Last Updated: 22nd March 2023
GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 346
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people feel that the cost of space exploration is far too high for the benefits it brings while others argue that space programmes should continue no matter what the cost.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer:
Space exploration gets a huge budget every year. Many would argue that the benefits it reaps do not worth the money, yet others opine that the programme ought to be carried on, even though the operating costs are huge. I strongly concur with the latter view and will show that despite being expensive, the space programme has an enormous contribution to technological advancements and the economy.
It is often believed that the money spent on space exploration is not justified. Many vociferous opponents of space exploration claim that nations derive no direct advantages from space exploration. A case in point is velcro, which was used during the Apollo mission to fasten equipment for astronauts. But the moon offered us nothing except some photos of the planet below.
Nations, however, ought to persist with their space programme in spite of bearing the huge cost. This is because it paves the way for the development of various sophisticated technologies that contribute significantly to the economy and improve lives on the planet. Without space programmes, for instance, we would not have the Global Positioning System (GPS), accurate weather forecast, ultraviolet filters in cameras and sunglasses, and solar cells, to name but a few. In addition, the current medical research in space could cure many fatal diseases and increase life expectancy, and these experiments cannot be conducted on Earth.
Furthermore, the money that countries spend on space exploration creates positive impacts on the economy. It facilitates highly skilled jobs, advances leading-edge technologies, and opens up business opportunities that feedback into their economy. For this reason, I think that space exploration should continue.
In conclusion, I think that a generous fund should be put into space exploration because it positively impacts technological advancements that keep on advancing our civilisation. It has some indirect benefits for the economy as well.