IELTS Band 9 Essay About Some scientists believe that intelligent life forms may exist on other
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Sample Answer (Band 9)
Some scientists believe that intelligent life forms may exist on other planets and some want to send messages to contact them. Others, however, think it is a bad idea because these life forms may be too dangerous.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
The existence of intelligent life beyond Earth has long been a subject of scientific speculation. While some advocate for actively sending messages to potential extraterrestrial civilizations, others caution against such an approach due to the unpredictable risks involved. This essay will discuss both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
On the one hand, those in favor of contacting alien life argue that the potential benefits could be profound. If an advanced civilization were to receive and respond to our messages, humanity could gain invaluable insights into technological progress, medicine, and even solutions to global challenges. Moreover, historical evidence suggests that cultural exchange has often led to progress, as seen in past human civilizations. Proponents also argue that since radio signals from Earth have been traveling through space for decades, it is logical to take a proactive stance in establishing communication.
On the other hand, opponents highlight the inherent dangers of such an endeavor. They argue that human history is rife with examples where encounters between civilizations of disparate technological levels have resulted in exploitation and devastation. If an extraterrestrial species were significantly more advanced, their motives might not align with human interests, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences. Furthermore, there is no certainty that alien life would be benevolent; some scientists suggest that revealing our location in the universe could expose Earth to existential threats.
In my opinion, while the pursuit of knowledge is fundamental to scientific progress, the potential risks outweigh the benefits in this case. Until humanity has a better understanding of what might be encountered, it would be prudent to observe rather than actively initiate contact. Instead, research should focus on passive methods, such as analyzing incoming signals, which could provide insights without exposing Earth to unknown dangers.
In conclusion, while contacting extraterrestrial life could yield groundbreaking discoveries, the risks associated with such communication cannot be ignored. Until a more comprehensive risk assessment is conducted, a cautious approach remains the most logical course of action.
5 Academic Words in the sample for Some scientists believe that intelligent life forms may exist on other
Advocate /ˈædvəkət/
- Sentence: Many environmentalists advocate for renewable energy as a solution to climate change.
Inherent /ɪnˈhɪrənt/
- Sentence: There are inherent risks in investing in emerging markets, as economic conditions can be unstable.
Disparate /ˈdɪspərət/
- Sentence: The company merged two disparate departments to improve efficiency, despite their different functions.
Exploitation /ˌɛksplɔɪˈteɪʃən/
- Sentence: The exploitation of natural resources without sustainable practices can lead to severe environmental damage.
Prudent /ˈpruːdənt/
- Sentence: It would be prudent to review all financial statements carefully before making any large investments.
5 Advanced Grammar Structures and How They Enhance the Essay
Complex Sentences with Relative Clauses
- Example: “If an advanced civilization were to receive and respond to our messages, humanity could gain invaluable insights into technological progress, medicine, and even solutions to global challenges.”
- Why it helps: This structure enhances fluency and clarity by linking ideas logically, improving coherence and cohesion.
Passive Voice for Formality
- Example: “Until a more comprehensive risk assessment is conducted, a cautious approach remains the most logical course of action.”
- Why it helps: The use of passive voice maintains a formal and objective tone, which is essential for academic writing.
Conditional Sentences (Second and Third Conditionals)
- Example: “If an extraterrestrial species were significantly more advanced, their motives might not align with human interests, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences.”
- Why it helps: Conditional structures allow for a nuanced discussion of hypothetical scenarios, making arguments more sophisticated.
Parallel Structure for Emphasis
- Example: “Humanity could gain invaluable insights into technological progress, medicine, and even solutions to global challenges.”
- Why it helps: This technique improves readability and reinforces key points by maintaining a consistent pattern.
Cleft Sentences for Emphasis
- Example: “It is logical to take a proactive stance in establishing communication.”
- Why it helps: Cleft sentences emphasize specific points, making arguments more persuasive and structured.
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