Renewable energy and its potential to create new job opportunities is a highly relevant topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. This subject has appeared in various forms in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being a popular theme due to its global significance. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays and analysis, focusing on a specific question that has been featured in recent IELTS exams.

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 the growth of renewable energy will lead to significant job creation. It’s important to note that this is an agree/disagree question, requiring you to clearly state your position and support it with relevant arguments and examples.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

The transition towards renewable energy sources is often touted as a solution to both environmental concerns and economic challenges. I strongly agree with the notion that the development of renewable energy will generate numerous employment opportunities across various sectors.

Firstly, the renewable energy sector itself will require a substantial workforce for the design, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of clean energy technologies. For instance, solar panel production and wind turbine construction have already created thousands of jobs in countries like China and Germany. As more nations invest in renewable infrastructure, this trend is likely to continue globally, offering opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workers.

Moreover, the shift towards renewable energy will necessitate the development of new technologies and the upgrading of existing energy systems. This will create a demand for researchers, engineers, and technicians specializing in fields such as energy storage, smart grid systems, and energy-efficient appliances. Universities and vocational institutions will need to expand their programs to meet this growing demand, thereby creating additional jobs in the education sector.

Furthermore, the renewable energy transition will have ripple effects across the economy. As how renewable energy investments can boost a country’s economy, it will stimulate growth in related industries such as construction, transportation, and manufacturing. For example, the production of electric vehicles to complement clean energy systems will create jobs in the automotive industry and its supply chain.

However, it is important to acknowledge that some traditional energy sector jobs may be lost in this transition. Nevertheless, with proper planning and investment in retraining programs, many of these workers can be redeployed in the renewable energy sector, ensuring a net positive impact on employment.

In conclusion, the development of renewable energy sources has the potential to create a significant number of jobs across multiple sectors. While challenges exist, the overall impact on employment is likely to be highly positive, contributing to both economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Renewable energy job creation infographic

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

I agree that the development of renewable energy sources will create many new jobs. This is because the renewable energy sector is growing and needs workers for different tasks.

One reason why renewable energy will create jobs is that it needs people to make and install equipment. For example, solar panels and wind turbines need to be made in factories and then put up in different places. This means jobs for factory workers and installation technicians. As more countries start using renewable energy, more of these jobs will be available.

Another way renewable energy creates jobs is through research and development. Scientists and engineers are needed to improve renewable energy technology and make it more efficient. This means there will be jobs in laboratories and universities for people studying renewable energy.

Also, as renewable energy becomes more common, there will be a need for people to maintain and repair the equipment. This creates long-term jobs for technicians who can keep solar panels and wind turbines working well.

However, it’s important to note that some jobs in traditional energy industries like coal mining might be lost. But overall, I think the number of new jobs created by renewable energy will be more than the jobs lost.

In conclusion, I believe that the growth of renewable energy will create many new jobs in manufacturing, installation, research, and maintenance. While some jobs may be lost in old energy industries, the overall effect on employment will be positive.

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

I think that renewable energy will make many new jobs. This is good for people who need work and for the environment.

First, renewable energy needs people to make things like solar panels and wind machines. This means more jobs in factories. Also, people are needed to put these things in place, so there are jobs for workers who can do this.

Second, we need smart people to think of new ways to make renewable energy better. This means jobs for scientists and people who are good at inventing things. Universities will also need teachers to teach about renewable energy.

Third, when we have more renewable energy, we will need people to fix the equipment when it breaks. This means long-term jobs for people who are good at fixing things.

But some people might lose their jobs in old energy companies like coal mines. This is a problem that needs to be solved.

In conclusion, I agree that renewable energy will make many new jobs. It will help people find work and also help the environment. I think the good things about these new jobs are more than the bad things about some people losing old jobs.

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay:

• Fully addresses all parts of the task with a clear position
• Presents well-developed ideas with logical organization
• Uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately
• Demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures with flexibility and accuracy
• Contains only occasional errors or inappropriacies

Band 6-7 Essay:

• Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
• Presents relevant main ideas but some may be inadequately developed/unclear
• Uses an adequate range of vocabulary with some inaccuracies
• Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
• May contain some errors in grammar and punctuation but they do not impede communication

Band 5-6 Essay:

• Addresses the task only partially; the format may be inappropriate in places
• Expresses a position but the development is not always clear
• Uses limited range of vocabulary, which may be repetitive
• Uses limited range of structures with some errors
• Contains errors that may cause some difficulty for the reader

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Renewable energy (noun) – /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/ – Energy from a source that is not depleted when used
2. Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
3. Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities
4. Transition (noun) – /trænˈzɪʃn/ – The process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another
5. Innovation (noun) – /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/ – A new method, idea, product, etc.
6. Efficiency (noun) – /ɪˈfɪʃnsi/ – The state or quality of being efficient
7. Implementation (noun) – /ˌɪmplɪmenˈteɪʃn/ – The process of putting a decision or plan into effect
8. Workforce (noun) – /ˈwɜːkfɔːs/ – The people engaged in or available for work
9. Redeployment (noun) – /ˌriːdɪˈplɔɪmənt/ – The action of transferring someone to a new job or role
10. Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level

Renewable energy job sectors diagram

In conclusion, the topic of renewable energy and job creation is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as government policies promoting renewable energy, the economic impact of transitioning to clean energy, and the challenges faced in developing sustainable energy solutions. Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further improvement.

The impact of renewable energy policies on economic growth is another crucial aspect to consider when discussing this topic. As you practice, try to incorporate various perspectives and real-world examples to strengthen your arguments. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!