IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essays: Should Countries Ban Coal-Powered Energy Plants?

The topic of banning coal-powered energy plants is becoming increasingly relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. As global concerns about climate change and environmental protection grow, this subject has appeared more frequently in recent years and is likely to continue being a popular theme in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays and in-depth analysis to help you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2.

Analyzing the Question

Some people believe that countries should ban coal-powered energy plants completely. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

This question is asking for your opinion on whether coal-powered energy plants should be completely banned. It’s important to note that the question uses the word “completely,” which means you need to consider the absolute nature of this proposed ban. You should discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of such a ban, and clearly state your position on the matter.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

In recent years, there has been a growing debate about the future of energy production, with many advocating for the complete ban of coal-powered energy plants. While I acknowledge the significant environmental concerns associated with coal power, I believe that an immediate and total ban would be impractical and potentially harmful. Instead, I argue for a gradual phase-out coupled with increased investment in renewable energy sources.

Coal-powered plants have undeniably contributed to global warming and air pollution, releasing vast amounts of carbon dioxide and other harmful emissions into the atmosphere. These emissions have led to severe health issues in many communities and accelerated climate change. Furthermore, coal mining itself often results in environmental degradation and poses risks to workers’ safety. These factors make a compelling case for moving away from coal as an energy source.

However, an immediate and complete ban on coal-powered plants could have severe economic and social consequences. Many countries, particularly developing nations, still rely heavily on coal for their energy needs due to its abundance and relatively low cost. A sudden shift away from coal could lead to energy shortages, increased electricity prices, and job losses in coal-dependent communities. These impacts could disproportionately affect lower-income populations and potentially slow economic growth.

Instead of an outright ban, I believe a more effective approach would be a gradual phase-out of coal power combined with substantial investments in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. This transition should be accompanied by policies that support affected workers and communities, such as retraining programs and economic diversification initiatives. Additionally, continued research and development in clean energy technologies could help make renewable sources more efficient and cost-effective.

In conclusion, while the environmental impacts of coal-powered plants are undeniable, an immediate and complete ban could create significant economic and social challenges. A measured approach that balances environmental concerns with economic realities is more likely to achieve sustainable long-term results. By gradually phasing out coal while simultaneously investing in renewable alternatives, countries can work towards a cleaner energy future without causing undue hardship to their populations.

(Word count: 329)

Coal-powered plant pollution

Essay Analysis

This essay would likely score in the Band 8-9 range due to its:

1. Clear position: The writer clearly states their opinion that a gradual phase-out is preferable to an immediate ban.

2. Coherent structure: The essay follows a logical structure with a clear introduction, body paragraphs discussing both sides of the argument, and a conclusion that restates the main points.

3. Well-developed ideas: Each point is thoroughly explained and supported with relevant examples.

4. Sophisticated vocabulary: The essay uses a range of advanced vocabulary accurately (e.g., “environmental degradation,” “disproportionately affect,” “economic diversification initiatives”).

5. Complex sentence structures: The writer uses a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences with multiple clauses.

6. Cohesive devices: The essay uses a range of linking words and phrases to connect ideas smoothly (e.g., “However,” “Instead of,” “Additionally”).

7. Addressing the task fully: The essay considers both the environmental impacts of coal power and the potential consequences of a ban, providing a balanced argument.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

The use of coal-powered energy plants has been a topic of debate in recent years. Some people think these plants should be completely banned due to their negative effects on the environment. While I agree that coal power has many drawbacks, I believe that a total ban might not be the best solution.

Coal-powered plants are known to cause a lot of pollution. They release harmful gases into the air, which can lead to health problems for people living nearby. These plants also contribute to global warming by producing large amounts of carbon dioxide. Because of these reasons, it’s understandable why some people want to ban them completely.

However, banning coal power entirely could cause some problems. Many countries still rely on coal for a large part of their energy needs. If these plants were suddenly closed, it could lead to electricity shortages and higher energy prices. This would especially affect poorer people who might not be able to afford more expensive energy sources. Also, many people work in the coal industry, and they could lose their jobs if coal plants were banned.

I think a better approach would be to gradually reduce the use of coal power while increasing the use of cleaner energy sources like solar and wind power. This would give countries time to build new power plants and train workers for new jobs in renewable energy. At the same time, governments should invest in making coal plants cleaner and more efficient to reduce their impact on the environment.

In conclusion, while coal-powered plants do have negative effects on the environment, I believe that a complete ban is not the best solution. A gradual shift towards cleaner energy sources, combined with efforts to make existing coal plants less harmful, would be a more balanced approach to this problem.

(Word count: 298)

Essay Analysis

This essay would likely score in the Band 6-7 range due to its:

1. Clear position: The writer states their opinion that a gradual reduction is better than a complete ban.

2. Logical structure: The essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs discussing both sides, and a conclusion.

3. Relevant ideas: The main points are relevant to the question and supported with some examples.

4. Adequate vocabulary: The essay uses some topic-specific vocabulary, though not as sophisticated as the Band 8-9 essay.

5. Mixture of sentence structures: There’s a mix of simple and complex sentences, though less variety than in the higher band essay.

6. Basic cohesive devices: The essay uses some linking words, but they are less varied than in the higher band essay.

7. Addresses the task: The essay considers both sides of the argument and provides a clear opinion.

Key Vocabulary

1. Coal-powered (adjective) /koʊl ˈpaʊərd/: Operated or powered by burning coal.

2. Environmental degradation (noun) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃn/: The deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources.

3. Renewable energy (noun) /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/: Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.

4. Phase-out (noun) /feɪz aʊt/: The gradual discontinuation of a process, substance, or product.

5. Economic diversification (noun) /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk daɪˌvɜːrsɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/: The process of a country or region expanding its range of industries or products.

6. Carbon dioxide (noun) /ˈkɑːrbən daɪˈɒksaɪd/: A greenhouse gas produced by burning fossil fuels.

7. Global warming (noun) /ˈɡloʊbl ˈwɔːmɪŋ/: The gradual increase in the overall temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere.

8. Energy shortage (noun) /ˈenədʒi ˈʃɔːtɪdʒ/: A lack or scarcity of energy resources.

9. Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.

10. Emissions (noun) /ɪˈmɪʃnz/: The production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation.

Conclusion

The topic of banning coal-powered energy plants is a complex and nuanced issue that requires careful consideration of both environmental and economic factors. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2 exam, remember to:

1. Clearly state your position on the issue
2. Provide balanced arguments considering both sides
3. Use specific examples to support your points
4. Employ a range of vocabulary and sentence structures
5. Organize your essay logically with clear paragraphs and cohesive devices

To further practice, try writing your own essay on this topic or related themes such as:

• The role of government in promoting renewable energy
• The economic impact of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy
• The challenges developing countries face in adopting clean energy technologies

Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare more effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.