Renewable energy subsidies have become an increasingly important topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. This subject not only reflects current global environmental concerns but also tests candidates’ ability to discuss complex economic and environmental issues. Based on recent trends, we can expect this topic to appear more frequently in future IELTS exams.
Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past IELTS exams:
Some people believe that governments should provide subsidies to promote the development and use of renewable energy. Others argue that this money would be better spent on other important areas such as education and healthcare. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for government subsidies on renewable energy
- Discuss arguments against such subsidies, favoring spending on education and healthcare
- Provide a personal opinion on the issue
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score.
Sample Essay for Band 8
Here’s a sample essay that would likely score in the Band 8 range:
Governments worldwide face the challenge of allocating limited resources effectively. While some argue for subsidizing renewable energy development, others contend that these funds should be directed towards education and healthcare. In my opinion, a balanced approach that prioritizes renewable energy without neglecting other crucial sectors is essential for sustainable development.
Proponents of renewable energy subsidies argue that such investments are critical for combating climate change and ensuring long-term energy security. By providing financial incentives, governments can accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources like solar and wind power. This transition not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also creates new jobs in the growing green energy sector. Moreover, as renewable technologies become more efficient and widespread, the cost of clean energy is likely to decrease, benefiting consumers and the economy as a whole.
On the other hand, those who oppose these subsidies contend that education and healthcare should take precedence. They argue that a well-educated and healthy population is the foundation of any prosperous society. Investing in schools, universities, and hospitals can lead to immediate improvements in people’s quality of life and contribute to long-term economic growth. Additionally, they point out that the private sector may be better equipped to drive innovation in renewable energy without government intervention.
In my view, the most effective approach is to strike a balance between these competing priorities. While education and healthcare are undoubtedly crucial, the existential threat posed by climate change cannot be ignored. Governments should allocate a significant portion of their budgets to renewable energy subsidies, as the consequences of inaction on climate change could be catastrophic. However, this should not come at the expense of other essential services. By implementing targeted and efficient subsidy programs, governments can promote renewable energy development while still maintaining robust education and healthcare systems.
In conclusion, while the debate over resource allocation is complex, I believe that renewable energy subsidies are a necessary investment in our future. However, governments must carefully balance this priority with continued support for education, healthcare, and other vital sectors. Only through such a holistic approach can we hope to create a sustainable and prosperous future for all.
Renewable Energy Subsidies
Explanation of Band 8 Score
This essay would likely receive a Band 8 score for the following reasons:
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices.
Lexical Resource: It demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary used accurately and appropriately.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a variety of complex structures with few errors.
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
Here’s a sample essay that would likely score in the Band 6-7 range:
Nowadays, there is a debate about whether governments should give money to support renewable energy or spend it on other important areas like education and healthcare. Both sides have good points, and I will discuss them in this essay.
People who support renewable energy subsidies say it’s important for the environment. They think that if the government helps pay for things like solar panels and wind turbines, more people will use clean energy. This can help reduce pollution and fight climate change. Also, it can create new jobs in the green energy industry, which is good for the economy.
On the other hand, some people think the money should go to education and healthcare instead. They believe that having good schools and hospitals is more important for people’s lives right now. If people are healthy and well-educated, they can get better jobs and help the country grow. They also think that private companies can develop renewable energy without government help.
In my opinion, I think both are important, but renewable energy should get more attention. Climate change is a big problem that affects everyone, so we need to do something about it now. However, we shouldn’t forget about education and healthcare. Governments should try to find a way to support all these areas.
To conclude, while education and healthcare are very important, I believe that governments should give more money to renewable energy. This is because solving environmental problems will help everyone in the long run. But they should also make sure that schools and hospitals still get enough support.
Explanation of Band 6-7 Score
This essay would likely receive a Band 6-7 score for the following reasons:
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the ideas are less fully developed compared to the Band 8 essay.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated.
Lexical Resource: It uses a sufficient range of vocabulary, but with less precision and sophistication than the Band 8 essay.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, with some errors that do not impede communication.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Subsidies (noun) /ˈsʌbsɪdiz/ – financial support provided by a government to an industry or business
- Renewable energy (noun phrase) /rɪˈnjuːəbəl ˈenədʒi/ – energy from a source that is not depleted when used
- Allocation (noun) /ˌæləˈkeɪʃən/ – the action or process of distributing resources
- Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – the ability to maintain at a certain rate or level
- Transition (noun) /trænˈzɪʃən/ – the process of changing from one state or condition to another
- Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – the basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society
- Innovation (noun) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/ – the action or process of introducing new ideas, devices, or methods
- Prioritize (verb) /praɪˈɒrətaɪz/ – to designate or treat something as more important than other things
- Long-term (adjective) /ˌlɒŋ ˈtɜːm/ – occurring over or involving a relatively long period of time
- Holistic (adjective) /həˈlɪstɪk/ – characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can be explained only by reference to the whole
In conclusion, the topic of renewable energy subsidies is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as government spending priorities, environmental policies, and the balance between economic growth and sustainability. Remember to always address all parts of the question, use a range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures, and organize your ideas coherently.
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice can significantly improve your IELTS Writing skills and prepare you for success in the exam.