Renewable energy and sustainable development have become increasingly prominent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This theme reflects the growing global concern about climate change and the urgent need for sustainable solutions. Based on recent trends, we can expect to see more questions related to renewable energy and its role in sustainable development in future IELTS exams.
Let’s examine a relevant IELTS Writing Task 2 question that has appeared in recent tests:
Some people believe that the development of renewable energy sources is crucial for the future of our planet. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Analyzing the Question
This question asks for your opinion on the importance of renewable energy for the planet’s future. Key points to consider:
- The main topic is renewable energy sources
- The focus is on their importance for the future
- You need to state your level of agreement or disagreement
- You should provide reasons and examples to support your position
Renewable Energy Sources
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
Renewable energy sources have gained significant attention in recent years as a potential solution to the world’s growing energy needs and environmental concerns. I strongly agree that the development of these sustainable energy alternatives is crucial for the future of our planet. This essay will explore the reasons behind this stance and provide examples to support this view.
Firstly, renewable energy sources offer a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, which are finite and environmentally damaging. As global energy demand continues to rise, it is essential to find energy sources that can meet this demand without depleting natural resources or exacerbating climate change. Solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal power provide clean, inexhaustible energy that can be harnessed indefinitely, ensuring a stable energy supply for future generations.
Moreover, the development of renewable energy technologies can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The burning of fossil fuels is a major contributor to global warming, and shifting to renewable energy sources can help countries meet their carbon reduction targets. For instance, countries like Denmark and Germany have made substantial progress in reducing their carbon footprints by investing heavily in wind and solar power infrastructure.
Additionally, the renewable energy sector has the potential to create numerous job opportunities and stimulate economic growth. As the industry expands, it requires a diverse workforce, from engineers and technicians to installers and maintenance personnel. This can lead to the revitalization of local economies, particularly in rural areas where many renewable energy projects are located. For example, the solar industry in the United States has created hundreds of thousands of jobs in recent years, outpacing job growth in many traditional sectors.
Furthermore, advancing renewable energy technologies can enhance energy security and reduce geopolitical tensions related to fossil fuel resources. Many countries are heavily dependent on imported oil and gas, which can lead to economic vulnerability and political conflicts. By developing domestic renewable energy sources, nations can reduce their reliance on foreign energy supplies and achieve greater energy independence.
In conclusion, the development of renewable energy sources is indeed crucial for the future of our planet. These sustainable alternatives offer a clean, inexhaustible energy supply, help combat climate change, create economic opportunities, and enhance energy security. As such, it is imperative that governments, businesses, and individuals continue to invest in and support the growth of the renewable energy sector to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for all.
(Word count: 398)
Band 6-7 Essay
I strongly agree that developing renewable energy sources is very important for our planet’s future. There are several reasons why I believe this is true.
First, renewable energy is much better for the environment than fossil fuels. Burning coal, oil, and gas releases a lot of pollution and greenhouse gases, which cause climate change. In contrast, solar, wind, and hydroelectric power don’t produce these harmful emissions. By using more renewable energy, we can reduce air pollution and slow down global warming.
Second, renewable energy sources will never run out, unlike fossil fuels. We know that oil, coal, and gas supplies are limited and will eventually be used up. But the sun will always shine, the wind will always blow, and rivers will always flow. This means we can rely on renewable energy for a long time without worrying about running out.
Third, developing renewable energy can create many new jobs. As countries build more solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy infrastructure, they need people to design, manufacture, install, and maintain these systems. This can help boost the economy and provide employment opportunities for many people.
Lastly, using more renewable energy can help countries become more independent. Many nations have to buy oil and gas from other countries, which can be expensive and cause political problems. If countries can produce their own energy from renewable sources, they won’t have to rely so much on other nations for their energy needs.
However, there are some challenges in developing renewable energy. It can be expensive to build the necessary infrastructure, and some people worry about the reliability of renewable sources. Despite these issues, I believe the benefits of renewable energy far outweigh the drawbacks.
In conclusion, I strongly agree that developing renewable energy sources is crucial for our planet’s future. It’s better for the environment, provides a long-lasting energy supply, creates jobs, and increases energy independence. Governments and companies should invest more in renewable energy to ensure a sustainable future for everyone.
(Word count: 329)
Band 5-6 Essay
I agree that developing renewable energy is very important for our planet’s future. There are several reasons why I think this.
First, renewable energy is better for the environment. It doesn’t make pollution like fossil fuels do. This means cleaner air and less global warming. For example, solar panels and wind turbines don’t release harmful gases into the air.
Second, renewable energy will not run out. We know that oil and coal will finish one day, but the sun and wind will always be there. This means we can use renewable energy for a long time without worry.
Third, renewable energy can create new jobs. When countries build more solar panels and wind farms, they need people to work on them. This can help many people find jobs and earn money.
Also, renewable energy can help countries be more independent. If a country can make its own energy, it doesn’t need to buy it from other countries. This can save money and avoid problems.
But there are some problems with renewable energy too. It can be expensive to build, and sometimes it doesn’t work well (like when there’s no sun or wind). But I think these problems can be solved with time and more research.
In conclusion, I believe developing renewable energy is very important for our future. It’s good for the environment, will last a long time, creates jobs, and helps countries be independent. We should try to use more renewable energy to make a better future for everyone.
(Word count: 242)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic. Key strengths include:
- Clear structure: The essay has a well-defined introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
- Coherent arguments: Each paragraph presents a distinct point that directly supports the main argument.
- Advanced vocabulary: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately (e.g., “exacerbating”, “mitigate”, “revitalization”).
- Complex sentence structures: The writer uses a variety of sentence types, including complex sentences with multiple clauses.
- Relevant examples: Specific examples (Denmark, Germany, US solar industry) are provided to support the arguments.
- Task response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, providing a clear position and well-developed ideas.
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows good writing skills but lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band essay. Key features include:
- Clear structure: The essay has a logical organization with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
- Coherent arguments: Each paragraph presents a distinct point related to the main topic.
- Good vocabulary: The essay uses a range of vocabulary appropriate to the topic, though less advanced than the Band 8-9 essay.
- Mix of sentence structures: The writer uses both simple and complex sentences, though with less variety than the higher band essay.
- Examples: The essay provides general examples rather than specific ones.
- Task response: The essay addresses the task, presenting a clear position and supporting ideas, though with less depth than the Band 8-9 essay.
Band 5-6 Essay:
This essay demonstrates basic writing skills but lacks the depth and sophistication of higher band essays. Key features include:
- Basic structure: The essay has a simple structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
- Simple arguments: Each paragraph presents a point, but the ideas are less developed than in higher band essays.
- Limited vocabulary: The essay uses simple vocabulary, with some repetition.
- Simple sentence structures: Most sentences are simple or compound, with few complex structures.
- Limited examples: The essay provides few specific examples to support its points.
- Task response: The essay addresses the task but lacks depth and detail in its arguments.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Renewable energy (noun) /rɪˈnjuːəbəl ˈenədʒi/: Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.
Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbəl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.
Fossil fuels (noun) /ˈfɒsəl fjuːəlz/: A natural fuel such as coal or gas, formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms.
Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/: Make (something bad) less severe, serious, or painful.
Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/: The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
Geopolitical (adjective) /ˌdʒiːəʊpəˈlɪtɪkəl/: Relating to politics, especially international relations, as influenced by geographical factors.
Inexhaustible (adjective) /ˌɪnɪɡˈzɔːstəbəl/: (of a source or supply) unable to be used up; never-ending.
Carbon footprint (noun) /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/: The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organization, or community.
Energy security (noun) /ˈenədʒi sɪˈkjʊərəti/: The association between national security and the availability of natural resources for energy consumption.
Revitalization (noun) /ˌriːˌvaɪtəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/: The action of imbuing something with new life and vitality.
Conclusion
The topic of renewable energy and its importance for sustainable development is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. To prepare for such questions, it’s crucial to understand the key arguments for renewable energy, including its environmental benefits, long-term sustainability, economic potential, and role in energy security.
For practice, try writing your own essay on one of these related topics:
Some people argue that governments should invest more in public transportation to reduce carbon emissions. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The development of electric vehicles is seen as a solution to air pollution in cities. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this approach.
Some people believe that individuals can play a significant role in addressing climate change, while others think it’s primarily the responsibility of governments and large corporations. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion!