Promoting renewable energy in schools is a topic that has gained significant attention in recent IELTS exams. Based on analysis of past exam trends and current environmental issues, this theme is likely to appear frequently in future tests. Let’s explore a relevant question that has been featured in actual IELTS exams:

Some people think that schools should teach children how to use renewable energy sources. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Analyzing the Question

This question asks for your opinion on whether schools should include education about renewable energy sources in their curriculum. It’s an agree/disagree type question, which means you need to clearly state your position and support it with relevant arguments and examples.

Key points to consider:

• The role of schools in environmental education
• The importance of renewable energy knowledge for future generations
• Potential benefits and challenges of teaching this subject in schools

Sample Essays

Band 8-9 Essay

Renewable energy education in schools is undoubtedly crucial for shaping a sustainable future. I strongly agree that educational institutions should incorporate this subject into their curriculum, as it offers numerous benefits for both students and society at large.

Firstly, teaching children about renewable energy sources equips them with essential knowledge to address one of the most pressing global challenges – climate change. By understanding the mechanisms and advantages of solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, students can become informed citizens capable of making environmentally conscious decisions in their personal and professional lives. This aligns with the broader role of education in promoting sustainability, fostering a generation that is prepared to tackle environmental issues head-on.

Moreover, introducing renewable energy concepts at an early age can inspire innovation and career choices in the green technology sector. As the world transitions towards cleaner energy solutions, there will be an increasing demand for professionals in this field. By exposing students to these technologies, schools can nurture future engineers, scientists, and policymakers who will drive the renewable energy industry forward. This not only benefits individual career prospects but also contributes to how renewable energy projects can boost local economies.

Children learning about renewable energy in a classroom

However, it is essential to acknowledge that implementing renewable energy education may pose challenges for schools. Limited resources, teacher training, and curriculum overload are potential obstacles. Nevertheless, these can be overcome through government support, partnerships with energy companies, and integrating the topic into existing subjects like science and geography.

In conclusion, the benefits of teaching children about renewable energy sources far outweigh the challenges. By doing so, schools can play a pivotal role in creating a more sustainable and environmentally conscious society. It is a responsibility that educational institutions must embrace to prepare students for the energy landscape of the future.

(Word count: 309)

Band 6-7 Essay

I agree that schools should teach children about renewable energy sources because it is important for the future. There are several reasons why this is a good idea.

First, learning about renewable energy helps children understand environmental problems. When students know about solar power, wind energy, and other clean sources, they can see how these can help reduce pollution and fight climate change. This knowledge is important because young people will need to deal with these issues when they grow up.

Second, teaching about renewable energy can lead to good job opportunities. As more countries use clean energy, there will be more jobs in this area. If students learn about these technologies early, they might choose careers in renewable energy, which could be good for their future.

Students examining renewable energy models in a science class

However, there might be some problems with teaching this in schools. Some schools may not have enough money for special equipment or training teachers. Also, there are already many subjects to teach, so it might be hard to add more.

Despite these challenges, I think the benefits are more important. Schools can find ways to include renewable energy topics in science or geography classes without needing a lot of extra resources.

In conclusion, I believe schools should definitely teach children about renewable energy. It will help them understand important environmental issues and might give them good job options in the future. This knowledge is necessary for creating a better, cleaner world.

(Word count: 268)

Explaining the Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay Explanation

This essay demonstrates excellent task achievement, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy, warranting a Band 8-9 score:

1. Task Achievement: The essay clearly addresses all parts of the task, presenting a fully developed position with relevant, extended, and well-supported ideas.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.

3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and accuracy. The essay is error-free with only very occasional ‘slips’.

Band 6-7 Essay Explanation

This essay demonstrates good task achievement, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy, justifying a Band 6-7 score:

1. Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, though some aspects are more fully covered than others. The format is appropriate, and the main ideas are relevant and supported.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: Information and ideas are generally well organized with clear overall progression. Paragraphing is used, but linking could be improved in some areas.

3. Lexical Resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used for the task. There are attempts at using less common vocabulary, though there may be some inaccuracy in word choice or collocation.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used. While there are some errors, they do not impede communication.

Key Vocabulary

1. Renewable energy (noun) /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/: Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.

2. Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/: The ability to maintain at a certain rate or level, especially regarding ecological balance.

3. Climate change (noun) /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/: Long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns.

4. Innovation (noun) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/: The action or process of innovating; a new method, idea, product, etc.

5. Environmentally conscious (adjective) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentəli ˈkɒnʃəs/: Aware of and concerned about the environment.

6. Green technology (noun) /griːn tekˈnɒlədʒi/: Technology that is environmentally friendly.

7. Curriculum (noun) /kəˈrɪkjələm/: The subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college.

8. Hydroelectric power (noun) /ˌhaɪdrəʊɪˈlektrɪk ˈpaʊə/: Electricity generated by the force of falling or flowing water.

9. Policymakers (noun) /ˈpɒlɪsiˌmeɪkəz/: People responsible for making policy, especially in government.

10. Resource allocation (noun) /rɪˈsɔːs ˌæləˈkeɪʃn/: The assignment of available resources to various uses.

In conclusion, the topic of promoting renewable energy education in schools is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS exams. It touches on critical global issues such as environmental sustainability, education, and technological advancement. To prepare for similar topics, consider practicing essays on related themes such as:

• The role of technology in environmental protection
• Government policies to promote clean energy
• The impact of environmental education on societal behavior

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is to address the question directly, provide well-structured arguments, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures accurately. Practice writing essays on this and similar topics, and don’t hesitate to share your attempts in the comments section for feedback and improvement.