The Importance Of Renewable Energy Adoption In Urban Areas is a topic that has gained significant traction in recent IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on trends observed in past tests and the growing global focus on sustainable urban development, it’s highly likely that this theme will continue to appear in future exams. Let’s explore a relevant question that has been featured in recent IELTS tests and provide sample essays to help you prepare effectively.
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that in order to solve traffic and transportation problems, cities and towns should be redesigned with more green spaces and fewer parking areas, while others think that more roads should be built. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question, while not directly mentioning renewable energy, touches on urban planning and sustainability – key aspects of renewable energy adoption in urban areas. It requires you to:
- Discuss the view of redesigning cities with more green spaces and fewer parking areas
- Discuss the opposing view of building more roads
- Present your own opinion on the matter
Remember to address all parts of the question and support your arguments with relevant examples.
Sample Essay (Band 8-9)
Here’s a high-scoring sample essay that effectively addresses the question:
In the face of growing urban congestion, there are divergent views on how to address traffic and transportation issues. While some advocate for redesigning cities with an emphasis on green spaces and reduced parking, others propose expanding road infrastructure. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own stance on the matter.
Proponents of urban redesign argue that creating more green spaces and limiting parking areas can significantly alleviate traffic problems. By reducing the availability of parking, cities can discourage private car use and promote alternative modes of transportation. This approach aligns with the principles of sustainable urban planning, potentially leading to improved air quality, reduced carbon emissions, and enhanced quality of life for residents. Moreover, increasing green spaces can contribute to better urban microclimate regulation and provide areas for sustainable transportation options such as cycling paths and pedestrian walkways.
On the other hand, those in favor of road expansion contend that building more roads is the most direct solution to traffic congestion. They argue that increased road capacity can accommodate growing vehicle numbers and improve traffic flow. Advocates of this view often cite examples of successful highway expansion projects that have reduced travel times and eased congestion in certain areas. Additionally, they may argue that improved road infrastructure is essential for economic growth and efficient transportation of goods and services.
In my opinion, while both approaches have merit, redesigning cities with a focus on sustainability and reduced car dependency is the more forward-thinking solution. The long-term benefits of creating greener, more livable urban spaces outweigh the short-term convenience of expanded road networks. By prioritizing public transportation, cycling infrastructure, and pedestrian-friendly design, cities can not only address traffic issues but also contribute to broader goals of sustainability and improved quality of life.
Furthermore, this approach aligns with the growing global emphasis on renewable energy adoption in urban areas. By reducing dependency on private vehicles, cities can significantly decrease their carbon footprint and create opportunities for integrating renewable energy technologies into urban infrastructure. For instance, green spaces can be utilized for solar installations, while reduced parking areas can be repurposed for electric vehicle charging stations powered by renewable sources.
In conclusion, while building more roads may offer a quick fix, redesigning cities with sustainability in mind presents a more holistic and long-lasting solution to urban traffic problems. This approach not only addresses immediate transportation issues but also paves the way for more sustainable, energy-efficient urban environments in the future.
(Word count: 398)
Sample Essay (Band 6-7)
Here’s a sample essay that would typically score in the Band 6-7 range:
Traffic and transportation problems are big issues in many cities today. Some people think we should change cities to have more green areas and less parking, while others believe building more roads is the answer. This essay will look at both ideas and give my opinion.
The idea of redesigning cities with more green spaces and fewer parking areas has some good points. If there are less places to park, people might use their cars less. This could help reduce traffic. Also, more green spaces could make the city nicer to live in and might encourage people to walk or cycle more. This could be good for the environment and people’s health.
On the other hand, some people think building more roads is the best way to solve traffic problems. They say that more roads mean cars can move more easily and there will be less traffic jams. This could save time for people traveling and might be good for businesses that need to transport goods. Some cities have built new roads and seen improvements in traffic flow.
In my opinion, I think redesigning cities with more green spaces and less parking is a better idea. While building more roads might help in the short term, it doesn’t solve the problem in the long run. As cities grow, there will always be more cars, so we need to find ways to reduce car use instead of just making more space for cars.
Also, having more green spaces and less parking can help with other problems like pollution and climate change. It can make cities nicer places to live and might encourage people to use public transport or bikes instead of cars. This is important because it connects to the bigger issue of using more renewable energy in cities.
In conclusion, while both ideas have their merits, I believe changing city designs to include more green spaces and less parking is the better solution. It not only helps with traffic problems but also makes cities better places to live and more environmentally friendly.
(Word count: 329)
Key Points to Note When Writing
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Essay Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing each view, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay demonstrates more sophisticated paragraph development and linking.
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Addressing the Task: Both essays discuss the two views and provide a personal opinion. However, the Band 8-9 essay more effectively integrates the concept of renewable energy adoption in urban areas, showcasing a deeper understanding of the broader implications.
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Language Use:
- Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures.
- Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still maintains clarity.
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Coherence and Cohesion:
- Band 8-9 essay demonstrates smoother transitions between ideas and paragraphs.
- Band 6-7 essay is generally coherent but with less sophisticated linking.
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Development of Ideas:
- Band 8-9 essay provides more detailed explanations and examples.
- Band 6-7 essay presents relevant ideas but with less depth and fewer specific examples.
Essential Vocabulary
Here are some key vocabulary items related to the topic, useful for discussing renewable energy adoption in urban areas:
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Sustainable urban planning (noun phrase) – /səˈsteɪnəbl ˈɜːrbən ˈplænɪŋ/ – The practice of creating livable, efficient cities that minimize environmental impact.
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Carbon footprint (noun) – /ˈkɑːrbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – The amount of carbon dioxide emissions associated with an individual, organization, or product.
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Renewable energy (noun phrase) – /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenərdʒi/ – Energy from sources that are naturally replenished, such as sunlight, wind, or geothermal heat.
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Urban congestion (noun phrase) – /ˈɜːrbən kənˈdʒestʃən/ – Excessive crowding or traffic in urban areas.
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Green infrastructure (noun phrase) – /griːn ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – An approach to water management that protects, restores, or mimics the natural water cycle.
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Sustainable transportation (noun phrase) – /səˈsteɪnəbl ˌtrænspɔːrˈteɪʃn/ – Modes of transport that have low impact on the environment, such as walking, cycling, or electric vehicles.
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Urban sprawl (noun) – /ˈɜːrbən sprɔːl/ – The expansion of human populations away from central urban areas into low-density, car-dependent communities.
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Energy-efficient (adjective) – /ˈenərdʒi ɪˈfɪʃnt/ – Describing something that uses less energy to perform the same function.
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Microclimate (noun) – /ˈmaɪkrəʊˌklaɪmət/ – The climate of a very small or restricted area, especially when this differs from the climate of the surrounding area.
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Pedestrianization (noun) – /pəˌdestriənaɪˈzeɪʃn/ – The removal of vehicular traffic from city streets or areas to create pedestrian-only spaces.
Conclusion
The topic of renewable energy adoption in urban areas, particularly as it relates to urban planning and transportation, is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of renewable energy in reducing urban pollution
- Balancing economic growth with sustainable urban development
- The impact of urban design on energy consumption
- Strategies for promoting renewable energy use in densely populated areas
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Feel free to practice by writing an essay on the question discussed in this article and sharing it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.