The topic of banning fossil fuels has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams, reflecting its global significance in environmental and economic discussions. Based on past trends and current environmental concerns, we can expect this topic to continue appearing in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore a specific question related to this theme and analyze sample essays for different band scores.
Fossil Fuel Debate
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that governments should ban the use of fossil fuels to reduce global warming. Others think this would cause too much economic disruption. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that governments should ban fossil fuels to combat global warming.
- Explore the opposing view that such a ban would cause significant economic problems.
- Provide their own opinion on the issue.
Key points to consider:
- Environmental impact of fossil fuels
- Economic dependence on fossil fuels
- Potential alternatives to fossil fuels
- Short-term vs long-term consequences
- Government’s role in environmental protection and economic stability
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Level
The debate over banning fossil fuels has intensified as the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change. While some advocate for an immediate ban to mitigate global warming, others argue that such a drastic measure would lead to severe economic repercussions. This essay will examine both perspectives before offering a nuanced opinion on this complex issue.
Proponents of banning fossil fuels emphasize the dire environmental consequences of their continued use. Burning coal, oil, and natural gas releases enormous amounts of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, which trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere and accelerate global warming. This process leads to rising sea levels, more frequent extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss. By implementing a ban, governments could significantly reduce carbon emissions, potentially slowing or even reversing some of the most devastating effects of climate change.
On the other hand, those opposed to an outright ban argue that fossil fuels are deeply ingrained in the global economy, and their sudden elimination would cause widespread economic disruption. Industries ranging from transportation to manufacturing heavily rely on fossil fuels, and a rapid transition could lead to job losses, energy shortages, and increased costs for basic goods and services. Moreover, developing countries, which often depend on fossil fuels for economic growth, might view such a ban as an unfair impediment to their development.
In my opinion, while the environmental benefits of banning fossil fuels are clear, the potential economic consequences cannot be ignored. A more balanced approach would be to implement a gradual phase-out of fossil fuels coupled with significant investments in renewable energy technologies. This strategy would allow for a smoother economic transition while still addressing the urgent need to combat climate change. Governments could introduce carbon pricing mechanisms, provide incentives for clean energy adoption, and support research and development in sustainable technologies.
In conclusion, the decision to ban fossil fuels is not a simple one. While the environmental argument is compelling, the economic concerns are valid. A carefully planned transition that balances environmental protection with economic stability is likely to be more effective and widely accepted than an abrupt ban. Ultimately, addressing climate change requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond simply prohibiting fossil fuels.
(Word count: 345)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates the qualities expected of a high band score:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion. It offers a nuanced perspective that acknowledges the complexity of the issue.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. It uses cohesive devices effectively to link ideas both within and between paragraphs.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately. It demonstrates sophisticated control of lexical features, such as “mitigate,” “repercussions,” and “phase-out.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a wide range of grammatical structures with flexibility and accuracy. It includes complex sentences and shows consistent control of grammar and punctuation.
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Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations. The essay presents a balanced argument and a thoughtful conclusion.
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Level
The use of fossil fuels and their impact on global warming is a big topic these days. Some people think governments should stop all fossil fuel use, while others worry about the economic problems this could cause. This essay will look at both sides and give my opinion.
Those who want to ban fossil fuels say it’s necessary to stop global warming. Burning oil, coal, and gas puts a lot of carbon dioxide into the air, which makes the Earth warmer. This leads to problems like rising sea levels and more storms. They think that if we stop using fossil fuels, we can slow down or even stop these bad effects on the environment.
On the other hand, people against the ban say it would hurt the economy too much. Many jobs and industries depend on fossil fuels, and suddenly stopping their use could cause a lot of people to lose their jobs. Also, things like electricity and transport might become more expensive. This could be especially hard for poorer countries that need cheap energy to develop their economies.
In my opinion, while we need to do something about global warming, banning fossil fuels completely and quickly would cause too many problems. I think a better way would be to slowly reduce fossil fuel use while also investing more in clean energy like solar and wind power. This would give time for the economy to adjust and for new jobs in clean energy to be created.
To conclude, the issue of banning fossil fuels is not simple. We need to balance protecting the environment with keeping the economy stable. Governments should work on plans to move away from fossil fuels over time, while also supporting new, cleaner technologies.
(Word count: 294)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates the qualities expected of a Band 6-7 score:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting both views and offering a personal opinion. However, the ideas could be more fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear paragraphing. It uses some cohesive devices, though not always with complete accuracy or sophistication.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses an adequate range of vocabulary, with some attempts at less common words. There are some errors in word choice or formation, but they do not impede communication.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical errors, but they do not significantly affect the overall meaning.
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Development of Ideas: The main ideas are relevant and supported, though the support could be more detailed or specific. The conclusion summarizes the main points without adding new information.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Fossil fuels (noun) /ˈfɒs.əl ˌfjuːəlz/ – Carbon-based fuels formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals.
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Global warming (noun) /ˌɡləʊ.bəl ˈwɔː.mɪŋ/ – The gradual increase in the overall temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere.
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Economic disruption (noun phrase) /ˌiː.kəˈnɒm.ɪk dɪsˈrʌp.ʃən/ – Significant disturbance or problems in economic activities.
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Greenhouse gases (noun) /ˈɡriːn.haʊs ˌɡæs.ɪz/ – Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation.
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Carbon emissions (noun) /ˈkɑː.bən ɪˈmɪʃ.ənz/ – The release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
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Renewable energy (noun) /rɪˈnjuː.ə.bəl ˈen.ə.dʒi/ – Energy from sources that are naturally replenished on a human timescale.
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Phase-out (noun) /ˈfeɪz.aʊt/ – The gradual discontinuation of a process, substance, or product.
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Carbon pricing (noun) /ˈkɑː.bən ˈpraɪ.sɪŋ/ – A method of charging for carbon emissions to reduce their production.
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Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪ.əʊ.daɪˈvɜː.sə.ti/ – The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or on Earth as a whole.
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Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources or causing ecological damage.
Conclusion
The topic of banning fossil fuels is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams due to its global importance. To prepare for similar questions, consider practicing with variations such as:
- “Do you think the benefits of phasing out fossil fuels outweigh the drawbacks?”
- “Some people argue that investing in renewable energy is more effective than banning fossil fuels. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
- “Discuss the potential economic and environmental impacts of a global transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.”
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is not just about having knowledge on the topic, but also about effectively structuring your essay, using a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and developing your ideas clearly and coherently.
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice can significantly improve your writing skills and prepare you better for the IELTS exam.
