Unit 26: Space Exploration & Astronomy

Writing: The Future of Humanity

Task (Cambridge C1 Advanced, Part 2)

Question: Your lecturer has asked you to write an essay for your advanced English course regarding the future of space exploration. You have read a discussion paper about whether governments should continue to invest heavily in space programmes or if these funds should be redirected to solving problems on Earth.

Write an essay discussing both views. Then, give your own opinion on whether space exploration is a justifiable expense for modern society. 220–260 words.

Tips (Estrategias de examen)

• Structure: Divide your essay into four clear paragraphs: Introduction, Argument 1 (Pro-space), Argument 2 (Pro-Earth), and a Conclusion with your final opinion.
• Register: Use a formal academic tone. Avoid contractions (use do not instead of don't) and avoid overly emotional language.
• Linking: Use sophisticated cohesive devices (e.g., Furthermore, Conversely, Notwithstanding) to connect your ideas logically rather than using simple words like and or but.
• Hedging: In C1, avoid being too "black and white." Use "hedging" (lenguaje cauteloso) to sound more academic. Instead of saying "Space travel is a waste of money," use "It could be argued that space travel represents a significant drain on resources."
• Evaluación de ideas: No te limites a listar hechos. Debes evaluar la validez de los argumentos. No digas solo qué pasa, di por qué es importante o qué consecuencias tiene.
• Time management: Dedica unos 5-10 minutos a planificar (brainstorming) antes de escribir. En el examen, el tiempo es oro; no empieces a escribir sin tener claros tus dos puntos principales.

Useful language

Model answer

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The Cost of the Cosmos

The rapid advancement of aerospace technology has ignited a global debate regarding the allocation of astronomical budgets. While some argue that these funds are vital for human progress, others contend that such expenditure is unjustifiable given the pressing issues on our own planet.

Proponents of space exploration argue that such investment is an investment in the future of humanity. They maintain that technological breakthroughs derived from space research—such as satellite communications and advanced medical imaging—have profound benefits for Earth. Furthermore, the prospect of colonising other planets is seen by many as a necessary safeguard against the eventual depletion of Earth's resources.

Conversely, critics maintain that the financial resources allocated to space agencies would be better spent addressing immediate global crises. They point to poverty, climate change, and preventable diseases as issues that require urgent funding. From this perspective, spending billions on Mars missions while millions suffer on Earth appears to be an indulgence that modern society can ill afford.

In conclusion, both sides present compelling arguments. While the necessity of solving terrestrial problems is undeniable, I believe that space exploration should not be viewed as a luxury, but as a long-term necessity. If we only focus on the present, we risk stagnation. Therefore, a balanced approach, where space research is pursued alongside humanitarian efforts, is the most rational path forward for mankind.

Marking checklist

• Content: Have you addressed all parts of the task? (Both views + your own opinion).
• Communicative Achievement: Is the tone formal and academic? Does it use "hedging" to sound sophisticated?
• Organisation: Are the paragraphs logically sequenced? Are cohesive devices (linking words) used effectively to guide the reader?
• Language: Have you used a wide range of advanced vocabulary and complex grammatical structures (e.g., inversion, conditionals, passive voice)?