Air pollution is a pressing global issue, and the role of renewable energy in mitigating this problem has become increasingly important. This topic has appeared frequently in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams and is likely to continue being a popular subject in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past IELTS exams:
Some people think that the best way to reduce air pollution is to increase the price of fuel for cars and other vehicles. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Analysis of the Question
This question focuses on a specific approach to reducing air pollution – increasing fuel prices. It requires candidates to consider the effectiveness of this method and express their opinion. The task is to discuss whether you agree or disagree with this approach, and to what extent.
Key points to consider:
- The relationship between fuel prices and air pollution
- Potential impacts of increased fuel prices on vehicle usage
- Alternative methods of reducing air pollution
- The role of renewable energy in this context
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
While increasing fuel prices may seem like a straightforward solution to reduce air pollution, I largely disagree that it is the best approach. Instead, I believe that promoting renewable energy sources and improving public transportation are more effective and sustainable methods to address this critical issue.
Undoubtedly, raising fuel prices could lead to a decrease in vehicle usage, potentially resulting in lower emissions. However, this approach has several drawbacks. Firstly, it disproportionately affects lower-income individuals who may rely on personal vehicles for work or essential travel. Secondly, it does not address the root cause of air pollution, which is our dependence on fossil fuels.
A more effective strategy would be to invest heavily in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. By transitioning our energy production away from fossil fuels, we can significantly reduce air pollution at its source. For instance, electric vehicles powered by renewable energy produce zero emissions, offering a cleaner alternative to traditional combustion engines without placing an unfair burden on consumers.
Furthermore, improving and expanding public transportation systems can provide a more equitable solution. Efficient, affordable, and clean public transit options encourage people to leave their cars at home, reducing overall emissions. Cities like Copenhagen and Amsterdam have demonstrated the success of this approach, combining excellent public transportation with extensive cycling infrastructure to dramatically reduce air pollution.
In conclusion, while increasing fuel prices may have some impact on air pollution, it is not the most effective or fair solution. By focusing on renewable energy development and enhancing public transportation, we can address air pollution more comprehensively and sustainably, ensuring a cleaner future for all.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
I partially agree that increasing fuel prices can help reduce air pollution, but I don’t think it’s the best way to solve the problem. There are both advantages and disadvantages to this approach, and other methods might be more effective.
On one hand, higher fuel prices could make people drive less and choose more fuel-efficient cars. This would lead to fewer emissions and less air pollution. For example, when fuel prices go up, more people might use public transportation or carpool to save money.
However, increasing fuel prices can also cause problems. It can be unfair to people with low incomes who need to drive for work or other important reasons. It might also make goods more expensive because transportation costs would increase.
I believe there are better ways to reduce air pollution. One important solution is to promote renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. These clean energy sources don’t produce air pollution and can replace fossil fuels in many cases. Governments should invest more in renewable energy technology and make it more affordable for people to use.
Another effective method is to improve public transportation systems. If buses and trains are convenient, efficient, and affordable, more people will choose to use them instead of driving their own cars. This can significantly reduce the number of vehicles on the road and decrease air pollution.
In conclusion, while increasing fuel prices might help reduce air pollution to some extent, I believe that promoting renewable energy and improving public transportation are more effective and fair solutions to this problem.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
I think increasing fuel prices can help reduce air pollution, but it’s not the only way to solve the problem. There are good and bad points about this idea.
When fuel prices go up, people might drive less. They might choose to walk, ride bicycles, or take the bus instead of using their cars. This can help reduce air pollution because there will be fewer cars on the road producing exhaust.
But raising fuel prices can also cause problems. It can make life harder for people who don’t have much money but need to drive to work. It can also make things more expensive in shops because it costs more to transport goods.
I think there are other ways to reduce air pollution that might work better. One good idea is to use more clean energy like solar power and wind power. These don’t make air pollution and can be used to power cars and buses.
Another good idea is to make public transportation better. If buses and trains are good and cheap, more people will use them instead of driving cars. This can help reduce air pollution in cities.
In conclusion, I think increasing fuel prices might help a little bit with air pollution, but using more clean energy and making public transportation better are probably more helpful solutions.
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts of the task with a clear position and well-developed ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Logically organized with clear progression throughout. Effective use of cohesive devices.
- Lexical Resource: Wide range of vocabulary used with flexibility and precision. Rare minor errors.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Wide range of structures used accurately. Only very occasional errors or inappropriacies.
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses all parts of the task, though some aspects are more fully covered than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Information and ideas are generally well organized with clear overall progression.
- Lexical Resource: Sufficient range of vocabulary for the task. Some errors in word choice but meaning is generally clear.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Mix of simple and complex sentence forms. Some errors in grammar and punctuation but rarely reduce communication.
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses the task only partially. Position is not always clear.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Overall progression is evident but not always well maintained. Paragraphing is present but not always logical.
- Lexical Resource: Limited range of vocabulary. Noticeable errors in word choice and formation that may cause some difficulty for the reader.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Limited range of structures with frequent grammatical errors that may cause some difficulty for the reader.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Renewable energy (noun) /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/ – Energy from a source that is not depleted when used
- Emissions (noun) /ɪˈmɪʃnz/ – The production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation
- Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
- Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities
- Transition (noun) /trænˈzɪʃn/ – The process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another
- Disproportionately (adverb) /ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːʃənətli/ – To an extent that is too large or too small in comparison with something else
- Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – Make (something bad) less severe, serious, or painful
- Equitable (adjective) /ˈekwɪtəbl/ – Fair and impartial
In conclusion, the importance of renewable energy in reducing air pollution is a crucial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. Future questions might explore specific renewable energy technologies, government policies to promote clean energy, or the economic impacts of transitioning to renewable sources. To improve your writing skills, try composing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.