The topic of renewable energy replacing fossil fuels is increasingly relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends, this theme has appeared frequently in past tests and is likely to continue being a popular subject in future exams. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays and in-depth analysis to help you prepare effectively for your IELTS Writing Task 2.
Analyzing the Essay Question
Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this topic:
Some people believe that the use of fossil fuels should be completely replaced by renewable energy sources within the next decade. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
This question asks for your opinion on a complex and timely issue. It requires you to consider:
- The feasibility of completely replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy in a short timeframe
- The potential benefits and challenges of such a transition
- The economic, environmental, and social implications of this change
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The urgent need to address climate change has led some to advocate for a rapid and complete shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources within the next ten years. While I strongly support the transition to renewable energy, I believe that such an abrupt and total replacement is neither feasible nor advisable in such a short timeframe.
Undoubtedly, the shift towards renewable energy is crucial for our planet’s future. Fossil fuels are finite resources that contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power offer cleaner alternatives that can help mitigate these environmental concerns. Moreover, investing in renewable energy technologies can create new jobs and foster innovation, potentially boosting economies in the long run.
However, completely replacing fossil fuels within a decade presents several significant challenges. Firstly, our current infrastructure is heavily dependent on fossil fuels, and overhauling this entire system would require enormous financial investments and technological advancements. Many developing countries, in particular, may lack the resources to make such a rapid transition. Secondly, renewable energy technologies, while improving, are not yet capable of meeting global energy demands consistently and reliably. Issues such as energy storage and grid stability need to be addressed before we can fully rely on renewables.
A more realistic and balanced approach would be to set ambitious yet achievable targets for increasing renewable energy usage while gradually phasing out fossil fuels. This could involve implementing carbon pricing mechanisms, investing in research and development of renewable technologies, and providing incentives for both businesses and individuals to adopt cleaner energy sources. Such a strategy would allow for a smoother transition, minimizing economic disruption while still making significant progress towards a more sustainable energy future.
In conclusion, while the complete replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy is a commendable goal, achieving this within a decade is overly optimistic. A more pragmatic approach involving steady, incremental changes over a longer period would be more effective in realizing a sustainable energy future without causing undue economic and social upheaval. (309 words)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that warrant a high band score:
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Task Response: The essay directly addresses the question, presenting a clear position that agrees with the transition to renewable energy but disagrees with the proposed timeline. It provides a balanced view, discussing both the importance of the shift and the challenges involved.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-structured with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Linking words and phrases such as “Undoubtedly,” “However,” and “In conclusion” are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument.
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Lexical Resource: The essay employs a wide range of vocabulary relevant to the topic, such as “greenhouse gas emissions,” “mitigate,” and “carbon pricing mechanisms.” It also uses sophisticated phrases like “overhauling this entire system” and “undue economic and social upheaval.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a variety of complex sentence structures and grammatical forms, with minimal errors. For example, “Issues such as energy storage and grid stability need to be addressed before we can fully rely on renewables” shows the use of passive voice and complex noun phrases.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Many people think that we should stop using fossil fuels completely and switch to renewable energy sources in the next ten years. I partly agree with this idea, but I think it might be too difficult to do it so quickly.
Renewable energy is very important for our future. Fossil fuels like coal and oil cause a lot of pollution and contribute to global warming. On the other hand, renewable energy sources like solar and wind power are much cleaner and don’t run out. Using more renewable energy can help protect the environment and create new jobs in green industries.
However, changing to 100% renewable energy in just ten years would be very challenging. First, many countries still rely heavily on fossil fuels for their energy needs. Changing all the power plants and infrastructure would cost a lot of money and take a long time. Also, renewable energy technologies are not perfect yet. For example, solar panels don’t work well at night, and wind turbines don’t produce electricity when there’s no wind.
I think a better plan would be to gradually increase the use of renewable energy while slowly reducing fossil fuels. Governments could set targets to increase renewable energy use over time, maybe aiming for 50% in ten years instead of 100%. They could also invest in improving renewable energy technologies and encourage people and businesses to use cleaner energy.
In conclusion, while moving to renewable energy is very important, doing it completely in just ten years is probably not realistic. A step-by-step approach over a longer time would be more practical and still help us move towards a cleaner energy future. (253 words)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates good qualities that align with a Band 6-7 score:
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Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the question and presents a clear position. However, the ideas could be developed more fully with more specific examples or details.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Simple linking words like “However” and “Also” are used, but more sophisticated cohesive devices could improve the flow.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is generally appropriate for the topic, with some attempt at using less common words like “infrastructure” and “gradually.” However, there’s room for more precise and varied vocabulary.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good accuracy. There’s some attempt at more complex structures, but the range could be broader.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Renewable energy (noun) /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/: Energy from a source that is not depleted when used.
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Fossil fuels (noun) /ˈfɒsl fjuːəlz/: A natural fuel such as coal or gas, formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms.
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Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/: The ability to maintain at a certain rate or level.
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Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/: The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
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Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/: Make (something bad) less severe, serious, or painful.
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Feasible (adjective) /ˈfiːzəbl/: Possible to do easily or conveniently.
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Incremental (adjective) /ˌɪnkrəˈmentl/: Increasing or adding on, especially in a gradual way.
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Carbon pricing (noun) /ˈkɑːbən ˈpraɪsɪŋ/: A method of reducing carbon emissions by charging for the emission of greenhouse gases.
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Grid stability (noun) /ɡrɪd stəˈbɪləti/: The ability of an electrical grid to maintain a stable frequency and voltage.
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Phase out (phrasal verb) /feɪz aʊt/: To gradually stop using or providing (something).
Conclusion
The topic of renewable energy replacing fossil fuels is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. 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
- Challenges in implementing renewable energy in developing countries
- The future of transportation in a world powered by renewable energy
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. We encourage you to practice writing an essay on the given topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your IELTS Writing skills and prepare for the exam.