In recent years, the topic of renewable energy and sustainability has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. This subject aligns with global concerns about climate change and environmental protection, making it a highly relevant and frequently appearing theme. Based on analysis of past IELTS exams and current trends, we can expect questions related to renewable energy and sustainability to continue featuring prominently in future tests.
Let’s examine a typical question on this topic that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people believe that to achieve environmental sustainability, countries must focus primarily on developing renewable energy sources. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
Analyzing the Question
This question asks for your opinion on whether focusing on renewable energy development is the primary way for countries to achieve environmental sustainability. Key points to consider:
- The main topic is environmental sustainability.
- The focus is on countries’ approach to achieving this goal.
- The specific method suggested is developing renewable energy sources.
- You need to express your level of agreement or disagreement with this view.
- The phrase “to what extent” indicates that a nuanced response is expected, rather than a simple agree/disagree stance.
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
Climate change and environmental degradation have become pressing global issues, prompting many to advocate for a shift towards renewable energy as the primary solution for achieving sustainability. While I agree that renewable energy plays a crucial role in environmental conservation, I believe that a more holistic approach is necessary for true sustainability.
Undoubtedly, transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power offers significant benefits for the environment. These clean energy alternatives drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating the impact of climate change. Moreover, renewable energy technologies are becoming increasingly cost-effective, making them viable options for large-scale implementation. Countries like Germany and Denmark have demonstrated that a substantial portion of national energy needs can be met through renewables, significantly reducing their carbon footprint.
However, focusing solely on renewable energy development may overlook other critical aspects of environmental sustainability. Sustainable resource management, waste reduction, and biodiversity conservation are equally important factors that require attention. For instance, addressing deforestation, implementing circular economy principles, and protecting marine ecosystems are all crucial elements of a comprehensive sustainability strategy. Furthermore, energy efficiency measures in buildings, transportation, and industry can complement renewable energy efforts by reducing overall energy demand.
It is also worth noting that the production and disposal of renewable energy infrastructure, such as solar panels and wind turbines, can have environmental impacts. Therefore, a balanced approach that considers the entire lifecycle of these technologies is necessary.
In conclusion, while developing renewable energy sources is undoubtedly a critical component of achieving environmental sustainability, it should not be viewed as the sole solution. Countries should adopt a multifaceted approach that addresses various aspects of environmental protection, resource management, and sustainable development. By combining renewable energy initiatives with other sustainability measures, nations can create a more robust and effective strategy for long-term environmental stewardship.
(Word count: 298)
Band 6-7 Essay
In recent years, many people have suggested that countries should focus mainly on developing renewable energy to achieve environmental sustainability. While I agree that renewable energy is important, I believe that other factors also play a significant role in creating a sustainable environment.
Renewable energy sources like solar and wind power are certainly beneficial for the environment. They produce much less pollution compared to fossil fuels, which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. Many countries have already started investing in these technologies, and they have seen positive results. For example, some European countries now generate a large portion of their electricity from renewable sources.
However, I think that focusing only on renewable energy is not enough to achieve full environmental sustainability. There are other important areas that countries need to address. For instance, reducing waste, improving recycling systems, and protecting natural habitats are all crucial for maintaining a healthy environment. Additionally, promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing deforestation are necessary steps for preserving biodiversity and ensuring food security.
Moreover, encouraging people to change their lifestyles and consumption habits is equally important. Even if a country has 100% renewable energy, if people continue to overconsume and waste resources, it won’t be truly sustainable. Education and awareness programs can help citizens understand the importance of conservation and make more environmentally friendly choices in their daily lives.
In conclusion, while developing renewable energy sources is undoubtedly important for environmental sustainability, it should not be the only focus. Countries need to adopt a balanced approach that addresses various aspects of sustainability, including waste management, conservation, and public awareness. By combining these efforts, nations can work towards a more comprehensive and effective environmental strategy.
(Word count: 276)
Band 5-6 Essay
Many people think that countries should focus on developing renewable energy to achieve environmental sustainability. I partly agree with this idea, but I also think there are other important things to consider.
Renewable energy is good for the environment. It doesn’t produce as much pollution as oil or coal, which is better for the air and helps fight climate change. Solar panels and wind turbines are becoming more common in many countries, and this is a positive step. These clean energy sources can help reduce the amount of harmful gases we release into the atmosphere.
However, I believe that just focusing on renewable energy is not enough to make the environment fully sustainable. There are other problems we need to solve too. For example, we need to stop cutting down so many trees and protect animals that are in danger of dying out. We also need to find better ways to deal with our trash and recycle more. These issues are also important for keeping the environment healthy.
Another thing to think about is how people live their lives. Even if a country uses only renewable energy, if people waste a lot of resources or buy too many things they don’t need, it’s still bad for the environment. We need to teach people how to live in a way that doesn’t harm nature.
In conclusion, I think renewable energy is important, but it’s not the only thing we should focus on to achieve environmental sustainability. We need to look at all the different ways we can protect the environment and change how we live to make sure we have a healthy planet in the future.
(Word count: 262)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a high-scoring response:
- Task Achievement: 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 flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items are used with awareness of style and collocation.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and control. Errors are rare and difficult to spot.
Band 6-7 Essay
This essay shows the features of a mid-range response:
- Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some ideas may not be fully developed. Paragraphs are generally well-organized.
- Lexical Resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used for the task. There may be some errors in word choice, but meaning is generally clear.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication.
Band 5-6 Essay
This essay exhibits characteristics of a lower-mid range response:
- Task Achievement: The essay addresses the task in a general way, but the format may be inappropriate in places. Main ideas are present but limited and not well-developed.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The overall progression of ideas is visible, but not always clear. Paragraphing is evident but may not be fully logical.
- Lexical Resource: A limited range of vocabulary is used, with some repetition. Word choice errors may cause some difficulty for the reader.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A limited range of structures is used. Errors are frequent but generally do not impede communication.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – the ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time
- Renewable energy (noun phrase) /rɪˈnjuːəbəl ˈenədʒi/ – energy from a source that is not depleted when used
- Environmental degradation (noun phrase) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃn/ – the deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources
- Carbon footprint (noun phrase) /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of activities
- Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat
- Circular economy (noun phrase) /ˈsɜːkjələr iˈkɒnəmi/ – an economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources
- Greenhouse gas emissions (noun phrase) /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɡæs ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – the release of gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect
- Deforestation (noun) /diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃn/ – the action of clearing a wide area of trees
- Sustainable development (noun phrase) /səˈsteɪnəbl dɪˈveləpmənt/ – development that meets current needs without compromising future generations
- Environmental stewardship (noun phrase) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈstjuːədʃɪp/ – responsible use and protection of the natural environment
Conclusion
The topic of renewable energy and environmental sustainability is likely to remain a significant theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of government in promoting sustainable practices
- Balancing economic growth with environmental protection
- The impact of individual actions on global sustainability
- Technological innovations for environmental conservation
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. For additional practice, try writing your own essay on the given topic and share it in the comments section below. This active engagement will help improve your writing skills and prepare you for success in the IELTS exam.