom on the four criteria. Select a highlighted passage to see how it could be revised, and why.
220 words. Marked by Axiom on 29 June 2026. Estimated by AI. It isn’t an official IELTS score.
Task 2220 words
✍️ TASK 2: Some people believe that a lot of scientific research done today is a waste of time and money. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Economic progress is often seen as the main measure of a country’s success. However, many people argue that other factors such as healthcare, education, and quality of life should also be considered.
Nevertheless, only focusing on economic prosperity sometimes ignores problems like income inequality or environmental protection.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedEconomic growth, on the one hand, brings financial stability and employment opportunities.
Adding 'on the one hand' at the beginning of the sentence helps to connect it to the previous point more effectively.
Grammar & accuracy
RevisedWhen the gross domestic product (GDP) increases, the national income rises and citizens can enjoy better living standards.
The use of articles 'the' before GDP and national income is necessary for clarity.
Lexical resource
RevisedEconomic growth enables governments to invest in public institutions and improve social welfare.
The term 'wealth generation' is not as precise as 'economic growth' in this context.
Grammar & accuracy
RevisedFor instance, a strong economic performance can reduce poverty and promote innovation.
The use of 'a' before 'strong economic performance' is necessary for clarity.
A country with quality education creates a skilled workforce and promotes lifelong learning. Similarly, an efficient healthcare system improves public health, increases life expectancy, and ensures access to medical services. In addition, factors such as public safety, political stability, and happiness play a vital role in citizens’ well being. Without these, economic progress alone cannot guarantee social harmony.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedConversely, education and healthcare are equally important indicators of success.
Using 'conversely' instead of 'on the other hand' provides a more direct link to the contrasting point.
Lexical resource
RevisedThis not only helps to reduce poverty but also supports sustainable development.
The term 'helps to reduce' is more precise in this context.
Lexical resource
RevisedHealthy citizens tend to be more productive and can make greater contributions to society.
The revised sentence is more precise and uses more formal language.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedIn conclusion, although economic progress is important, it is crucial for governments to invest in education, healthcare, and public safety.
Using 'although' provides a more direct link to the conclusion of the essay.
Grammar & accuracy
RevisedTrue success entails improving citizens’ quality of life, rather than solely focusing on increasing GDP.
The revised sentence is more precise and uses a more formal structure.
Select a highlighted passage to see its suggested revision.
What Axiom wrote for each criterion: why the answer earned its band, and what to work on next.
Coherence & cohesion
Band 8.0/ 9
The essay is logically organized and ideas are connected well. The introduction and conclusion are clear and relevant. However, there could be better use of linking words to connect ideas and sentences more effectively.
Suggestions
- Use a wider range of linking words to connect ideas and sentences more effectively.
Sentence revisions 3
RevisedEconomic growth, on the one hand, brings financial stability and employment opportunities.
Adding 'on the one hand' at the beginning of the sentence helps to connect it to the previous point more effectively.
RevisedConversely, education and healthcare are equally important indicators of success.
Using 'conversely' instead of 'on the other hand' provides a more direct link to the contrasting point.
RevisedIn conclusion, although economic progress is important, it is crucial for governments to invest in education, healthcare, and public safety.
Using 'although' provides a more direct link to the conclusion of the essay.
Grammar & accuracy
Band 8.0/ 9
The essay uses a wide range of complex structures. There are a few minor errors, but they do not impede communication.
Sentence revisions 3
RevisedWhen the gross domestic product (GDP) increases, the national income rises and citizens can enjoy better living standards.
The use of articles 'the' before GDP and national income is necessary for clarity.
RevisedTrue success entails improving citizens’ quality of life, rather than solely focusing on increasing GDP.
The revised sentence is more precise and uses a more formal structure.
RevisedFor instance, a strong economic performance can reduce poverty and promote innovation.
The use of 'a' before 'strong economic performance' is necessary for clarity.
Lexical resource
Band 8.0/ 9
The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary and there is evidence of less common and idiomatic language. However, there are a few instances of awkward or incorrect word choice.
Sentence revisions 3
RevisedEconomic growth enables governments to invest in public institutions and improve social welfare.
The term 'wealth generation' is not as precise as 'economic growth' in this context.
RevisedThis not only helps to reduce poverty but also supports sustainable development.
The term 'helps to reduce' is more precise in this context.
RevisedHealthy citizens tend to be more productive and can make greater contributions to society.
The revised sentence is more precise and uses more formal language.
Task response
Band 8.0/ 9
The essay addresses the task effectively, presenting a clear position throughout the response. The arguments are well-developed and supported with relevant examples. However, the introduction could be more engaging to the reader.
Suggestions
- Consider starting the essay with a thought-provoking question or a surprising fact to grab the reader's attention.
Check your own essay on this question
Write your answer and Axiom marks it the same way: a band for each criterion, and revisions for your own sentences. How the Task 2 checker works.
Check an essay free