The topic of renewable energy policies and their impact on the global economy is increasingly relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This subject has appeared in various forms in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice due to its global significance. Based on recent trends, we can expect to see questions related to government policies on renewable energy, economic implications, and environmental considerations. Let’s examine a recent IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this topic and explore sample essays for different band scores.
Some people think that governments should invest in developing renewable energy sources, while others believe that money is better spent on improving public services. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to discuss two contrasting views on government spending priorities: investing in renewable energy versus improving public services. The task involves:
- Explaining why some people support government investment in renewable energy
- Discussing the arguments for prioritizing public services
- Providing a balanced discussion of both viewpoints
- Stating and justifying your own opinion on the matter
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-band response.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In recent years, the debate over government spending priorities has intensified, with some advocating for investment in renewable energy sources while others argue for improving public services. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view on this critical issue.
Proponents of government investment in renewable energy argue that it is essential for long-term environmental and economic sustainability. Developing clean energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. Moreover, investing in renewable energy can create new job opportunities and foster innovation in the technology sector, potentially boosting economic growth. The impact of renewable energy policies on economic growth has been demonstrated in countries like Germany and Denmark, which have seen significant economic benefits from their early adoption of renewable technologies.
On the other hand, those who prioritize public services argue that immediate societal needs should take precedence. Improving healthcare, education, and transportation infrastructure can have a direct and tangible impact on citizens’ quality of life. Enhanced public services can lead to a more productive workforce, reduce social inequalities, and create a more stable society. Furthermore, well-functioning public services can attract businesses and investment, indirectly contributing to economic growth.
In my opinion, while both areas are crucial for a nation’s development, I believe that a balanced approach is necessary. Governments should strive to invest in renewable energy as part of a long-term strategy for environmental and economic sustainability. However, this should not come at the expense of essential public services. A well-planned budget can allocate resources to both sectors, ensuring that immediate societal needs are met while also preparing for a sustainable future.
How renewable energy investments can boost a country’s economy is evident in many cases, but these investments should be made alongside, not instead of, improvements to public services. By doing so, governments can create a synergy where improved public services support the transition to a green economy, and the economic benefits of renewable energy help fund better public services.
In conclusion, the choice between investing in renewable energy and improving public services is not necessarily an either-or proposition. A nuanced approach that recognizes the importance of both sectors and allocates resources accordingly is likely to yield the best outcomes for society as a whole.
(Word count: 398)
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that justify a high band score:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly presenting the writer’s opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. It uses cohesive devices effectively and presents a clear central topic within each paragraph.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Examples include “mitigate,” “foster innovation,” and “synergy.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: It uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. Complex structures are used naturally and appropriately.
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Development and Support: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
These days, there is a debate about whether governments should spend money on renewable energy or public services. Both sides have good points, and I will discuss them in this essay.
Some people think governments should invest in renewable energy. This is important because it can help reduce pollution and fight climate change. Advantages of renewable energy over fossil fuels include less pollution and they don’t run out. Also, renewable energy can create new jobs and help the economy grow. For example, countries like Germany have many jobs in the solar power industry.
On the other hand, others believe that improving public services is more important. Better schools, hospitals, and transport can make people’s lives better right now. Good public services can help reduce poverty and make society more equal. They can also make workers more productive, which is good for the economy. For instance, if people have good healthcare, they can work better and miss fewer days of work.
In my opinion, both renewable energy and public services are important, but I think governments should focus more on public services first. While renewable energy is good for the future, people need good schools and hospitals now. However, I believe governments should try to invest in both if possible. Maybe they can find ways to use renewable energy in public services, like using solar panels on schools and hospitals.
How climate change impacts global economic stability is a big concern, but we also need to think about people’s immediate needs. If governments can balance both, that would be the best solution.
To conclude, while renewable energy is important for the future, I believe improving public services should be the priority for governments. However, the best approach would be to find ways to invest in both areas for the benefit of society.
(Word count: 329)
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates good qualities that justify a band score of 6-7:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and presenting the writer’s opinion. However, the development of ideas is less thorough compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear overall progression. It uses some cohesive devices, but not always with full flexibility.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary (e.g., “renewable energy,” “climate change”), but with some inaccuracies.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: It uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication.
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Development and Support: Main ideas are present but some points are underdeveloped or lack specific examples.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Renewable energy (noun) – /rɪˈnjuːəbəl ˈenədʒi/ – energy from a source that is not depleted when used
- Public services (noun phrase) – /ˈpʌblɪk ˈsɜːvɪsɪz/ – services provided by the government to people living within its jurisdiction
- Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – the ability to maintain at a certain rate or level
- Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise
- Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – make (something bad) less severe, serious, or painful
- Foster (verb) – /ˈfɒstə/ – encourage or promote the development of (something, typically something regarded as good)
- Synergy (noun) – /ˈsɪnədʒi/ – the interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects
- Allocation (noun) – /ˌæləˈkeɪʃən/ – the action or process of allocating or distributing something
Conclusion
The topic of renewable energy policies and their impact on the global economy is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Future questions might explore specific aspects such as:
- The role of government incentives in promoting renewable energy adoption
- The balance between economic growth and environmental protection
- The impact of renewable energy on job markets and traditional industries
- International cooperation in developing and implementing renewable energy technologies
To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on these topics, focusing on developing well-structured arguments, using appropriate vocabulary, and providing relevant examples. Remember to analyze both sides of the argument before presenting your own opinion. We encourage you to try writing your own essay on the topic discussed in this article and share it in the comments section for feedback and further practice.