IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essays: Should Countries Ban Fossil Fuel Vehicles by 2030?

The topic of banning fossil fuel vehicles by 2030 is becoming increasingly relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. This issue touches on environmental concerns, technological advancements, and government policies – all of which are common themes in IELTS essays. Based on recent trends, we can expect to see more questions related to this topic in future exams. Let’s analyze a specific question and look at sample essays for different band scores.

Analyzing the Question

Some people believe that all countries should ban gasoline and diesel vehicles by 2030 to reduce air pollution. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

This question asks for your opinion on a proposed policy to ban fossil fuel vehicles by a specific date. Key points to consider:

• The proposal is to ban gasoline and diesel vehicles
• The target date is 2030
• The goal is to reduce air pollution
• You need to state your level of agreement and explain your reasons

Sample Essay for Band 8-9

Here’s a high-quality essay that would likely score in the Band 8-9 range:

Air pollution is a pressing global issue, and the proposal to ban gasoline and diesel vehicles by 2030 is a bold step towards addressing this problem. While I agree that drastic measures are needed to combat air pollution, I believe that a complete ban on fossil fuel vehicles by 2030 is too ambitious and potentially counterproductive. Instead, a more gradual approach combined with other measures would be more effective and realistic.

Firstly, a sudden and complete ban on gasoline and diesel vehicles could have severe economic repercussions. Many industries, from automotive manufacturing to oil production, are heavily dependent on fossil fuel vehicles. A abrupt transition could lead to widespread job losses and economic instability. Moreover, not all countries have the same level of economic development or technological readiness to make such a rapid switch to electric vehicles. Developing nations, in particular, may struggle to implement the necessary infrastructure for a fully electric transport system within such a short timeframe.

However, I do agree that significant action is needed to reduce air pollution from vehicles. A more feasible approach would be to set progressive targets for reducing fossil fuel vehicle usage while simultaneously investing in clean transportation alternatives. For instance, countries could aim to have 50% of new vehicle sales be electric by 2030, gradually increasing this percentage in subsequent years. This would allow time for the necessary charging infrastructure to be developed and for the cost of electric vehicles to decrease, making them more accessible to the general public.

Furthermore, banning fossil fuel vehicles alone is not sufficient to address air pollution comprehensively. A multi-faceted approach is required, including improving public transportation systems, promoting cycling and walking in urban areas, and investing in renewable energy sources for electricity generation. These measures, combined with a gradual phase-out of fossil fuel vehicles, would likely be more effective in reducing overall air pollution levels.

In conclusion, while I support the goal of reducing air pollution from vehicles, I disagree with the proposal for an outright ban on gasoline and diesel vehicles by 2030. A more nuanced, gradual approach that considers economic factors and allows for technological development would be more realistic and effective in achieving long-term environmental benefits.

(Word count: 349)

Electric vehicles in urban setting

Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay

This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that would likely earn it a high band score:

1. Task Response: The essay clearly addresses all parts of the task, presenting a nuanced view that partially agrees with the statement while offering alternative solutions.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices (“Firstly”, “However”, “Furthermore”, “In conclusion”).

3. Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (“pressing global issue”, “drastic measures”, “economic repercussions”, “multi-faceted approach”).

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly (“could have severe economic repercussions”, “A more feasible approach would be to set progressive targets”).

5. Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with explanations and examples, showing depth of critical thinking.

Sample Essay for Band 6-7

Here’s an essay that would likely score in the Band 6-7 range:

Nowadays, air pollution is a big problem in many countries, and some people think banning gasoline and diesel cars by 2030 is a good solution. I partly agree with this idea, but I think it might be too difficult to do it so quickly.

On one hand, banning fossil fuel vehicles could really help reduce air pollution. Cars and trucks that use gasoline and diesel produce a lot of harmful gases that make the air dirty and cause health problems. If we switch to electric cars, it would make the air much cleaner in cities. Also, it would help fight climate change because fossil fuel vehicles produce a lot of carbon dioxide.

However, I think banning all gasoline and diesel vehicles by 2030 is not very realistic. First, electric cars are still quite expensive, and many people can’t afford them. We need more time for the prices to come down. Second, not all countries have enough charging stations for electric cars. It would take a lot of money and time to build this infrastructure, especially in poorer countries.

I believe a better approach would be to gradually reduce the number of fossil fuel vehicles instead of banning them completely by 2030. Governments could give tax benefits to people who buy electric cars and invest in more charging stations. They could also make stricter rules about how much pollution cars can produce. This way, we can still work towards cleaner air, but in a more practical way.

In conclusion, while I agree that we need to reduce air pollution from vehicles, I think a complete ban by 2030 is too soon. A step-by-step plan to increase electric cars and decrease fossil fuel vehicles would be better and more achievable for most countries.

(Word count: 295)

Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay

This essay demonstrates qualities that would likely place it in the Band 6-7 range:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task and presents a clear position, but the ideas could be more fully developed.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear overall structure, but the use of cohesive devices is sometimes repetitive (“On one hand”, “However”, “Also”).

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is generally appropriate but lacks the sophistication and range of higher band scores. Some attempts at more advanced vocabulary are present (“infrastructure”, “gradually reduce”).

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control, though there are some errors (“it would take a lot of money and time to build this infrastructure”).

5. Development of Ideas: The main points are relevant and supported, but the level of detail and explanation is not as extensive as in higher band essays.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Fossil fuel (noun) /ˈfɒs.əl ˌfjuː.əl/ – A natural fuel formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms.

2. Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪn.frəˌstrʌk.tʃər/ – The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.

3. Gradual (adjective) /ˈɡrædʒ.u.əl/ – Taking place or progressing slowly or by degrees.

4. Emission (noun) /ɪˈmɪʃ.ən/ – The production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation.

5. Renewable (adjective) /rɪˈnjuː.ə.bəl/ – (of a source of energy) not depleted when used.

6. Incentive (noun) /ɪnˈsen.tɪv/ – A thing that motivates or encourages someone to do something.

7. Phase out (phrasal verb) /feɪz aʊt/ – To gradually stop using or providing something.

8. Carbon footprint (noun) /ˈkɑː.bən ˌfʊt.prɪnt/ – The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organization, or community.

Conclusion

The topic of banning fossil fuel vehicles is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

• The advantages and disadvantages of electric vehicles
• Government policies to reduce air pollution
• The role of individual responsibility in combating climate change
• The impact of transportation on the environment

Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and fully develop your ideas with explanations and examples. Practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and further improvement.