Space Exploration Investment

The question

How to approach this discuss both views question

A discuss-both-views essay asks you to explain two opinions fairly and then give your own.

1. Introduce both views and say you will discuss them.
2. Paragraph 1: the first view with reasons and an example.
3. Paragraph 2: the second view with reasons and an example.
4. State your own opinion clearly (in the introduction or conclusion) and keep it consistent.

How to plan this answer

Structure

1. Introduction: paraphrase the contrast between large space budgets and everyday needs on Earth, then state your opinion on where the priority should lie.
2. Body 1: the case for space exploration, such as technology spin-offs, satellite communications and the long-term survival of the species.
3. Body 2: the case for redirecting funds to earthly needs, such as clean water, healthcare and schooling, with the scale of the costs.
4. Body 3 (optional): the balance between short-term and long-term benefits, and whether both can be pursued at once.
5. Conclusion: restate your opinion and suggest a sensible division of priorities.

Idea bank

• Many technologies, including satellite navigation, weather forecasting and some medical imaging methods, were developed or improved through space research.
• Satellites monitor deforestation, crop health and sea ice, which supports decisions on food security and climate policy on Earth.
• Clean water and sanitation projects can improve child survival rates at a cost that is a small fraction of a single large space mission.
• Long-term risks such as asteroid impact or a changing climate may make it sensible to invest in the knowledge and technology needed to respond.
• Public support for space programmes can be low when unemployment and poverty are high, which affects how governments justify the spending.
• Some countries have combined both goals by using space data to improve farming and disaster response, which shows that the two priorities need not be opposed.

Useful vocabulary

• spin-off technologies: Many spin-off technologies from space research are now used in daily life.
• a fraction of: A water project may cost only a fraction of a single space mission.
• in the long run: Investment in research may pay off in the long run.
• pressing needs: Pressing needs such as healthcare should take priority over prestige projects.
• redirect funds to: Governments could redirect funds to education and clean water.
• the opportunity cost of: The opportunity cost of a space programme is the schooling that the money could have funded.
• a case can be made for: A case can be made for spending on space because of its scientific returns.
• neglect: It would be a mistake to neglect healthcare in favour of distant projects.
• on balance: On balance, I believe that basic human needs should come first.
• in tandem with: Research could proceed in tandem with efforts to meet domestic needs.

Common mistakes

• Describing space exploration only as 'exciting' or 'inspiring' without naming any concrete benefit such as navigation, communications or forecasting.
• Stating the cost of a space mission without any comparison to the cost of the earthly needs, which leaves the argument without a basis for weighing the two sides.
• Treating the question as either-or, when a good answer may consider whether the two goals can be pursued together.
• Using invented figures or statistics about specific missions or budgets, rather than general and checkable claims.
• Concluding with a claim that the earthly problems will be solved by space technology, which is an unsupported leap.

Examiner tip: Weigh the long-term benefits of space research against the immediate human needs, and give a clear reason for the priority you choose.