Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: Sample Essays on Promoting Renewable Energy in Developing Nations

Renewable energy has become an increasingly popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams, particularly when discussing environmental issues and sustainable development in developing countries. Based on recent trends, it’s highly likely that questions related to “the importance of promoting renewable energy in developing nations” will continue to appear frequently in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore this topic through a sample question and analyze multiple essay responses for different band scores.

Some people believe that developing countries should focus on promoting renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

Analyzing the Question

This question asks for your opinion on whether developing countries should prioritize the promotion of renewable energy sources. Key points to consider:

1. The main focus is on developing countries
2. The question specifically mentions solar and wind power as examples
3. You need to state your level of agreement or disagreement
4. Explain your reasons and provide relevant examples

Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

In my opinion, I strongly agree that developing nations should place a high priority on promoting renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. This approach offers numerous benefits, including environmental protection, economic growth, and energy independence.

Firstly, embracing renewable energy is crucial for mitigating climate change and reducing environmental degradation. Developing countries often face severe pollution problems due to their reliance on fossil fuels. By transitioning to clean energy sources, these nations can significantly reduce their carbon emissions and improve air quality. For instance, India’s ambitious solar energy projects have not only increased its clean energy capacity but also helped combat its notorious air pollution issues in major cities.

Secondly, investing in renewable energy can drive economic development and create job opportunities. The renewable energy sector is rapidly growing and offers potential for technological innovation and skilled employment. Countries like China have demonstrated how investing in renewable energy stocks can lead to economic benefits, becoming a global leader in solar panel manufacturing and green technology exports. This approach can help developing nations build a sustainable and competitive economy for the future.

Moreover, promoting renewable energy enhances energy security and reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels. Many developing countries struggle with unreliable power supplies and high energy costs due to their reliance on imported oil or coal. By harnessing abundant natural resources like sunlight and wind, these nations can achieve greater energy independence and stability. For example, Kenya’s geothermal energy development has significantly reduced its reliance on expensive imported fuels and improved its energy security.

However, it is important to acknowledge that transitioning to renewable energy sources requires substantial initial investments and technological expertise. Developing countries may face challenges in terms of funding and infrastructure development. Therefore, international cooperation and support from developed nations and global organizations are essential to facilitate this transition effectively.

In conclusion, while there may be initial hurdles, the long-term benefits of promoting renewable energy in developing countries far outweigh the challenges. By embracing clean energy sources, these nations can protect their environment, stimulate economic growth, and achieve energy independence, ultimately paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future.

(Word count: 365)

Benefits of renewable energy in developing countries

Explanation of Band 8-9 Score

This essay demonstrates excellent characteristics of a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 response:

1. Clear position: The writer strongly agrees with the statement and maintains this position throughout.
2. Well-organized structure: The essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs with distinct main ideas, and a conclusion.
3. Fully developed ideas: Each point is thoroughly explained with relevant examples (India, China, Kenya).
4. Cohesive writing: Ideas flow logically, and paragraphs are well-connected using appropriate linking words.
5. Wide range of vocabulary: The essay uses sophisticated vocabulary accurately (e.g., “mitigating,” “degradation,” “harnessing”).
6. Varied sentence structures: The writer uses a mix of simple and complex sentences effectively.
7. Addressing the counterargument: The essay acknowledges potential challenges, demonstrating a balanced approach.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

I agree that developing countries should focus on promoting renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. This is important for several reasons.

Firstly, renewable energy is good for the environment. Many developing countries have pollution problems because they use a lot of coal and oil. If they switch to solar and wind power, they can reduce air pollution and help fight climate change. For example, in India, some cities are very polluted, but now they are starting to use more solar energy, which is helping to make the air cleaner.

Secondly, renewable energy can create jobs and help the economy. When countries build solar panels and wind turbines, they need workers to make and install them. This can provide jobs for many people. Also, if a country becomes good at making renewable energy technology, they can sell it to other countries and make money. China is a good example of this, as they now sell many solar panels to other countries.

Another reason is that renewable energy can help countries become more independent. Many developing countries have to buy oil from other countries, which can be expensive. But if they use their own sun and wind to make energy, they don’t need to buy as much from others. This can save money and make the country more secure.

However, there are some problems with renewable energy too. It can be expensive to start using solar and wind power, and some countries might not have enough money. Also, sometimes the technology is difficult to use, and countries might need help from experts.

In conclusion, I think developing countries should focus on renewable energy because it is good for the environment, can help the economy, and makes countries more independent. Even though there are some challenges, the benefits are very important for the future of these countries.

(Word count: 309)

Explanation of Band 6-7 Score

This essay demonstrates characteristics of a Band 6-7 response:

1. Clear position: The writer agrees with the statement and maintains this position.
2. Organized structure: The essay has an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
3. Relevant ideas: The main points are relevant and supported with some examples.
4. Basic cohesion: Ideas are connected, though the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated.
5. Adequate vocabulary: The essay uses appropriate vocabulary, but with less precision and range compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
6. Some variety in sentence structures: There is a mix of simple and compound sentences, but fewer complex structures.
7. Attempts to address counterarguments: The essay mentions some challenges, showing some awareness of different perspectives.

While this essay effectively communicates the main ideas, it lacks the depth, sophistication, and precise language use of the higher band essay. The examples are more general, and the arguments could be further developed for a higher score.

Challenges and solutions in adopting renewable energy

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

I think that developing countries should focus on promoting renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. It is a good idea because it can help these countries in many ways.

First, renewable energy is clean energy. It doesn’t make pollution like coal and oil do. This is important because many developing countries have bad air quality. If they use more solar and wind power, the air will be cleaner and people will be healthier.

Second, renewable energy can create jobs. When countries start using solar panels and wind turbines, they need people to make them and install them. This means more jobs for people in the country. Jobs are very important for developing countries.

Also, renewable energy can help countries save money. Many developing countries have to buy oil from other countries, which is expensive. But sun and wind are free. So if they use these for energy, they can save money in the long run.

But there are some problems too. Renewable energy can be expensive to start using. Many developing countries don’t have a lot of money, so this can be difficult. Also, they might not know how to use the technology properly.

In conclusion, I think developing countries should focus on renewable energy because it is good for the environment, creates jobs, and can save money. Even though there are some problems, I think the good things are more important.

(Word count: 236)

Explanation of Band 5-6 Score

This essay demonstrates characteristics of a Band 5-6 response:

1. Basic position: The writer agrees with the statement and attempts to maintain this position.
2. Simple organization: The essay has a basic structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
3. Relevant ideas: The main points are relevant but lack depth and specific examples.
4. Limited cohesion: Ideas are connected, but transitions between paragraphs are abrupt.
5. Simple vocabulary: The essay uses basic vocabulary with some repetition.
6. Simple sentence structures: Most sentences are simple or compound, with few complex structures.
7. Limited development: Ideas are presented but not fully explained or supported with specific examples.

This essay communicates the basic ideas related to the topic but lacks the depth, language sophistication, and detailed examples needed for a higher band score. The arguments are simplistic and could be much more developed. The essay also falls short of the recommended word count for IELTS Writing Task 2.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Renewable energy (noun) – /rɪˈnjuːəbəl ˈenədʒi/ – energy from a source that is not depleted when used
2. Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbəl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
3. Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – make less severe, serious, or painful
4. Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃər/ – basic physical and organizational structures needed for operation
5. Energy security (noun phrase) – /ˈenədʒi sɪˈkjʊərəti/ – the uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price
6. Carbon emissions (noun phrase) – /ˈkɑːbən ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
7. Technological innovation (noun phrase) – /ˌteknəˈlɒdʒɪkəl ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/ – the process of translating an idea or invention into a good or service
8. Energy independence (noun phrase) – /ˈenədʒi ˌɪndɪˈpendəns/ – the ability of a country to meet its energy needs without relying on foreign sources

Key vocabulary for discussing renewable energy

Conclusion

The topic of promoting renewable energy in developing nations is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

1. The role of government in promoting renewable energy
2. Balancing economic growth with environmental protection in developing countries
3. The challenges of implementing renewable energy systems in rural areas
4. How renewable energy can drive economic development in emerging economies

Remember to structure your essays clearly, develop your ideas fully, and use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures. Practice writing essays on these topics and share them in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare more effectively for the IELTS exam.