As an IELTS Writing Task 2 expert, I’ve noticed that topics related to renewable energy and fossil fuels have been increasingly prevalent in recent exams. This trend is likely to continue given the global focus on sustainability and climate change. Today, we’ll explore a question that exemplifies this theme and provide sample essays for different band scores.

Let’s begin by analyzing a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:

Some people believe that it is possible to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy sources in the near future, while others think this is unrealistic. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Analyzing the Question

This question requires you to:

1. Discuss the view that fossil fuels can be replaced with renewable energy soon
2. Discuss the opposing view that this is unrealistic
3. Provide your own opinion on the matter

Remember to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced discussion before stating your own stance.

Renewable Energy vs Fossil Fuels

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

The global push towards sustainable energy has sparked a debate about the feasibility of replacing fossil fuels with renewable sources in the near future. While some argue that this transition is imminent, others contend that it is an unrealistic goal. This essay will examine both perspectives before offering a personal viewpoint.

Proponents of rapid renewable energy adoption point to the significant technological advancements and decreasing costs of clean energy solutions. Solar and wind power, for instance, have become increasingly efficient and economically viable, often matching or undercutting the cost of fossil fuel-generated electricity in many regions. Moreover, countries like Denmark and Costa Rica have already demonstrated the potential for near-total reliance on renewable energy, setting an example for others to follow. These successes, combined with growing public awareness of climate change, create a strong case for the possibility of a swift transition away from fossil fuels.

On the other hand, skeptics argue that the complete replacement of fossil fuels is unrealistic in the near term due to several factors. The intermittent nature of renewable sources like solar and wind poses challenges for grid stability and energy storage, requiring significant infrastructure investments. Additionally, certain sectors such as aviation and heavy industry still heavily rely on fossil fuels, with viable alternatives still in early development stages. Furthermore, the economic and political influence of the fossil fuel industry in many countries may slow the transition process.

In my opinion, while a complete transition to renewable energy in the immediate future may be overly optimistic, significant progress towards this goal is both possible and necessary. The rapid advancement of technology, coupled with increasing environmental concerns, is likely to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy. However, a realistic approach would involve a gradual transition, allowing time for infrastructure development, technological improvements, and economic adjustments.

In conclusion, the debate over replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy reflects the complex challenges and opportunities of our energy future. While the goal is achievable, it requires a balanced approach that acknowledges both the urgency of climate action and the practical constraints of large-scale energy transitions.

(Word count: 329)

Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates several qualities that contribute to a high band score:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the question, discussing both viewpoints and providing a clear personal opinion.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices.

3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures with minimal errors.

5. Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Many people think we can switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy soon, but others say this is not realistic. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.

Those who believe we can change to renewable energy soon have some good reasons. Technology for solar and wind power is getting better and cheaper all the time. Some countries are already using a lot of renewable energy. For example, Denmark gets a lot of its electricity from wind power. Also, more people are worried about climate change, so they want to use clean energy.

However, there are also reasons why some people think it’s not realistic to replace fossil fuels quickly. Renewable energy like solar and wind doesn’t work all the time, so we need ways to store energy. This can be expensive. Also, some industries like airplanes still need oil. Another problem is that many countries make money from selling oil and gas, so they might not want to change.

In my opinion, I think we can use more renewable energy, but it will take time to completely replace fossil fuels. We need to keep improving technology and build more solar panels and wind turbines. At the same time, we should try to use less energy and be more efficient.

To conclude, changing to renewable energy is important for the environment, but it’s a big challenge. We need to work hard and be patient to make this change happen.

(Word count: 249)

Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates characteristics typical of a Band 6-7 score:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the question, but the ideas could be more fully developed.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is somewhat limited.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, but lacks the sophistication seen in higher band scores.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with some errors that do not impede communication.

5. Development of Ideas: Ideas are presented with some support, but could be elaborated further.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Renewable energy (n.) /rɪˈnjuːəbəl ˈenədʒi/ – Energy from a source that is not depleted when used
2. Fossil fuels (n.) /ˈfɒsəl fjuːəlz/ – Fuels formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals
3. Sustainable (adj.) /səˈsteɪnəbəl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
4. Intermittent (adj.) /ˌɪntəˈmɪtənt/ – Occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous
5. Viable (adj.) /ˈvaɪəbəl/ – Capable of working successfully; feasible
6. Infrastructure (n.) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – The basic physical and organizational structures needed for operation
7. Transition (n.) /trænˈzɪʃən/ – The process of changing from one state or condition to another
8. Grid stability (n.) /ɡrɪd stəˈbɪləti/ – The ability of an electrical system to maintain a steady state during disturbances
9. Carbon emissions (n.) /ˈkɑːbən ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – The release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
10. Energy storage (n.) /ˈenədʒi ˈstɔːrɪdʒ/ – The capture of energy produced for use at a later time

In conclusion, the topic of replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

• The economic impact of transitioning to renewable energy
• Government policies to promote renewable energy adoption
• The role of individuals in supporting renewable energy use

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, and fully address all parts of the question. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!