The topic of replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This trend reflects the growing global concern about climate change and the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions. Based on recent exam patterns and expert predictions, we can expect this theme to appear frequently in future IELTS tests. Let’s explore a sample question and analyze how to craft compelling responses for different band scores.
Sample IELTS Writing Task 2 Question
Let’s examine a question that aligns closely with recent IELTS trends:
Some people believe that replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources is crucial for addressing climate change, while others argue that this transition is too costly and impractical. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Question Analysis
This question presents a balanced argument about the replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy sources. It requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that replacing fossil fuels with renewables is essential for combating climate change.
- Explore the counterargument that this transition is too expensive and unfeasible.
- Provide a personal opinion on the matter.
Key points to consider:
- Environmental impact of fossil fuels vs. renewables
- Economic implications of energy transition
- Technological feasibility of renewable energy adoption
- Long-term benefits vs. short-term costs
- Global cooperation and policy measures
Sample Essays for Different Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Sample
Climate change has emerged as one of the most pressing issues of our time, and the debate over transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is at the forefront of this global challenge. While some argue that this shift is imperative for addressing climate change, others contend that the costs and practicalities make it an unfeasible solution. In my opinion, despite the challenges, replacing fossil fuels with renewables is not only necessary but also increasingly viable and beneficial in the long term.
Proponents of renewable energy argue that the transition is crucial for mitigating climate change. Fossil fuels are the primary contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, and their continued use exacerbates global warming, leading to severe environmental consequences such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss. Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower offer clean alternatives that can significantly reduce carbon emissions and help countries meet their climate goals under the Paris Agreement. Moreover, the renewable energy sector has shown remarkable growth and technological advancements in recent years, making it increasingly competitive with traditional energy sources.
On the other hand, critics argue that the transition to renewables is too costly and impractical. The initial investment required for large-scale renewable energy infrastructure is substantial, and many developing countries may struggle to finance such projects. Additionally, some renewable energy technologies are still in their early stages, raising concerns about their reliability and efficiency compared to well-established fossil fuel systems. The intermittent nature of sources like solar and wind power also presents challenges for grid stability and energy storage, which can be costly to address.
However, I believe that the long-term benefits of transitioning to renewable energy far outweigh the short-term costs and challenges. Firstly, as technology advances and economies of scale are achieved, the cost of renewable energy continues to decline, making it increasingly competitive with fossil fuels. Countries like Germany and Denmark have already demonstrated that a significant shift towards renewables is possible and economically viable. Secondly, the transition creates new job opportunities and stimulates economic growth in the green energy sector. Lastly, the cost of inaction on climate change – including damage from extreme weather events and health impacts from pollution – is likely to be far greater than the investment required for the energy transition.
In conclusion, while the challenges of replacing fossil fuels with renewables are significant, they are not insurmountable. The urgent need to address climate change, coupled with the rapidly improving economics of renewable energy, makes this transition both necessary and increasingly feasible. Governments, businesses, and individuals must work together to overcome the obstacles and accelerate the shift towards a sustainable energy future. The cost of action today will pale in comparison to the cost of inaction tomorrow.
(Word count: 436)
Band 6-7 Essay Sample
The debate about replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources is a hot topic these days. Some people think it’s really important for fighting climate change, but others say it’s too expensive and hard to do. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
Those who support renewable energy say it’s crucial for stopping climate change. Fossil fuels like coal and oil release a lot of greenhouse gases when we burn them, which makes the Earth warmer. This leads to problems like melting ice caps and more storms. Renewable energy from the sun, wind, and water doesn’t cause these problems, so it’s better for the environment. Also, renewable technology is getting better and cheaper every year, which makes it more competitive with fossil fuels.
On the other hand, some people argue that switching to renewables is too costly and not practical. Building lots of solar panels and wind turbines costs a lot of money, especially for poorer countries. Some people also worry that renewable energy isn’t as reliable as fossil fuels. For example, solar panels don’t work at night, and wind turbines don’t work when there’s no wind. This means we need to find ways to store energy, which can be expensive.
In my opinion, I think we should still try to replace fossil fuels with renewables, even though it’s difficult. The problems caused by climate change are very serious, and we need to do something about them now. While it’s true that renewable energy can be expensive at first, the costs are going down all the time. Many countries are already using more renewables and finding ways to make it work. Also, renewable energy can create new jobs and help the economy grow in new ways.
To conclude, replacing fossil fuels with renewables is a complex issue with both advantages and challenges. However, I believe the benefits for our planet and future generations outweigh the difficulties we face now. We should invest in renewable energy and work together to find solutions to the problems. If we don’t act now, the costs of climate change in the future could be much higher than the cost of changing to renewables today.
(Word count: 356)
Band 5-6 Essay Sample
Nowadays, many people talk about changing from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Some think it’s very important, but others say it’s too hard and costs too much. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
People who like renewable energy say it’s good for stopping climate change. Fossil fuels make the Earth hotter when we use them in cars and factories. This causes problems like more storms and rising sea levels. Renewable energy from sun and wind doesn’t hurt the environment so much. Also, new technology is making renewable energy cheaper and better.
But some people think changing to renewable energy is too expensive and difficult. It costs a lot of money to build things like solar panels and wind turbines. Poor countries might not have enough money for this. Some people also worry that renewable energy is not always available. The sun doesn’t shine at night, and sometimes there’s no wind. This means we need to find ways to save energy for later, which can be expensive.
I think we should try to use more renewable energy, even if it’s hard. Climate change is a big problem, and we need to do something about it. Renewable energy might be expensive now, but it’s getting cheaper. Many countries are already using more renewable energy and finding ways to make it work. It can also create new jobs and help the economy.
In conclusion, changing to renewable energy is not easy, but I think it’s important. We need to work together to solve the problems and protect our planet for the future. If we don’t do anything now, climate change might cost us more in the future than changing to renewable energy.
(Word count: 280)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic, warranting a high band score:
- Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free.
Band 6-7 Essay Analysis
This essay shows a competent handling of the task, though with less sophistication than the Band 8-9 essay:
- Task Response: All parts of the task are addressed, though some aspects are more fully covered than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Information and ideas are generally arranged coherently, and there is a clear overall progression. Cohesive devices are used effectively, though not always with full flexibility.
- Lexical Resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used for the task. There may be some inaccuracies in word choice or collocation, but these do not impede communication.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used. There are some errors, but these do not prevent the message from coming through.
Band 5-6 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates a modest attempt at addressing the task:
- Task Response: The essay addresses the task only partially, with limited development of ideas and minimal use of examples.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The overall organization is apparent but not always logical. Paragraphs are present but not always well-linked.
- Lexical Resource: A limited range of vocabulary is used, with some repetition. Word choice is sometimes inaccurate but does not greatly impede communication.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A limited range of structures is used. Errors are frequent but do not greatly impede communication.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Renewable energy (noun) /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/ – Energy from a source that is not depleted when used
- Fossil fuels (noun) /ˈfɒsl fjuːəlz/ – Fuels formed by natural processes such as anaerobic decomposition of buried dead organisms
- Climate change (noun) /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/ – Long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns
- Transition (noun) /trænˈzɪʃn/ – The process or period of changing from one state or condition to another
- Mitigation (noun) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/ – The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something
- Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/ – The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise
- Intermittent (adjective) /ˌɪntəˈmɪtənt/ – Occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady
- Viable (adjective) /ˈvaɪəbl/ – Capable of working successfully; feasible
- Exacerbate (verb) /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ – Make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse
- Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level
Conclusion
Mastering the art of writing about replacing fossil fuels with renewables in IELTS Task 2 essays requires a deep understanding of the topic, strong analytical skills, and the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly. By studying these sample essays and understanding the criteria for different band scores, you can improve your writing skills and approach similar questions with confidence.
Remember, practice is key to success in IELTS Writing. Try crafting your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice will help you internalize the structure and vocabulary needed for high-scoring essays. As you prepare, keep an eye out for related topics such as the impact of renewable energy policies on global fossil fuel markets and how renewable energy can replace fossil fuels, as these themes are likely to appear in future IELTS exams.