Recycled · 2026More recent exam questions
Some people say that a lot of scientific research done today is a waste of time and money.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
1 sample answer, estimated Band 8.0. Your turn?
Write it first, then read the sample answers and reviews below. You'll see the gap at once.
From essays on this question
WhyThis is anOpinion essay — it asks whether you agree or disagree with a statement.
SoWe split the ideas intoReasons to agree(supports the statement)andReasons to disagree(argues against it).
For example, funding allocated to highly specialised experiments—particularly in obscure theoretical fields—may divert attention and resources from more pressing priorities, such as public health or infrastructure improvements.
Many findings are hidden behind expensive journal paywalls, while some studies—especially those yielding negative results—are never published at all.
By way of illustration, research on vaccine development, renewable technologies, and pollution control has proven instrumental in combating disease and mitigating climate change.
Moreover, investing in frontier areas like space exploration and artificial intelligence fosters future economic development.
Same question · Different responses
Essay · 338 words · 4 paragraphs · 11 comments
From essays on this question
Some scientific endeavours struggle to justify their costs or deliver clear practical returns.
It is sometimes argued that much contemporary scientific research wastes public funds and time.
Consequently, such breakthroughs improve public health, enhance sustainability, and raise quality of life on a global scale.
For example, funding allocated to highly specialised experiments—particularly in obscure theoretical fields—may divert attention and resources from more pressing priorities, such as public health or infrastructure improvements.
Consequently, this limited access hinders the wider societal benefit of scientific inquiry and slows the spread of potentially valuable knowledge.
Second, a lack of transparency and accessibility further weakens the impact of research.
From essays on this question
Despite the inefficiencies and access barriers which mar some projects, I believe that the long-term benefits of well-targeted research far outweigh these drawbacks and merit continued investment.
Many findings are hidden behind expensive journal paywalls, while some studies—especially those yielding negative results—are never published at all.
As a result, poor prioritisation can lead to public dissatisfaction and growing concerns about wasted taxpayer money.
First, misallocation of resources can occur when large budgets are devoted to projects with minimal application or relevance to everyday needs.
Practise this question
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write at least 250 words.
