Renewable energy is a hot topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing frequently in recent years. Its relevance to global environmental issues and sustainable development makes it a popular choice for examiners. Based on past exam trends, we can expect questions about the advantages of renewable energy sources to continue appearing in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has been featured in recent IELTS exams:

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 indirectly relates to renewable energy by addressing fuel costs and environmental issues. It requires candidates to discuss whether increasing fuel prices is an effective solution to environmental problems. This topic allows for a discussion on the advantages of transitioning to renewable energy sources as an alternative to fossil fuels.

Sample Essays for Different Band Scores

Band 8 Essay Sample

Environmental degradation is a pressing global concern, and some propose that raising fuel prices for vehicles could be a solution. While I partially agree that this measure could contribute to addressing environmental issues, I believe a more comprehensive approach is necessary.

Increasing fuel costs could indeed have some positive environmental impacts. Higher prices would likely discourage excessive driving, leading to reduced emissions from vehicles. This could potentially improve air quality in urban areas and decrease overall carbon dioxide emissions. Moreover, expensive fuel might incentivize people to switch to more fuel-efficient vehicles or alternative transportation methods, such as electric cars or public transport, which are generally more environmentally friendly.

However, simply raising fuel prices is not a panacea for all environmental problems. 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. This could lead to social inequality and economic hardship for many. Secondly, while it may reduce emissions from personal vehicles, it does not address other significant sources of pollution, such as industrial emissions or deforestation.

A more effective approach would be to implement a multifaceted strategy that includes promoting renewable energy sources, improving public transportation infrastructure, and investing in green technologies. Governments should incentivize the adoption of solar, wind, and hydroelectric power to reduce reliance on fossil fuels across all sectors, not just transportation. Additionally, urban planning that prioritizes walkability and cycling could further reduce the need for vehicle use.

In conclusion, while increasing fuel costs may play a role in addressing environmental issues, it should be part of a broader, more comprehensive plan. Combining this measure with investments in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure would be a more balanced and effective approach to tackling the world’s environmental challenges.

Advantages of renewable energy sources for the environment

Band 7 Essay Sample

The suggestion to increase fuel prices as a solution to environmental problems is a controversial one. While I agree that this approach could have some positive effects, I believe it is not the most effective way to address the world’s environmental issues.

On one hand, raising the cost of fuel for vehicles could lead to some environmental benefits. Higher prices might encourage people to drive less, resulting in lower carbon emissions. It could also motivate individuals to switch to more fuel-efficient cars or use public transportation more frequently. These changes could contribute to reduced air pollution and a smaller carbon footprint.

However, there are several drawbacks to this approach. Firstly, it would disproportionately affect lower-income groups who rely on their vehicles for work and daily activities. This could lead to economic hardship for many families. Secondly, increasing fuel costs alone does not address other major sources of environmental problems, such as industrial pollution or deforestation.

I believe a more effective solution would be to focus on developing and promoting renewable energy sources. Investing in solar, wind, and hydroelectric power can provide cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels, not just for transportation but for all energy needs. Should governments prioritize renewable energy over fossil fuels is a question worth considering. Additionally, improving public transportation systems and encouraging the use of electric vehicles could have a more significant and lasting impact on reducing emissions.

In conclusion, while increasing fuel costs might have some positive effects on the environment, it is not the best solution to the world’s environmental problems. A more comprehensive approach that focuses on renewable energy and sustainable transportation options would be more effective and equitable in the long run.

Band 6 Essay Sample

Some people think that making fuel more expensive for cars and other vehicles is the best way to solve environmental problems. I partly agree with this idea, but I think there are other important things we should do too.

Increasing fuel prices could help the environment in some ways. If fuel costs more, people might drive less, which means less pollution from cars. Also, people might buy cars that use less fuel or are electric, which is better for the environment. This could help reduce air pollution in cities and lower the amount of greenhouse gases we produce.

But making fuel more expensive has some problems too. It’s not fair for poor people who need their cars to go to work or take care of their families. They might not be able to afford the higher prices. Also, making fuel expensive doesn’t solve all environmental problems. It doesn’t stop pollution from factories or help save forests.

I think a better way to help the environment is to use more renewable energy. Things like solar power, wind power, and water power are cleaner than oil and gas. The impact of renewable energy projects on local communities can be very positive. We should also make public transportation better so people don’t need to use cars as much. Teaching people about how to save energy and recycle is important too.

In conclusion, making fuel more expensive might help a little bit, but it’s not the best way to solve environmental problems. We need to do many different things to protect the environment, like using more renewable energy and improving public transportation.

Comparison of renewable energy and fossil fuels

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8 Essay

This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic:

• Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
• Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free.

Band 7 Essay

This essay shows a good grasp of the topic and competent writing skills:

• Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position throughout the response with relevant main ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion: Information and ideas are logically organized. There is a clear overall progression with appropriate use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used to allow some flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items are attempted with some awareness of style and collocation.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A variety of complex structures is used with some flexibility. Grammar and punctuation are generally well-controlled, though a few errors remain.

Band 6 Essay

This essay demonstrates an adequate attempt at addressing the task:

• Task Achievement: The essay addresses the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others. The format is appropriate, with a clear position overall.
• Coherence and Cohesion: Information and ideas are generally arranged coherently, and there is a clear overall progression. Cohesive devices are used but may be overused or underused.
• Lexical Resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used for the task. Some attempts at more complex vocabulary are made, though with some inaccuracy.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used. Errors occur, but meaning is generally clear.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Renewable energy (noun) /rɪˈnjuːəbəl ˈenədʒi/: Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.

2. Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbəl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.

3. Incentivize (verb) /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/: To motivate or encourage someone to do something by offering a reward.

4. Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/: Having many different aspects or features.

5. Disproportionately (adverb) /ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːʃənətli/: To a degree that is too large or too small in comparison with something else.

6. 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.

7. Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/: The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.

Key vocabulary for discussing renewable energy

Conclusion

The topic of renewable energy and its advantages is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

• The role of government in promoting renewable energy
• The economic impact of transitioning to renewable energy sources
• Challenges in implementing renewable energy on a large scale
• Advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy as an alternative to fossil fuels

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Practice writing essays on these topics and share them in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with other learners. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare more effectively for the IELTS exam.