The topic of electric vehicles replacing gasoline-powered cars has become increasingly relevant in recent IELTS exams. Based on our analysis of past exam trends and current environmental issues, we predict this subject will continue to appear frequently in future tests. Let’s examine a sample question and explore different approaches to answering it effectively.
Some people think that in the future, electric vehicles will replace all gasoline-powered cars. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Analyzing the Question
This question asks for your opinion on whether electric vehicles will completely replace traditional gasoline cars in the future. Key points to consider:
- It’s an agree/disagree question, requiring a clear stance.
- The phrase “to what extent” allows for a nuanced response.
- The focus is on the future, so you should discuss potential developments and trends.
- Consider both advantages and disadvantages of electric vehicles compared to gasoline cars.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Electric vehicles have gained significant traction in recent years, leading some to believe they will eventually supersede all gasoline-powered cars. While I agree that electric vehicles will become increasingly prevalent, I do not think they will completely replace traditional cars in the foreseeable future.
There are compelling reasons why electric vehicles are likely to dominate the automotive market. Firstly, they offer substantial environmental benefits by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality in urban areas. As climate change concerns intensify, governments and consumers are increasingly prioritizing eco-friendly transportation options. Secondly, advancements in battery technology are rapidly improving the range and performance of electric vehicles, making them more practical for everyday use. Moreover, the expanding charging infrastructure and decreasing production costs are making electric cars more accessible to a broader range of consumers.
However, several factors suggest that gasoline-powered cars will continue to have a place in the automotive landscape. One significant challenge is the limited availability of charging stations in rural or less developed areas, which may hinder the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in these regions. Additionally, certain industries and applications, such as long-haul trucking or off-road vehicles, may still rely on gasoline or diesel engines due to their specific power and range requirements. Furthermore, the transition to electric vehicles requires substantial investment in infrastructure and manufacturing, which may slow the process of complete replacement.
In conclusion, while electric vehicles are poised to play an increasingly important role in the future of transportation, it is unlikely that they will entirely replace gasoline-powered cars in the near term. A more realistic scenario is a gradual shift towards a diverse mix of vehicle types, with electric cars becoming the dominant option in urban areas and for personal transportation, while traditional engines persist in specific niches and regions.
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that align with Band 8-9 criteria:
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Task Response: The essay directly addresses the question, providing a clear position with a nuanced view. It discusses both the potential dominance of electric vehicles and the reasons why gasoline cars might persist.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. It uses cohesive devices effectively (e.g., “Firstly,” “Secondly,” “However,” “Furthermore”) to guide the reader through the argument.
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Lexical Resource: The essay employs a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “supersede,” “prevalent,” “compelling,” “infrastructure,” “hinder”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures with a high degree of accuracy. It uses conditional forms and passive voice effectively.
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Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations, demonstrating a sophisticated approach to the topic.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Many people think electric cars will replace all gasoline cars in the future. I partially agree with this idea because electric cars have some advantages, but there are also some problems that need to be solved.
Electric cars are becoming more popular for several reasons. First, they are better for the environment because they don’t produce pollution when driving. This is important because many cities have air pollution problems. Second, electric cars can be cheaper to use in the long run because electricity is often less expensive than gasoline. Also, governments in many countries are giving incentives to people who buy electric cars, which makes them more affordable.
However, there are some challenges that might stop electric cars from completely replacing gasoline cars. One big problem is that electric cars need to be charged, and there aren’t enough charging stations in many places. This makes it difficult for people to use electric cars for long trips. Another issue is that electric cars can be more expensive to buy at first, even though they might save money later. Some people might not be able to afford this higher initial cost.
In conclusion, while electric cars have many benefits and will likely become more common in the future, I don’t think they will completely replace gasoline cars soon. It’s more likely that both types of cars will be used for different purposes, with electric cars being more popular in cities and for short trips, while gasoline cars might still be used for longer journeys or in areas without good charging infrastructure.
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates good qualities that align with Band 6-7 criteria:
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Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task, presenting a clear position with some development of main ideas.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear paragraphing. It uses some cohesive devices (e.g., “First,” “Second,” “However”) to link ideas, though not as sophisticatedly as the Band 8-9 essay.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a sufficient range of vocabulary, with some attempts at less common words (e.g., “incentives,” “infrastructure”). There are fewer advanced vocabulary items compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control. There are fewer complex structures compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Development of Ideas: Main points are supported with relevant ideas and examples, though the development is less thorough than in the Band 8-9 essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Supersede (verb) /ˌsuːpəˈsiːd/: Replace or cause to be set aside
- Prevalent (adjective) /ˈprevələnt/: Widespread or common
- Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/: Basic physical and organizational structures needed for operation
- Incentive (noun) /ɪnˈsentɪv/: Something that motivates or encourages someone to do something
- Eco-friendly (adjective) /ˌiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/: Not harmful to the environment
- Transition (noun) /trænˈzɪʃn/: The process of changing from one state or condition to another
- Adoption (noun) /əˈdɒpʃn/: The action or fact of choosing to take up or follow something
- Hinder (verb) /ˈhɪndə(r)/: Create difficulties for someone or something, making it difficult to do something
- Feasible (adjective) /ˈfiːzəbl/: Possible and practical to do easily or conveniently
- Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/: The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level
In conclusion, the topic of electric vehicles replacing gasoline-powered cars is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. When approaching such questions, remember to clearly state your position, provide balanced arguments, and support your ideas with relevant examples. Practice writing essays on similar topics, such as:
- The environmental impact of different transportation methods
- Government policies to promote eco-friendly vehicles
- The future of public transportation in urban areas
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.