The topic of renewable energy versus fossil fuels has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends, this subject is likely to appear frequently in future tests, given its global relevance and environmental impact. To help you prepare effectively, we’ll examine a relevant question that has appeared in past IELTS exams and provide sample essays for different band scores.

Some people think that the best way to solve the world’s environmental problems is to increase the cost of fuel for cars and other vehicles. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Analyzing the Question

This question asks for your opinion on a proposed solution to environmental problems. It specifically focuses on increasing fuel costs as a means to address these issues. When approaching this topic, consider the following points:

1. The main argument: Increasing fuel costs as a solution to environmental problems
2. The scope: World’s environmental problems
3. Your task: Agree or disagree, and to what extent

Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-band response.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

While increasing the cost of fuel for vehicles may seem like a straightforward solution to global environmental problems, I largely disagree with this approach. Although it could have some positive impacts, I believe there are more effective and comprehensive strategies to address environmental issues.

Admittedly, raising fuel prices could lead to reduced vehicle usage and, consequently, lower carbon emissions. As fuel becomes more expensive, people might be incentivized to use public transportation, carpool, or switch to more fuel-efficient vehicles. This could result in a decrease in overall fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, which would be beneficial for the environment.

However, this approach has several significant drawbacks. Firstly, it disproportionately affects lower-income individuals who may not have the means to upgrade to more efficient vehicles or access to reliable public transportation alternatives. This could exacerbate social inequality and potentially lead to economic hardship for many families. Secondly, increased fuel costs could have a ripple effect on the entire economy, raising prices for goods and services that rely on transportation, which could slow economic growth and development.

Instead of solely focusing on fuel costs, I believe a more holistic approach is necessary to tackle environmental problems effectively. This could include investing in renewable energy sources, improving public transportation infrastructure, and implementing stricter emissions standards for vehicles and industries. For instance, advantages of using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power can significantly reduce our dependence on fossil fuels while creating new job opportunities in the green energy sector.

Moreover, governments should prioritize research and development of clean technologies and provide incentives for their adoption. This could include tax breaks for electric vehicles, subsidies for home solar panel installations, and funding for innovative environmental solutions. By creating a supportive ecosystem for sustainable technologies, we can address environmental issues without placing undue burden on individual consumers.

In conclusion, while increasing fuel costs may have some environmental benefits, I believe it is an overly simplistic and potentially harmful approach to solving global environmental problems. A multi-faceted strategy that combines technological innovation, policy changes, and public education would be far more effective in creating lasting, positive environmental change without negatively impacting economic growth or social equity.

Advantages of renewable energy over fossil fuels

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

The idea of increasing fuel costs to solve environmental problems is a controversial topic. While I partly agree that it could help, I also think there are some problems with this approach.

On one hand, making fuel more expensive could encourage people to use their cars less. This would lead to fewer emissions and less pollution, which is good for the environment. Also, it might make people think about buying more fuel-efficient cars or electric vehicles, which are better for the environment in the long run.

However, there are also some negative aspects to consider. Firstly, raising fuel prices would make life harder for many people, especially those with low incomes who need to drive to work. It could also increase the cost of goods because transportation would become more expensive. This might hurt the economy and cause other problems.

I think there are better ways to solve environmental issues. For example, governments could invest more in renewable energy projects on local communities. This would create cleaner energy sources and new jobs. They could also improve public transportation to give people alternatives to driving. Another idea is to educate people about environmental issues so they understand why it’s important to make changes.

In conclusion, while increasing fuel costs might help the environment in some ways, I believe it’s not the best solution. A combination of different approaches, including renewable energy, better public transport, and education, would be more effective and fair for everyone.

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

Some people think that making fuel more expensive is the best way to solve environmental problems. I don’t fully agree with this idea because it has both good and bad points.

One good thing about increasing fuel prices is that it might make people use their cars less. If driving becomes more expensive, people might choose to walk, ride bicycles, or use buses and trains instead. This would mean less pollution from cars, which is good for the environment.

But there are also problems with this idea. If fuel costs more, it will be hard for many people, especially poor people. They might not be able to afford to drive to work or take their children to school. Also, when fuel is more expensive, other things become more expensive too, like food in supermarkets, because it costs more to transport them.

I think there are better ways to help the environment. For example, the government could make more bicycle lanes so people can ride bikes safely. They could also make buses and trains better so more people want to use them. Another idea is to teach people about why the environment is important and how they can help protect it.

In conclusion, I think making fuel more expensive is not the best way to solve environmental problems. It might help a little, but it would also cause problems for many people. There are other ways to help the environment that don’t make life harder for people.

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay:

This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic. Key strengths include:

1. Clear position with a nuanced argument
2. Well-developed ideas with specific examples
3. Cohesive structure with clear paragraphing
4. Wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures
5. Accurate grammar with only minor errors

Band 6-7 Essay:

This essay shows good writing skills but lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band essay. Strengths and areas for improvement include:

1. Clear position, but the argument could be more developed
2. Good ideas, but examples could be more specific
3. Mostly coherent structure, but transitions could be smoother
4. Adequate vocabulary, but could use more advanced terms
5. Generally accurate grammar, but with some errors

Band 5-6 Essay:

This essay demonstrates basic writing skills but has several areas for improvement:

1. Position is stated, but the argument lacks depth
2. Ideas are present but not fully developed
3. Basic structure, but paragraphing could be improved
4. Limited vocabulary with some repetition
5. Grammar errors are more frequent and may impede understanding at times

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Environmental problems (noun phrase) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈprɒbləmz/ – Issues affecting the natural world
2. Fossil fuels (noun phrase) – /ˈfɒsl ˈfjuːəlz/ – Non-renewable energy sources like coal and oil
3. Renewable energy (noun phrase) – /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/ – Sustainable power sources like solar or wind
4. Carbon emissions (noun phrase) – /ˈkɑːbən ɪˈmɪʃnz/ – Release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere
5. Incentivize (verb) – /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ – To encourage or motivate through rewards
6. Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/ – Basic physical systems of a country or region
7. Holistic approach (noun phrase) – /həˈlɪstɪk əˈprəʊtʃ/ – Considering all aspects of a situation
8. Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained without depleting natural resources
9. Ecosystem (noun) – /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/ – A complex network or interconnected system
10. Multi-faceted (adjective) – /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ – Having many different aspects or features

In conclusion, the topic of renewable energy versus fossil fuels is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related topics such as government policies on energy, the economic impact of transitioning to renewable energy, or how renewable energy projects can boost local economies. Remember to structure your essays clearly, develop your arguments with specific examples, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your target band score.

IELTS Writing Task 2 practice session

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 you improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam more effectively. Good luck with your studies!