The topic of renewable energy and its potential to reduce global dependence on oil 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 examine a real IELTS question that addresses this important issue:
Some people think that the best way to reduce global dependence on oil is to increase renewable energy sources. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Analyzing the Question
This question asks for your opinion on whether increasing renewable energy sources is the most effective approach to reducing global oil dependence. It’s crucial to:
- Clearly state your position
- Provide logical reasons and examples to support your view
- Consider potential counterarguments
- Conclude by summarizing your main points
Now, let’s look at two sample essays addressing this question, targeting different band scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8)
Renewable energy has gained significant attention as a potential solution to the world’s reliance on fossil fuels, particularly oil. I strongly agree that expanding renewable energy sources is the most effective way to reduce global oil dependence, as it offers sustainable alternatives while addressing environmental concerns.
Firstly, renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power provide a clean and inexhaustible supply of energy. Unlike oil, which is finite and environmentally damaging, these sources can be harnessed indefinitely without depleting natural resources. For instance, countries like Germany and Denmark have successfully reduced their oil consumption by investing heavily in wind energy, demonstrating the viability of this approach on a national scale.
Moreover, the increasing affordability and efficiency of renewable technologies make them increasingly competitive with traditional fossil fuels. As research and development in this field progress, the cost of implementing renewable energy systems continues to decrease. This trend is evident in the rapidly falling prices of solar panels and wind turbines, making them more accessible to both developed and developing nations.
However, it is important to acknowledge that transitioning to renewable energy sources is not without challenges. The intermittent nature of some renewable sources, such as solar and wind, requires advancements in energy storage technologies. Additionally, updating existing infrastructure to accommodate renewable energy systems can be costly and time-consuming.
Despite these obstacles, the long-term benefits of investing in renewable energy far outweigh the short-term difficulties. By reducing dependence on oil, countries can enhance their energy security, mitigate the impacts of oil price fluctuations, and significantly reduce their carbon footprint. Furthermore, the renewable energy sector creates new job opportunities and stimulates economic growth, as seen in countries like China, which has become a global leader in solar panel production.
In conclusion, while the transition to renewable energy sources may present initial challenges, it remains the most promising and sustainable approach to reducing global oil dependence. Governments and industries worldwide should prioritize investments in renewable energy technologies to ensure a cleaner, more secure energy future for all.
Essay Analysis (Band 8)
This essay demonstrates several key features that contribute to its high band score:
- Clear position: The writer unequivocally agrees with the statement in the introduction.
- Well-developed arguments: Each paragraph presents a distinct point, supported by specific examples (e.g., Germany and Denmark’s wind energy investments).
- Balanced view: The essay acknowledges potential challenges, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of the topic.
- Cohesive structure: Ideas flow logically, with clear transitions between paragraphs.
- Advanced vocabulary: The writer uses sophisticated terms like “intermittent nature” and “mitigate the impacts” appropriately.
- Varied sentence structures: The essay includes a mix of simple and complex sentences, enhancing readability.
How renewable energy can drive economic growth is effectively illustrated in this essay, particularly in the paragraph discussing job creation and economic stimulation.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
I agree that increasing renewable energy sources is a good way to reduce global dependence on oil. This approach has several advantages and can help solve environmental problems.
Firstly, renewable energy sources like solar and wind power are clean and do not run out. This means we can use them for a long time without worrying about finishing them. For example, many countries are now building more solar farms and wind turbines to generate electricity without using oil.
Another reason why renewable energy is good is that it can help reduce pollution. When we burn oil, it releases harmful gases into the air, which causes global warming. But renewable energy does not create these problems, so it is better for the environment.
However, there are some challenges in using renewable energy. It can be expensive to build the necessary equipment, and sometimes the weather affects how much energy we can produce. For instance, solar panels don’t work well on cloudy days.
Despite these problems, I think increasing renewable energy is still the best way to reduce our dependence on oil. It may take time and money, but in the long run, it will help protect our planet and provide us with clean energy.
In conclusion, while there are some difficulties, increasing renewable energy sources is an important step in reducing our reliance on oil and protecting the environment.
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates several characteristics of a Band 6-7 response:
- Clear position: The writer agrees with the statement, though the agreement could be more emphatically stated.
- Basic arguments: The essay presents simple arguments with some examples, but they lack the depth and specificity of a higher band score.
- Limited range of vocabulary: While the vocabulary is generally appropriate, it lacks the sophistication seen in higher band essays.
- Simple sentence structures: The essay primarily uses simple and compound sentences, with fewer complex structures.
- Basic organization: The essay has a clear structure but lacks the cohesive devices and smooth transitions of a higher band essay.
- Acknowledgment of counterarguments: The writer mentions challenges, showing some awareness of different perspectives.
Should renewable energy be prioritized in national policies? is a question that this essay touches upon, albeit in a simpler manner compared to the Band 8 essay.
Key Vocabulary
- Renewable energy (noun) /rɪˈnjuːəbəl ˈenədʒi/: Energy from a source that is not depleted when used
- Fossil fuels (noun) /ˈfɒsəl fjuːəlz/: Fuels formed from the remains of organic matter
- Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbəl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
- Intermittent (adjective) /ˌɪntəˈmɪtənt/: Occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous
- Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/: The basic physical and organizational structures needed for operation
- Carbon footprint (noun) /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/: The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of activities
- Energy security (noun) /ˈenədʒi sɪˈkjʊərəti/: The association between national security and the availability of natural resources for energy consumption
In conclusion, the topic of renewable energy and its potential to reduce global oil dependence 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 renewable energy adoption
- The challenges of implementing renewable energy on a large scale
Should governments support renewable energy startups is another potential question you might encounter. We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.