IELTS Writing Task 2: How Renewable Energy Can Help Reduce Global Warming (Sample Essays for Different Band Scores)

Global warming is a pressing issue that continues to dominate environmental discussions worldwide. One of the most promising solutions to combat this challenge is the adoption of renewable energy sources. This topic frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions, as it combines environmental concerns with technological advancements and policy decisions. Based on past exam trends and the current global focus on climate change, we can expect this theme to remain prevalent in future IELTS tests.

Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this subject:

Some people believe that the use of renewable energy sources is the best way to reduce global warming. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Analyzing the Question

This question requires candidates to consider the effectiveness of renewable energy in mitigating global warming. Key points to address include:

1. The definition of renewable energy sources
2. The connection between energy production and global warming
3. The potential impact of renewable energy on reducing greenhouse gas emissions
4. Other possible solutions to combat global warming
5. The extent to which you agree or disagree with the statement

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

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Renewable energy has emerged as a promising solution to the pressing issue of global warming, and I strongly agree that it is one of the most effective ways to address this environmental crisis. This essay will explore the reasons behind this stance and discuss the potential impact of renewable energy on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Firstly, renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power offer a significant advantage over fossil fuels in terms of carbon emissions. Unlike coal, oil, and natural gas, which release substantial amounts of carbon dioxide when burned, renewable energy sources generate electricity with minimal or no greenhouse gas emissions. This fundamental difference makes renewable energy an ideal candidate for combating global warming, as it directly addresses the root cause of the problem.

Moreover, the widespread adoption of renewable energy can lead to a systemic change in our energy infrastructure. As more countries invest in renewable technologies, the cost of these solutions decreases, making them increasingly competitive with traditional fossil fuels. This positive feedback loop can accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy, potentially reversing the current trend of rising global temperatures. The recent advancements in energy storage technologies, such as improved battery systems, further enhance the viability of renewable energy as a primary power source.

However, it is important to acknowledge that renewable energy alone may not be sufficient to fully address global warming. Other complementary measures, such as improving energy efficiency, reforestation, and sustainable urban planning, are also crucial. Additionally, the transition to renewable energy must be managed carefully to minimize economic disruptions and ensure a just transition for workers in fossil fuel industries.

In conclusion, while renewable energy may not be the sole solution to global warming, I firmly believe it is one of the most powerful tools at our disposal. Its potential to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, coupled with its increasing affordability and technological advancements, makes it a cornerstone in the fight against climate change. As such, governments, businesses, and individuals should prioritize the adoption and development of renewable energy sources as a key strategy in mitigating global warming.

(Word count: 329)

Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates excellent characteristics of a high-band (8-9) response:

1. Clear position: The writer strongly agrees with the statement and maintains this stance throughout the essay.
2. Coherent structure: The essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs that develop distinct ideas, and a conclusion that reinforces the main points.
3. Relevant ideas: The essay discusses the direct impact of renewable energy on reducing emissions, the potential for systemic change, and acknowledges other necessary measures.
4. Lexical resource: The writer uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and effectively (e.g., “pressing issue,” “systemic change,” “positive feedback loop”).
5. Grammatical range and accuracy: The essay demonstrates a variety of complex structures used accurately (e.g., “Unlike coal, oil, and natural gas, which release substantial amounts of carbon dioxide when burned, renewable energy sources generate electricity with minimal or no greenhouse gas emissions.”).
6. Task response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, providing a well-developed response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.

Renewable Energy Infographic

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Global warming is a big problem in today’s world, and many people think that renewable energy is the best way to solve it. I agree with this opinion to a large extent because renewable energy has many benefits for the environment.

Firstly, renewable energy sources like solar and wind power do not produce greenhouse gases when they generate electricity. This is very different from fossil fuels like coal and oil, which release a lot of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. By using more renewable energy, we can reduce the amount of harmful gases that cause global warming.

Another reason why renewable energy is good for reducing global warming is that it can be used forever. Unlike fossil fuels, which will run out one day, we can always use the sun and wind to make energy. This means we can have a long-term solution to our energy needs without harming the environment.

However, there are some challenges in using renewable energy. For example, it can be expensive to set up solar panels or wind turbines at first. Also, sometimes the weather is not good for making renewable energy, like when there is no sun or wind. These problems make it difficult for some countries to switch to renewable energy quickly.

Despite these challenges, I believe that renewable energy is still the best way to fight global warming. Governments should invest more money in developing renewable energy technologies and make policies to encourage people to use them. This can help us reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and slow down global warming.

In conclusion, while renewable energy may have some limitations, it is a very effective way to reduce global warming. By using more renewable energy, we can create a cleaner and more sustainable future for our planet.

(Word count: 295)

Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates characteristics of a Band 6-7 response:

1. Position: The writer agrees with the statement and maintains this position throughout the essay.
2. Structure: The essay has a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
3. Ideas: The essay presents relevant ideas about the benefits of renewable energy and acknowledges some challenges.
4. Vocabulary: The writer uses some topic-specific vocabulary (e.g., “greenhouse gases,” “fossil fuels,” “carbon dioxide”), but the range is more limited compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
5. Grammar: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, with generally good control of grammar and punctuation.
6. Task response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task, but the ideas are less fully developed compared to the higher band essay.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Renewable energy (noun) – /rɪˈnjuːəbəl ˈenədʒi/ – Energy from a source that is not depleted when used
2. Global warming (noun) – /ˈɡləʊbəl ˈwɔːmɪŋ/ – The increase in Earth’s average temperature
3. Greenhouse gases (noun) – /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ˈɡæsɪz/ – Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect
4. Fossil fuels (noun) – /ˈfɒsəl fjuːəlz/ – Non-renewable energy sources formed from organic matter
5. Carbon emissions (noun) – /ˈkɑːbən ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – The release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
6. Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbəl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
7. Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – Make less severe, serious, or painful
8. Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – The basic physical and organizational structures needed for operation
9. Transition (noun) – /trænˈzɪʃən/ – The process or period of changing from one state or condition to another
10. Viability (noun) – /ˌvaɪəˈbɪləti/ – Ability to work successfully

Conclusion

The topic of renewable energy and its role in reducing global warming is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. To prepare for such questions, candidates should:

1. Familiarize themselves with different types of renewable energy sources
2. Understand the connection between energy production and climate change
3. Be aware of current global efforts to adopt renewable energy
4. Consider potential challenges and limitations of renewable energy adoption

For practice, try writing your own essay on the following related topics:

1. Should governments provide more funding for renewable energy research?
2. Do you think individuals have a responsibility to use renewable energy in their homes?
3. How can developing countries balance economic growth with the need to adopt cleaner energy sources?

Remember to post your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare more effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.