Sample IELTS Writing Task 2 Essays on Renewable Energy’s Environmental Benefits: Band 7-9 Model Answers

Renewable energy and its environmental benefits have become increasingly important topics in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This subject frequently appears in exams due to its global relevance and the urgent need to address climate change. Based on recent trends, we can expect to see more questions related to renewable energy in future IELTS tests. Let’s examine a relevant essay question and explore model answers for different band scores.

Renewable Energy Environmental Benefits

Analyzing the Essay Question

Let’s consider this IELTS Writing Task 2 question:

Some people think that the development of renewable energy sources is crucial for protecting the environment, while others argue that renewable energy is not reliable enough to meet our energy needs. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

This question requires you to:

1. Discuss the view that renewable energy is crucial for environmental protection
2. Discuss the opposing view that renewable energy is not reliable enough
3. Provide your own opinion on the matter

Now, let’s examine model essays for different band scores.

Band 9 Model Essay

Here’s a sample essay that would likely score a Band 9:

The debate over renewable energy’s role in environmental protection and its reliability as a primary energy source has gained significant traction in recent years. While some argue that shifting to renewable energy is essential for safeguarding our planet, others contend that these sources are not dependable enough to meet our growing energy demands. In my opinion, while there are challenges to overcome, the development of renewable energy is crucial for long-term environmental sustainability and energy security.

Proponents of renewable energy emphasize its environmental benefits. Solar, wind, and hydroelectric power generate electricity without emitting greenhouse gases, unlike fossil fuels. This reduction in carbon emissions is vital for mitigating climate change and its devastating effects on ecosystems and human societies. Moreover, renewable energy sources do not deplete finite resources, ensuring a sustainable energy supply for future generations. The development of these technologies also drives innovation and creates new job opportunities in the green energy sector, contributing to economic growth.

On the other hand, critics argue that renewable energy sources are not yet reliable enough to meet global energy needs. They point out that solar and wind power are intermittent, dependent on weather conditions, and require significant energy storage capabilities to provide consistent power. Additionally, the initial costs of implementing renewable energy infrastructure can be high, potentially straining government budgets and increasing energy prices for consumers. Some also express concerns about the environmental impact of manufacturing solar panels and wind turbines, as well as the land use required for large-scale renewable energy projects.

In my view, while these concerns are valid, they do not outweigh the urgent need to transition to cleaner energy sources. The reliability of renewable energy is rapidly improving with advancements in energy storage technologies and smart grid systems. Countries like Denmark and Germany have already demonstrated that a high percentage of energy needs can be met through renewables. Furthermore, as technology progresses and economies of scale are achieved, the costs of renewable energy continue to decrease, making it increasingly competitive with fossil fuels.

In conclusion, the development of renewable energy sources is not only crucial for protecting the environment but also represents a necessary step towards a sustainable and secure energy future. While challenges exist, ongoing technological advancements and supportive policies can address these issues, paving the way for a cleaner, more resilient energy landscape.

(Word count: 380)

Analysis of Band 9 Essay

This essay would likely receive a Band 9 score for the following reasons:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly stating the writer’s opinion.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices.
3. Lexical Resource: It uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms like “greenhouse gases” and “energy storage capabilities”.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly.

Band 7 Model Essay

Here’s a sample essay that would likely score a Band 7:

The use of renewable energy sources has become a hot topic in recent years. Some people believe that developing these energy sources is essential for protecting our environment, while others think they are not reliable enough to meet our energy needs. This essay will discuss both views and provide my opinion on this matter.

Those who support renewable energy argue that it is crucial for environmental protection. Renewable sources like solar and wind power do not produce harmful emissions, unlike fossil fuels which contribute to air pollution and climate change. By using more renewable energy, we can reduce our carbon footprint and help preserve the planet for future generations. Additionally, renewable energy sources are sustainable and will not run out, unlike oil or coal.

However, critics of renewable energy point out that it may not be reliable enough. They argue that solar panels don’t work at night, and wind turbines are ineffective when there’s no wind. This inconsistency could lead to power shortages and blackouts. Furthermore, the technology for storing large amounts of renewable energy is still developing, which makes it difficult to ensure a stable power supply. Some also mention that setting up renewable energy infrastructure can be expensive, which might increase electricity costs for consumers.

In my opinion, while there are challenges with renewable energy, its benefits outweigh the drawbacks. The reliability issues can be addressed through technological advancements and by using a mix of different renewable sources. Moreover, as technology improves, the cost of renewable energy is decreasing, making it more competitive with traditional energy sources. The long-term environmental benefits of switching to renewable energy are too significant to ignore.

In conclusion, although renewable energy sources face some reliability issues, I believe their development is crucial for protecting our environment. With continued investment and technological progress, renewable energy can become a reliable and sustainable solution to our energy needs.

(Word count: 309)

Analysis of Band 7 Essay

This essay would likely receive a Band 7 score for the following reasons:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting both views and the writer’s opinion.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear paragraphing, though the use of cohesive devices could be more sophisticated.
3. Lexical Resource: It uses a good range of vocabulary related to the topic, though not as varied or precise as the Band 9 essay.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control, though not as flexible as the Band 9 essay.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

Here are some important vocabulary items from the essays, along with their definitions:

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

2. Greenhouse gases (noun) /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ˈɡæsɪz/: Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation.

3. Intermittent (adjective) /ɪntəˈmɪtənt/: Occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady.

4. Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/: The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.

5. 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.

6. Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbəl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources or causing ecological damage.

7. Mitigating (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪtɪŋ/: Making (something bad) less severe, serious, or painful.

8. Resilient (adjective) /rɪˈzɪliənt/: Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.

Conclusion

The topic of Renewable Energy’s Environmental Benefits is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. To prepare, practice writing essays on related topics such as:

• The role of government in promoting renewable energy
• The economic impact of transitioning to renewable energy sources
• Balancing environmental protection with economic growth
• The future of transportation in light of renewable energy developments

Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and fully address all parts of the question. Practice writing your own essay on this topic and feel free to share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your IELTS Writing skills.