IELTS HUBIELTS Discussion Essay on Tech & World & Society
Full IELTS Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Some think scientists should be allowed to send messages into space to communicate with other life forms while others believe this is too dangerous.
Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
Write at least 250 words.
Introduction
Introduces the two opposing views regarding sending messages into space (supporting communication vs. deeming it too dangerous) and states the author's agreement with the latter view due to potential risks.
Body Paragraph 1 View 1
Discusses the arguments of those who support sending messages: potential for major scientific breakthroughs (sharing knowledge, speeding up understanding) and creating a sense of unity/common goal among humans (global cooperation and peace).
Body Paragraph 2 View 2
Presents the opposing view (and the author's opinion) against sending messages, focusing on the unknown risks: potentially provoking a more technologically advanced civilization (risk to existence, historical analogy) and giving away location to predatory civilizations (becoming an easy target).
Body Paragraph 3 Opinion (Optional If Integrated)
N/A - Opinion is integrated into Body Paragraph 2 and stated in the introduction/conclusion.
Conclusion
Summarizes the points made by both sides but reiterates that the risks associated with revealing our presence (potential threat, becoming a target) outweigh the benefits, thus reinforcing the argument for a cautious approach.
Band 9 Sample Answer:
In the field of space exploration, there are two main viewpoints: one group supports sending messages into space to try and communicate with aliens, while the other sees this as a dangerous idea. I agree with the second group, because of the possible risks involved.
Supporters of interstellar communication make several strong points. First, they believe that such communication could lead to major scientific breakthroughs, possibly uncovering unknown secrets of the universe. In other words, sharing knowledge with a more advanced civilization could speed up our understanding of space, leading to a big jump in scientific progress. Second, they think that making contact could create a sense of unity and common goal among people. They suggest this could lead to a worldwide shift towards cooperation and peace, as we all reach out to the stars together.
However, I agree with those who warn against this space outreach, mainly because of the unknown risks. One argument is that we might accidentally provoke a more technologically advanced civilization, putting our very existence at risk. For example, history is full of cases where more advanced societies have overpowered less advanced ones, and there's no guarantee the same wouldn't happen on a space scale. Additionally, there's worry that such communication might give away our location to predatory civilizations, making us an easy target. This isn't just guesswork, but a possible outcome of showing our presence in the universe without fully understanding what that means.
In conclusion, while those in favor of interstellar communication make good points about scientific progress and worldwide unity, the risks of revealing our presence to potentially hostile civilizations are too big to overlook. Therefore, the cautious approach, highlighted by the potential threat to our existence and the risk of becoming a target, makes a stronger argument.
Band 7 Sample Answer:
In the realm of cosmic exploration, there exists a dichotomy of opinions: one faction advocates for the transmission of messages into the cosmos in hopes of extraterrestrial communication, while the other perceives this as a perilous venture. I align myself with the latter view, considering the potential risks involved.
Those who champion the cause of interstellar communication posit several compelling arguments. Firstly, they contend that such communication could lead to unprecedented scientific advancements, potentially unlocking secrets of the universe hitherto unknown. To elaborate, the exchange of knowledge with an advanced civilization could expedite our understanding of cosmology, thereby catalyzing a quantum leap in scientific progress. Secondly, they argue that establishing contact could foster a sense of unity and shared purpose amongst humanity. This sentiment, they argue, could engender a global shift towards cooperation and peace, as we collectively reach out to the stars.
However, I concur with those who caution against this cosmic outreach, primarily due to the inherent uncertainties. One argument is that we might inadvertently invite hostility from a technologically superior civilization, thereby jeopardizing our very existence. To illustrate, history is replete with examples of technologically advanced societies overpowering less advanced ones, and there is no guarantee that the same would not occur on an interstellar scale. Furthermore, there is the concern that such communication might reveal our location to predatory civilizations, making us an easy target. This is not mere speculation, but a potential consequence of revealing our presence in the universe without fully understanding the implications.
In conclusion, while the proponents of interstellar communication present valid arguments regarding scientific progress and global unity, the risks associated with revealing our presence to potentially hostile civilizations are too significant to ignore. Thus, the cautionary stance, underscored by the potential threat to our existence and the risk of becoming a target, presents a more compelling argument.