The topic of renewable energy and its impact on global warming is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on past exam trends and current environmental concerns, it’s highly likely that this subject will continue to appear in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has been featured in recent IELTS exams:
Some people believe that the development of renewable energy sources is crucial for addressing global warming, while others argue that there are more effective ways to tackle this issue. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the viewpoint that renewable energy is crucial for addressing global warming
- Explore alternative perspectives on tackling global warming
- Provide a personal opinion on the most effective approach
Let’s examine three sample essays of varying quality, demonstrating different band scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Climate change is undeniably one of the most pressing issues of our time, and the debate over the most effective solutions is ongoing. While some advocate for the expansion of renewable energy as a primary strategy, others contend that alternative approaches may yield better results. This essay will explore both perspectives before offering a personal stance on the matter.
Proponents of renewable energy argue that transitioning away from fossil fuels is fundamental to combating global warming. Solar, wind, and hydroelectric power offer clean alternatives to carbon-intensive energy sources, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, as technology advances, these sources become increasingly efficient and cost-effective, making them viable options for large-scale implementation. Countries like Germany and Denmark have already demonstrated the potential of renewable energy in reducing carbon footprints and fostering sustainable development.
On the other hand, critics argue that focusing solely on renewable energy may not be sufficient or the most efficient approach to address global warming. They contend that other strategies, such as improving energy efficiency in buildings and transportation, implementing carbon capture and storage technologies, or promoting reforestation and sustainable agriculture, could have more immediate and substantial impacts. Additionally, some argue that nuclear energy, despite its controversies, offers a low-carbon alternative that can provide baseload power more reliably than some renewable sources.
In my opinion, while alternative strategies certainly have merit, the development of renewable energy sources should be a cornerstone of any comprehensive plan to combat global warming. The long-term benefits of transitioning to clean, sustainable energy far outweigh the short-term challenges and costs. However, I believe that the most effective approach would be to combine renewable energy expansion with other complementary strategies, such as improving energy efficiency and protecting natural carbon sinks.
Renewable Energy Sources: Solar, Wind, Hydro
In conclusion, addressing global warming requires a multifaceted approach. While renewable energy plays a crucial role, it should be part of a broader strategy that incorporates various methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change impacts. By embracing a diverse range of solutions, we can create a more resilient and sustainable future for our planet.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Global warming is a big problem today, and people have different ideas about how to solve it. Some think renewable energy is the best way, but others say there are better solutions. This essay will look at both sides and give my opinion.
Renewable energy like solar and wind power is good for the environment because it doesn’t produce greenhouse gases. Many countries are starting to use more renewable energy to reduce their carbon emissions. This can help slow down global warming and is becoming cheaper as technology improves.
However, some people think there are better ways to fight global warming. They say we should focus on things like planting more trees, using electric cars, or making buildings more energy-efficient. These methods might work faster or be cheaper than switching to renewable energy.
In my opinion, I think renewable energy is very important for stopping global warming, but we shouldn’t ignore other solutions. We need to use a mix of different methods to solve such a big problem. Renewable energy should be a big part of our plan, but we should also do things like improve energy efficiency and protect forests.
To conclude, while renewable energy is crucial for addressing global warming, it’s not the only solution. We need to use many different approaches together to effectively tackle climate change and create a better future for our planet.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Global warming is a serious problem in the world today. Some people think renewable energy is the best way to fix it, but others disagree. I will talk about both ideas in this essay.
Renewable energy is good because it doesn’t make pollution. The sun and wind can give us power without hurting the Earth. Many countries are trying to use more renewable energy now. This can help stop global warming.
But some people think there are better ways to stop global warming. They say we should plant more trees or use less energy in our homes. These ideas might work faster than changing to renewable energy.
Combating Global Warming: A Multifaceted Approach
I think renewable energy is important, but we should also try other things. We need to use many different ways to fix global warming because it’s a big problem. Using renewable energy and other methods together is the best idea.
In conclusion, renewable energy is good for stopping global warming, but it’s not the only way. We should use many different methods to help the Earth and stop climate change.
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the topic
- Presents a well-developed argument with clear progression
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and flexibly
- Employs a variety of complex structures with full flexibility and accuracy
- Cohesive devices are used effectively throughout
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with well-supported ideas
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Shows a clear understanding of the topic
- Presents a relevant argument with some development
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary with some flexibility
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
- Cohesive devices are used, but not always effectively
- Addresses all parts of the task, but some points may be more fully covered than others
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task, but may only partially cover some aspects
- Presents a simple argument with limited development
- Uses a limited range of vocabulary, with some repetition
- Relies mainly on simple sentence structures
- Basic cohesive devices are used, but with some inaccuracies
- Ideas are relevant but may lack detail or clear progression
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Renewable energy (noun) /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/ – Energy from a source that is not depleted when used
- Global warming (noun) /ˈɡləʊbl ˈwɔːmɪŋ/ – The increase in Earth’s average temperature
- Greenhouse gas emissions (noun) /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɡæs ɪˈmɪʃnz/ – Release of gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect
- Carbon footprint (noun) /ˈkɑːbn ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – The amount of carbon dioxide released due to human activities
- Sustainable development (noun) /səˈsteɪnəbl dɪˈveləpmənt/ – Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations
- Energy efficiency (noun) /ˈenədʒi ɪˈfɪʃnsi/ – Using less energy to perform the same task
- Carbon capture and storage (noun) /ˈkɑːbn ˈkæptʃə ænd ˈstɔːrɪdʒ/ – The process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide emissions
- Multifaceted approach (adjective + noun) /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd əˈprəʊtʃ/ – An approach considering many aspects of a problem
- Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – To make less severe or reduce the negative impacts
- Resilient (adjective) /rɪˈzɪliənt/ – Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions
In conclusion, The Role Of Renewable Energy In Reducing Global Warming is a crucial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as government subsidies for renewable energy, global cooperation on climate change, and the prioritization of renewable energy over fossil fuels. These topics are likely to appear in future IELTS exams and will help you develop a strong understanding of environmental issues and their solutions.
We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice will help improve your writing skills and prepare you for success in the IELTS exam. Remember to critically analyze your work, focusing on vocabulary usage, sentence structure, and the overall development of your argument.
