Renewable energy and sustainable development have become increasingly prominent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. As these themes align with global environmental concerns and policy discussions, they are likely to appear frequently in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore some sample essays on this subject, focusing on different band scores to help you understand what examiners look for at various levels of proficiency.
Analyzing the Essay Question
Let’s consider the following IELTS Writing Task 2 question:
Some people believe that the development of renewable energy sources is crucial for sustainable development. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
This question asks you to express your opinion on the relationship between renewable energy and sustainable development. It’s an agree/disagree type question, which means you should clearly state your position and support it with relevant arguments and examples.
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Level
Here’s a high-scoring sample essay that addresses the question effectively:
The global shift towards renewable energy sources has gained significant momentum in recent years, with many arguing that it is essential for achieving sustainable development. I strongly agree with this viewpoint, as renewable energy not only addresses environmental concerns but also promotes economic stability and social progress.
Firstly, renewable energy plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change, which is a fundamental aspect of sustainable development. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power significantly decrease greenhouse gas emissions. This transition is vital for preserving our planet’s ecosystems and ensuring a habitable environment for future generations. For instance, countries like Denmark and Germany have made substantial progress in reducing their carbon footprint by investing heavily in wind energy, demonstrating the positive environmental impact of renewable sources.
Moreover, the development of renewable energy contributes to economic sustainability. As fossil fuel reserves deplete and become increasingly expensive to extract, renewable energy offers a more stable and cost-effective alternative in the long term. The renewable energy sector also creates numerous job opportunities, fostering economic growth and innovation. A case in point is China’s rapid expansion of its solar panel industry, which has not only boosted its economy but also made renewable technology more accessible globally.
Additionally, renewable energy promotes social equity and improves quality of life, particularly in developing regions. Remote areas that previously lacked access to electricity can now benefit from decentralized renewable energy systems, such as solar panels or micro-hydro plants. This access to clean energy facilitates education, healthcare, and economic activities, thereby contributing to social development. For example, in rural India, solar-powered micro-grids have transformed villages by providing reliable electricity, enabling children to study at night and allowing small businesses to operate more efficiently.
However, it is important to acknowledge that the transition to renewable energy faces challenges, such as initial infrastructure costs and intermittency issues. Nevertheless, ongoing technological advancements and increasing government support are gradually overcoming these obstacles.
In conclusion, the development of renewable energy sources is indeed crucial for sustainable development. Its positive impacts on the environment, economy, and society make it an indispensable component of a sustainable future. As global leaders and individuals, we must prioritize and accelerate the adoption of renewable energy to ensure a balanced and prosperous world for generations to come.
(Word count: 374)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates several key features that contribute to its high band score:
- Clear position: The writer clearly states their agreement with the statement in the introduction.
- Coherent structure: The essay follows a logical structure with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
- Well-developed arguments: Each body paragraph focuses on a specific aspect (environmental, economic, social) and provides detailed explanations and examples.
- Relevant examples: The essay includes specific examples (Denmark, Germany, China, India) to support the arguments.
- Advanced vocabulary: The writer uses a range of sophisticated vocabulary accurately (e.g., “mitigating”, “depleted”, “decentralized”).
- Complex sentence structures: The essay includes a mix of simple and complex sentences, demonstrating language flexibility.
- Cohesive devices: Appropriate linking words and phrases are used to connect ideas smoothly.
- Counter-argument: The essay acknowledges potential challenges, showing a balanced perspective.
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Level
Now, let’s look at a sample essay that would typically score in the Band 6-7 range:
In today’s world, many people think that developing renewable energy is very important for sustainable development. I agree with this idea because renewable energy has many benefits for our environment and economy.
First, renewable energy is good for the environment. It doesn’t produce pollution like fossil fuels do. For example, solar panels and wind turbines don’t release harmful gases into the air. This helps to reduce global warming and protect our planet. In countries like Germany, they use a lot of wind energy, and this has helped them to reduce their carbon emissions.
Second, renewable energy can help countries save money in the long run. Although it might be expensive to set up at first, renewable energy sources like sun and wind are free. This means that once the technology is in place, the energy is cheaper to produce. Also, as fossil fuels become more scarce, they will get more expensive. So, renewable energy can provide a more stable energy supply for countries.
Another reason renewable energy is important is that it can create jobs. Many people can work in building and maintaining renewable energy systems. This can help the economy grow. For instance, in China, many new jobs have been created in the solar panel industry.
However, there are some problems with renewable energy. Sometimes it’s not reliable, like when there’s no sun or wind. Also, it can be expensive to start using renewable energy. But I think these problems can be solved with more research and investment.
In conclusion, I believe that renewable energy is very important for sustainable development. It helps protect the environment, can save money in the future, and creates jobs. While there are some challenges, the benefits of renewable energy make it crucial for our future.
(Word count: 296)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates several characteristics typical of a Band 6-7 score:
- Clear position: The writer states their agreement with the statement.
- Logical structure: The essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
- Relevant ideas: The main points (environmental benefits, economic advantages, job creation) are relevant to the topic.
- Examples: Some examples are provided, though they are less specific than in the Band 8-9 essay.
- Vocabulary: The essay uses some topic-specific vocabulary, but the range is more limited compared to the higher band essay.
- Grammar: There is a mix of simple and complex sentences, with generally good control of grammar.
- Cohesion: Basic linking words are used to connect ideas, though less sophisticatedly than in the higher band essay.
- Counter-argument: The essay briefly mentions some challenges, showing some awareness of different perspectives.
Key Vocabulary for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development
Here are some important vocabulary words related to the topic, along with their definitions and pronunciations:
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Renewable energy (noun) /rɪˈnjuːəbəl ˈenədʒi/: Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.
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Sustainable development (noun) /səˈsteɪnəbəl dɪˈveləpmənt/: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
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Fossil fuels (noun) /ˈfɒsəl fjuːəlz/: A natural fuel such as coal or gas, formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms.
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Carbon footprint (noun) /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/: The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organization, or community.
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Greenhouse gas emissions (noun) /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɡæs ɪˈmɪʃənz/: The release of gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation.
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Intermittency (noun) /ˌɪntəˈmɪtənsi/: The state of occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady.
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Decentralized (adjective) /diːˈsentrəlaɪzd/: Distributed or delegated away from a central authority.
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Micro-grid (noun) /ˈmaɪkrəʊ ɡrɪd/: A localized group of electricity sources and loads that normally operates connected to and synchronous with the traditional centralized grid, but can disconnect and function autonomously.
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Energy efficiency (noun) /ˈenədʒi ɪˈfɪʃənsi/: The use of less energy to perform the same task or produce the same result.
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Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/: The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat.
Conclusion
The topic of renewable energy and sustainable development is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of government in promoting renewable energy
- The impact of renewable energy on job markets
- Challenges in transitioning to a renewable energy-based economy
- The relationship between renewable energy and climate change mitigation
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use relevant examples, and demonstrate a range of vocabulary and grammar. Practice writing your own essays on this topic and consider sharing them in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare more effectively for the IELTS exam.