Renewable energy and its potential to create new employment opportunities is a hot topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. This subject has appeared frequently in recent years and is likely to continue being a popular theme in future exams. Its relevance to global environmental and economic issues makes it an ideal candidate for testing candidates’ ability to discuss complex topics. Let’s explore this subject through sample essays and analysis.
Some people think that the development of renewable energy sources will create many new jobs. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Analysis of the Question
This question asks for your opinion on whether renewable energy development will lead to significant job creation. It’s important to note that:
- The question uses “some people think,” indicating you should consider multiple viewpoints.
- The phrase “to what extent” requires you to discuss the degree to which you agree or disagree.
- You need to focus specifically on job creation, not other aspects of renewable energy.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The transition towards renewable energy sources has been hailed as a potential solution to both environmental concerns and economic challenges. Many argue that this shift will generate numerous employment opportunities. I strongly agree with this view and believe that the development of renewable energy will indeed create a substantial number of new jobs across various sectors.
Firstly, the renewable energy industry itself will require a large workforce for the production, installation, and maintenance of clean energy technologies. Solar panel manufacturing, wind turbine construction, and the development of energy storage systems all necessitate skilled workers. For instance, how renewable energy projects create job opportunities in rural areas through large-scale solar farms and wind parks, providing employment to local communities. These projects not only create direct jobs but also stimulate the local economy, leading to indirect job creation in supporting industries.
Moreover, the transition to renewable energy will spur innovation and research, creating high-skilled jobs in engineering, design, and technology development. As countries strive to improve energy efficiency and develop new clean energy solutions, there will be an increased demand for scientists, researchers, and technicians. This aligns with the growing trend of green technologies in the construction industry, which is creating new roles for eco-friendly building designs and energy-efficient systems.
New jobs created by renewable energy sector
Furthermore, the renewable energy sector has the potential to revitalize declining industries and create jobs in regions affected by the decline of fossil fuel industries. For example, former coal miners can be retrained to work in solar or wind energy production, providing new employment opportunities in areas that have suffered from job losses. This aspect of renewable energy development demonstrates how it can address global poverty by creating sustainable employment in economically disadvantaged regions.
In conclusion, the development of renewable energy sources will undoubtedly create a significant number of new jobs across various sectors. From direct employment in renewable energy production to indirect jobs in supporting industries and research, the potential for job creation is vast. This transition not only addresses environmental concerns but also provides a solution to economic challenges, making it a win-win situation for society as a whole.
(Word count: 391)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Many people believe that developing renewable energy will create lots of new jobs. I mostly agree with this idea, but I think there are some limitations to consider as well.
On the positive side, renewable energy industries like solar and wind power need many workers to make and install equipment. For example, solar panel factories need workers to produce panels, and then more workers are needed to install them on houses and buildings. Wind farms also need people to build and maintain the turbines. These are all new jobs that didn’t exist before.
Additionally, as renewable energy becomes more popular, there will be a need for more engineers and scientists to improve the technology. This could create high-paying jobs for skilled workers. Some countries are already investing in research for better batteries and more efficient solar panels, which creates jobs in laboratories and universities.
Diverse workforce in renewable energy sector
However, we should also consider that some jobs in traditional energy industries might be lost. For example, as countries use less coal, coal miners might lose their jobs. It’s important to help these workers find new jobs or train them for work in renewable energy.
Another limitation is that some renewable energy jobs might be temporary. For instance, there might be many jobs when building a solar farm, but fewer jobs are needed once it’s finished and running.
In conclusion, I believe that renewable energy will create many new jobs overall, especially in manufacturing, installation, and research. However, we need to be aware of potential job losses in other sectors and ensure that the new jobs are long-lasting and accessible to workers from different backgrounds.
(Word count: 298)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates several qualities of a high-scoring response:
- Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position and fully extending and supporting 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.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and accuracy.
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows characteristics of a mid-range score:
- Task Response: The essay addresses the task, although some aspects are covered more fully than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some ideas may be inadequately developed or unclear.
- Lexical Resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used for the task, with some attempts at less common vocabulary.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used, with some errors that do not impede communication.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Renewable energy (noun) /rɪˈnjuːəbəl ˈenədʒi/ – Energy from a source that is not depleted when used
- Transition (noun) /trænˈzɪʃən/ – The process of changing from one state or condition to another
- Innovation (noun) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/ – A new method, idea, product, etc.
- Revitalize (verb) /ˌriːˈvaɪtəlaɪz/ – To give new life or vigor to
- Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbəl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
- Efficiency (noun) /ɪˈfɪʃənsi/ – The state or quality of being efficient
- Workforce (noun) /ˈwɜːkfɔːs/ – The people engaged in or available for work
- Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise
In conclusion, the topic of renewable energy and job creation is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The economic impact of transitioning to renewable energy
- Government policies to promote green job creation
- The challenges of retraining workers for the renewable energy sector
- The role of renewable energy in sustainable urban development
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and fully address all aspects of the question. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further improvement.