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Band 9 SampleOpinion EssaySpace

Band 9 Opinion Essay

Space exploration is a waste of money. Do you agree or disagree?

267 words
36 minutes
Band 9

Key Features

  • Clear position with balanced consideration of counter-arguments
  • Specific examples of space technology applications
  • Academic vocabulary and sophisticated expressions
  • Complex grammatical structures

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Band 9 Essay

The question of whether investing in space exploration constitutes a wasteful use of public funds has sparked considerable debate. While I acknowledge that such endeavors require substantial financial resources, I strongly believe that the long-term benefits of space research and technological advancement justify these investments.

Critics of space exploration argue that the billions spent on missions to Mars, the Moon, and beyond could be better utilized addressing pressing issues on Earth. They point to global challenges such as poverty, climate change, and healthcare crises that require immediate attention and funding. From this perspective, space exploration appears to be an expensive luxury that benefits only a select few scientists and engineers while ordinary citizens struggle with daily challenges.

However, this viewpoint overlooks the numerous practical benefits that space research has already delivered to humanity. Satellite technology, initially developed for space exploration, now underpins global communication, weather forecasting, and navigation systems that billions of people use daily. Medical research conducted in space has led to breakthroughs in understanding osteoporosis, muscle atrophy, and fluid dynamics that have direct applications in treating Earth-bound patients. Furthermore, the need to solve complex problems for space missions drives innovation in materials science, robotics, and artificial intelligence—technologies that eventually find their way into consumer products and industrial applications.

In conclusion, while space exploration requires significant investment, I firmly believe that it is far from a waste of money. The technological spin-offs, scientific discoveries, and inspiration for future generations make it a valuable investment in humanity's future.

(Word count: 267)

Vocabulary Highlights

constitutes

构成

Band 8

constitutes a wasteful use

underpins

支撑

Band 9

underpins global communication

spin-offs

副产品

Band 8

technological spin-offs

endeavors

努力

Band 8

such endeavors require

Grammar Highlights

The question of whether... has sparked (complex noun phrase)

While I acknowledge that..., I strongly believe that... (concessive)

that space research has already delivered (present perfect)

makes it a valuable investment (result clause)

Essay Structure

Introduction

Context + thesis statement (disagree)

Body Paragraph 1

Counter-argument: Money could be spent on Earth problems

Body Paragraph 2

Main argument: Practical benefits, technological spin-offs, innovation

Conclusion

Restate position with summary

Examiner Comments

Task Response

9

Fully addresses the task. Presents a clear position with well-developed arguments.

How fully the question is answered, position is clear, ideas are developed

Coherence and Cohesion

9

Logical organization. Effective use of cohesive devices.

Organization, paragraphing, and use of cohesive devices

Lexical Resource

9

Wide range of vocabulary with sophisticated word choice.

Vocabulary range, accuracy, and appropriateness

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

9

Complex structures with full flexibility.

Variety and accuracy of grammatical structures

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Real User Reviews

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Average improvement of 0.8 band, 73% break through the 6.5 plateau

S

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India

6.57.5(3 weeks)
The analysis showed I wasn't using examples properly. Once I fixed that, my score jumped! The AI feedback was incredibly specific.
Key BreakthroughIdentified Task Response issues
4.8/5
Average Rating
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Analyses Done
73%
Success Rate
+0.8
Avg. Improvement

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