IELTS Band 9 Essay About Many think that governments should fund programs in search of life on other planets
Here we take a look at a band 9 ielts writing task 2 sample about “Many think that governments should fund programs in search of life on other planets”. This sample then will be further analyzed for its vocabulary, grammar and format, so we see how it has qualified for such band score. We also suggest over 200 band 9 IELTS samples released in 2025.
Sample Essay (Band 9)
Many think that governments should fund programs in search of life on other planets. However, others believe governments should focus on unresolved issues on the planet.
Provide your opinion and discuss both views.
The debate over whether governments should allocate resources to the exploration of extraterrestrial life or address pressing domestic concerns is highly contentious. While some argue that searching for alien life could yield groundbreaking discoveries, others emphasize the necessity of prioritizing immediate global challenges. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
On the one hand, investing in space programs aimed at detecting life beyond Earth has numerous potential benefits. First, such initiatives could lead to unprecedented scientific advancements, particularly in astrophysics, biology, and technology. By studying other planets, researchers may develop innovative solutions to problems such as climate change or food scarcity. Additionally, space exploration fuels economic growth by fostering new industries, creating employment, and encouraging technological breakthroughs. For example, satellite technology, initially developed for space missions, now plays a crucial role in communication, navigation, and disaster management on Earth.
However, critics argue that governmental spending should be redirected towards more immediate concerns, such as poverty, healthcare, and environmental degradation. The world is already grappling with pressing crises, including famine, water shortages, and political instability. Given the limited nature of public funds, many believe that addressing these urgent challenges should take precedence over speculative scientific pursuits. Furthermore, space research often requires enormous financial outlays, yet its tangible benefits may not be realized for decades, making it an impractical investment in the short term.
In my opinion, while space exploration is undeniably valuable, governments must strike a balance between futuristic ambitions and present-day needs. A pragmatic approach would involve maintaining funding for space programs but ensuring that they do not overshadow essential investments in education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. By doing so, societies can benefit from scientific innovation while simultaneously safeguarding human welfare.
Ultimately, space research and the resolution of earthly issues are not mutually exclusive. Through responsible allocation of resources, governments can contribute to both scientific progress and societal well-being, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for all.
5 Academic Words in the sample for Many think that governments should fund programs in search of life on other planets
Allocate (/ˈæləkeɪt/)
- The government must allocate sufficient funds to both healthcare and scientific research to ensure balanced development.
Contentious (/kənˈtɛnʃəs/)
- The topic of universal healthcare remains highly contentious, with strong arguments on both sides.
Precedence (/ˈprɛsɪdəns/)
- In emergency situations, saving human lives must always take precedence over economic considerations.
Redirected (/ˌriːdaɪˈrɛktɪd/)
- Due to budget constraints, resources were redirected from space exploration to public health initiatives.
Outlays (/ˈaʊtleɪz/)
- The company’s high outlays on research and development have contributed to its innovative success.
5 Advanced Grammar Structures and How They Enhance the Essay
Complex Sentences
- Example: Given the limited nature of public funds, many believe that addressing these urgent challenges should take precedence over speculative scientific pursuits.
- This structure demonstrates the ability to construct well-developed ideas with appropriate use of dependent clauses.
Passive Voice
- Example: Space research often requires enormous financial outlays, yet its tangible benefits may not be realized for decades.
- The use of the passive voice makes the statement more formal and emphasizes the result rather than the agent.
Parallelism
- Example: By studying other planets, researchers may develop innovative solutions to problems such as climate change or food scarcity.
- Parallel structure enhances readability and fluency, making the argument more persuasive.
Cleft Sentence
- Example: It is through responsible allocation of resources that governments can contribute to both scientific progress and societal well-being.
- This structure adds emphasis to the key argument, making it more impactful.
Conditional Sentence
- Example: If governments fail to address pressing global issues, scientific advancements will be of little significance.
- The conditional structure highlights cause-effect relationships, strengthening the logical flow of ideas.
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