Climate change is a pressing global issue, and the role of renewable energy technologies in combating it has become a frequent topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on past exam trends and current environmental concerns, this subject is likely to appear more often in future tests. Let’s explore a relevant question and analyze sample essays to help you prepare for this important topic.
Renewable Energy and Climate Change
Analyzing the Question
Let’s consider this IELTS Writing Task 2 question:
Some people believe that the development of renewable energy technologies is crucial for addressing climate change, while others argue that it is not a viable solution. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the view that renewable energy technologies are crucial for addressing climate change
- Discuss the opposing view that renewable energy is not a viable solution
- Present your own opinion on the matter
Remember to address all parts of the question and provide relevant examples to support your arguments.
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Response
Climate change is undoubtedly one of the most pressing issues of our time, and the role of renewable energy technologies in combating this global threat has been a subject of intense debate. While some argue that these technologies are essential in our fight against climate change, others contend that they are not a feasible solution. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of renewable energy technologies argue that they are crucial in addressing climate change for several reasons. Firstly, these technologies, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, produce electricity with minimal greenhouse gas emissions, which are the primary drivers of climate change. For instance, a study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory found that the life-cycle emissions of solar power are about 20 times lower than those of coal-fired power plants. Secondly, as renewable technologies become more efficient and cost-effective, they offer a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, potentially leading to a significant reduction in global carbon emissions over time.
On the other hand, critics argue that renewable energy technologies are not a viable solution to climate change. They point out that these technologies are still intermittent and unreliable, as they depend on weather conditions that are not consistently favorable. For example, solar panels are less effective during cloudy days or at night, while wind turbines require specific wind speeds to operate efficiently. Additionally, the initial costs of implementing renewable energy infrastructure on a large scale can be prohibitively high, especially for developing countries that may lack the necessary resources and technology.
In my opinion, while renewable energy technologies alone may not be a panacea for climate change, they are undeniably a crucial component of any comprehensive strategy to address this global issue. The limitations of these technologies can be mitigated through ongoing research and development, as well as the implementation of energy storage solutions. Moreover, the long-term benefits of transitioning to renewable energy sources, including reduced pollution, energy independence, and job creation in the green sector, far outweigh the initial costs and challenges.
In conclusion, the development and widespread adoption of renewable energy technologies are essential steps in our collective effort to combat climate change. While acknowledging the current limitations, I believe that continued investment and innovation in this field will play a pivotal role in creating a sustainable future for our planet.
(Word count: 379)
Explanation of Band 8-9 Score
This essay demonstrates several qualities that contribute to a high band score:
Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly presenting the writer’s opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices (e.g., “Firstly,” “Secondly,” “On the other hand,” “In conclusion”).
Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “intermittent,” “prohibitively,” “panacea”).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly (e.g., complex sentences, passive voice, conditional statements).
Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Response
Climate change is a big problem in the world today, and many people think renewable energy can help solve it. However, some people disagree. This essay will look at both sides and give my opinion.
People who support renewable energy say it’s very important for fighting climate change. These technologies, like solar panels and wind turbines, make electricity without producing much pollution. This is good because pollution from burning coal and oil is causing the Earth to get warmer. Also, as we use more renewable energy, it becomes cheaper and better. This means more countries can use it instead of fossil fuels.
On the other hand, some people think renewable energy is not a good solution to climate change. They say that these technologies are not always reliable because they depend on the weather. For example, solar panels don’t work well when it’s cloudy, and wind turbines need wind to make power. Another problem is that it costs a lot of money to build renewable energy systems, especially in poor countries.
In my opinion, I think renewable energy is very important for solving climate change, even if it’s not perfect. We can solve the problems with renewable energy by doing more research and finding ways to store energy for when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing. Also, even though it costs a lot at first, using renewable energy will save money in the long run and create new jobs.
To conclude, I believe that renewable energy is a crucial part of fighting climate change. While there are some challenges, the benefits of using clean energy are very important for our planet’s future.
(Word count: 279)
Explanation of Band 6-7 Score
This essay demonstrates several qualities that contribute to a band 6-7 score:
Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting both views and the writer’s opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure with introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Some cohesive devices are used, but not as sophisticatedly as in the band 8-9 essay.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, but lacks the range and sophistication of a higher band score. Some attempts at less common vocabulary are made (e.g., “reliable,” “crucial”).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control, though not as varied as the band 8-9 essay.
Development of Ideas: Main ideas are present and supported, but the development is not as thorough or nuanced as in the higher band essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Renewable energy (noun) – /rɪˈnjuːəbəl ˈenədʒi/ – Energy from a source that is not depleted when used
Climate change (noun) – /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/ – Long-term alteration in global weather patterns
Greenhouse gas emissions (noun) – /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɡæs ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – Release of gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect
Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbəl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
Intermittent (adjective) – /ˌɪntəˈmɪtənt/ – Occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous
Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/ – Basic physical and organizational structures needed for operation
Panacea (noun) – /ˌpænəˈsiːə/ – A solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases
Mitigation (noun) – /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃən/ – The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something
Transition (noun) – /trænˈzɪʃən/ – The process or period of changing from one state or condition to another
Innovation (noun) – /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/ – The action or process of innovating; a new method, idea, product, etc.
Conclusion
The role of renewable energy technologies in combating climate change is a critical topic that is likely to appear in future IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. By understanding the key arguments on both sides and practicing with sample essays like those provided, you can improve your ability to tackle this subject effectively.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The economic impacts of transitioning to renewable energy
- Government policies to promote renewable energy adoption
- The role of individual actions in combating climate change
- The potential of emerging renewable technologies
Remember to focus on clear structure, relevant examples, and a balanced argument. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!