The topic of renewable energy and its potential to create economic opportunities is increasingly relevant in today’s world. It’s a subject that has appeared in IELTS Writing Task 2 prompts several times in recent years, and its importance in global discussions suggests it will likely continue to be a popular topic in future exams. Let’s explore this theme through some sample essays and analysis.
Analyzing the Task 2 Question
For this article, we’ll focus on the following IELTS Writing Task 2 question:
Some people believe that the development of renewable energy sources will lead to significant economic benefits. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
This question asks you to discuss your opinion on whether renewable energy development can bring substantial economic advantages. It’s an “agree or disagree” type question, which means you should clearly state your position and support it with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The transition towards renewable energy sources has been a topic of intense debate in recent years, with proponents arguing that it can bring about considerable economic benefits. I strongly agree with this viewpoint and believe that the development of renewable energy has the potential to create significant positive economic impacts.
Firstly, the renewable energy sector is a major driver of job creation. As countries invest in solar, wind, and other clean energy technologies, they generate a wide range of employment opportunities. These jobs span various skill levels, from installation and maintenance technicians to highly skilled engineers and researchers. For instance, the International Renewable Energy Agency reports that the sector employed 11.5 million people globally in 2019, a number that is expected to grow substantially in the coming years. This job creation not only reduces unemployment but also stimulates economic growth through increased consumer spending and tax revenues.
Moreover, the development of renewable energy can lead to substantial cost savings in the long term. While the initial investment in renewable infrastructure may be high, the operational costs are significantly lower compared to fossil fuels. Wind and solar power, for example, have zero fuel costs and minimal maintenance requirements. This reduction in energy costs can boost the competitiveness of businesses, particularly in energy-intensive industries, leading to increased profitability and economic growth. Countries that embrace renewable energy can also reduce their dependence on imported fossil fuels, improving their trade balance and energy security.
Furthermore, the renewable energy sector drives innovation and technological advancements. As countries and companies invest in research and development to improve renewable technologies, they create new intellectual property and export opportunities. This can position countries as leaders in the global clean energy market, attracting foreign investment and creating new revenue streams. For example, Denmark’s early investment in wind power technology has made it a world leader in wind turbine manufacturing, contributing significantly to its economy through exports.
In conclusion, the development of renewable energy sources offers a myriad of economic benefits, from job creation and cost savings to technological innovation and export opportunities. As the world transitions towards a more sustainable future, countries that embrace renewable energy are likely to reap substantial economic rewards. It is therefore crucial for governments and businesses to prioritize investments in this sector to ensure long-term economic prosperity.
(Word count: 366)
Economic benefits of renewable energy
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates the qualities expected of a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
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Clear position: The writer clearly agrees with the statement in the introduction.
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Well-structured: The essay follows a logical structure with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
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Fully developed ideas: Each main point is thoroughly explained and supported with specific examples.
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Cohesive and coherent: The essay uses a range of cohesive devices effectively (e.g., “Firstly,” “Moreover,” “Furthermore”).
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Sophisticated vocabulary: The writer uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately (e.g., “proponents,” “competitiveness,” “intellectual property”).
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Grammatical range and accuracy: The essay demonstrates a variety of complex structures used accurately.
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Relevant examples: The writer provides specific data and examples to support their arguments.
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Task response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, providing a well-developed response.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
In recent years, there has been a lot of discussion about renewable energy and its potential economic benefits. I agree that developing renewable energy sources can lead to significant economic advantages for several reasons.
One main reason is that renewable energy can create many new jobs. As countries start using more solar and wind power, they need people to install and maintain these systems. This can help reduce unemployment and give people new skills. For example, in some countries, there are now special training programs for solar panel installation, which helps people find new jobs.
Another benefit is that renewable energy can save money in the long run. While it might cost a lot to set up at first, once it’s running, the costs are much lower than traditional energy sources. This is because sun and wind are free, unlike oil or gas which countries often have to buy from other places. When energy costs less, businesses can save money and maybe even lower their prices, which is good for the economy.
Renewable energy can also help countries become more independent. If a country can produce its own energy, it doesn’t need to rely on other countries for oil or gas. This can be good for the economy because it means the country doesn’t have to spend as much money buying energy from others.
However, it’s important to note that changing to renewable energy can be difficult and expensive at first. Some people might lose their jobs in traditional energy industries, which could be a problem in the short term. But overall, I believe the long-term benefits are greater than these short-term challenges.
In conclusion, I agree that developing renewable energy sources can bring significant economic benefits. It can create jobs, save money, and help countries become more independent. While there might be some difficulties at first, the overall impact on the economy is likely to be positive.
(Word count: 315)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a Band 6-7 response:
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Clear position: The writer agrees with the statement, which is stated in the introduction and conclusion.
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Adequate structure: The essay has a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
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Developed ideas: Main points are explained and supported, though not as thoroughly as in the Band 8-9 essay.
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Some cohesion: The essay uses some cohesive devices, but not as wide a range as the higher band essay.
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Adequate vocabulary: The vocabulary is appropriate but less sophisticated than the Band 8-9 essay.
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Grammatical range: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, with some errors that do not impede communication.
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Relevant examples: The writer provides some examples, though they are more general than in the higher band essay.
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Task response: The essay addresses the task, though the response could be more fully developed.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Renewable energy (noun) /rɪˈnjuːəbəl ˈenədʒi/: Energy from a source that is not depleted when used.
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Economic benefits (noun phrase) /iːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈbenɪfɪts/: Advantages or profits gained in terms of money or resources.
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Job creation (noun phrase) /dʒɒb kriˈeɪʃən/: The process of generating new employment opportunities.
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Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/: The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
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Innovation (noun) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/: A new method, idea, product, etc.
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Competitiveness (noun) /kəmˈpetɪtɪvnəs/: The ability to be as good as or better than others of a comparable nature.
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Energy security (noun phrase) /ˈenədʒi sɪˈkjʊərəti/: The uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price.
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Technological advancements (noun phrase) /ˌteknəˈlɒdʒɪkəl ədˈvɑːnsmənts/: Improvements in technology or scientific knowledge.
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Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbəl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
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Energy-intensive (adjective) /ˈenədʒi ɪnˈtensɪv/: Requiring a large amount of energy to produce or maintain.
Conclusion
The topic of renewable energy and its economic implications is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare for this and similar topics, consider practicing with variations such as:
- The environmental impact of renewable energy
- Government policies to promote renewable energy
- The challenges of transitioning to renewable energy sources
- Comparing renewable energy with fossil fuels
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your arguments with specific examples. Practice writing essays on these topics and consider sharing them in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active practice is an effective way to improve your IELTS Writing skills.
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