Is scientific research a waste?: IELTS Task 2 essay #5, 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.
339 words. Marked by Axiom on 12 July 2025. Estimated by AI. It isn’t an official IELTS score.
Task 2339 words
Some people say that a lot of scientific research done today is a waste of time and money. To what extent do you agree disagree?
Nowadays, some people believe that scientific research is not helpful and only wastes time and money. However, I completely disagree with this idea.
Grammar & accuracy
RevisedIn my opinion, scientific research plays a crucial role in enhancing our health, protecting the environment, and improving the quality of our lives.
The revised sentence is more formal and precise.
In the past, many diseases were very dangerous, but now we can treat or even cure some of them. More people now survive cancer, and the treatments are more effective. Another example is the COVID-19 pandemic. Scientists worked fast to make vaccines, and these saved millions of lives. Without research, we would not have had these medical tools. Even normal sicknesses like the flu are easier to treat now. Science has also helped hospitals get better equipment and doctors to do better surgery.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedThe primary advantage of scientific research is its contribution to increasing life expectancy and promoting health.
The revised sentence provides a more formal and academic tone to the introduction of the first main point.
Lexical resource
RevisedFor instance, there has been significant advancement in cancer treatment over the past two decades.
The revised sentence is more formal and academic in tone.
Today, we face big problems like climate change, air pollution, and dirty water. Scientists study these problems and try to find good solutions. For example, they made solar panels, electric cars, and wind power. These things help reduce the use of fuel like oil and gas, which is better for the Earth.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedAnother significant benefit of scientific research is its role in environmental preservation and sustainability.
The revision provides a more formal and academic tone to the introduction of the second main point.
Lexical resource
RevisedAdditionally, research provides valuable insights on recycling, energy conservation, and waste reduction.
The revised sentence is more formal and academic in tone.
Lexical resource
RevisedThese innovations not only enhance our current quality of life but also pave the way for a more sustainable future.
The revised sentence is more formal and academic in tone.
We use mobile phones, the internet, and fast computers every day. These are all results of scientific work. For example, because of computer research, people can work from home, take classes online, and do business on the internet.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedFinally, the technological advancements stemming from research have significantly enhanced our quality of life.
The revision provides a more formal and academic tone to the introduction of the third main point.
Grammar & accuracy
RevisedThese advancements not only save time but also provide people with more opportunities.
The revised sentence is more formal and precise.
In conclusion, I strongly believe that scientific research is not a waste of time or money. It helps improve health, protects the environment, and makes life more comfortable. Even if it takes time, the results are very useful for everyone.
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, body paragraphs, and conclusion are clearly presented. However, there are a few areas where the flow of ideas could be improved.
Suggestions
- Try to use a wider range of linking words to connect your ideas more effectively.
- Ensure that your conclusion effectively summarizes the key points of your argument.
Sentence revisions 3
RevisedThe primary advantage of scientific research is its contribution to increasing life expectancy and promoting health.
The revised sentence provides a more formal and academic tone to the introduction of the first main point.
RevisedAnother significant benefit of scientific research is its role in environmental preservation and sustainability.
The revision provides a more formal and academic tone to the introduction of the second main point.
RevisedFinally, the technological advancements stemming from research have significantly enhanced our quality of life.
The revision provides a more formal and academic tone to the introduction of the third main point.
Grammar & accuracy
Band 8.0/ 9
The essay demonstrates a good control of a range of grammatical structures. However, there are a few instances of awkward or unclear phrasing that could be improved.
Sentence revisions 3
RevisedIn my opinion, scientific research plays a crucial role in enhancing our health, protecting the environment, and improving the quality of our lives.
The revised sentence is more formal and precise.
RevisedFor instance, there has been a significant improvement in cancer treatment over the past two decades.
The revised sentence is more formal and precise.
RevisedThese advancements not only save time but also provide people with more opportunities.
The revised sentence is more formal and precise.
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 informal language that could be improved.
Sentence revisions 3
RevisedFor instance, there has been significant advancement in cancer treatment over the past two decades.
The revised sentence is more formal and academic in tone.
RevisedAdditionally, research provides valuable insights on recycling, energy conservation, and waste reduction.
The revised sentence is more formal and academic in tone.
RevisedThese innovations not only enhance our current quality of life but also pave the way for a more sustainable future.
The revised sentence is more formal and academic in tone.
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 conclusion could be more effective in summarizing the key points of the argument.
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