The topic of renewable energy versus fossil fuels has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. This subject’s relevance to global environmental concerns and energy policies makes it a popular choice for test-makers. Based on past exam trends and current global issues, we can expect this topic to appear frequently in future IELTS tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people believe that governments should prioritize investment in renewable energy sources, while others think fossil fuels should remain the main energy source. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question is representative of the type of essays you might encounter in your IELTS Writing Task 2. Let’s analyze the question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Question Analysis
This question requires you to:
- Discuss arguments for prioritizing renewable energy investment
- Discuss arguments for maintaining fossil fuels as the main energy source
- Present your own opinion on the issue
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced discussion before stating your own view.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The debate between renewable energy and fossil fuels has been at the forefront of global energy discussions for decades. While some argue that governments should focus their investments on renewable sources, others believe that fossil fuels should continue to be the primary energy source. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of renewable energy investment argue that it is crucial for combating climate change and ensuring long-term energy security. Renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power produce minimal greenhouse gas emissions, making them essential in the fight against global warming. Moreover, as technology advances, the cost of renewable energy is decreasing, making it increasingly competitive with fossil fuels. Countries that invest heavily in renewables now may gain a significant economic advantage in the future as the world transitions to cleaner energy sources.
On the other hand, supporters of fossil fuels contend that these traditional energy sources are still necessary for economic stability and energy reliability. Fossil fuels have a high energy density and can provide consistent power output, unlike some renewable sources that depend on weather conditions. Additionally, many developing countries argue that they need access to cheap and readily available energy to fuel their economic growth, which fossil fuels can provide more immediately than renewables.
In my opinion, while fossil fuels still play a significant role in our current energy mix, governments should prioritize investment in renewable energy sources. The long-term benefits of renewables, including reduced environmental impact and increased energy independence, outweigh the short-term conveniences of fossil fuels. However, this transition should be managed carefully to ensure energy security and economic stability during the shift.
The role of governments in promoting renewable energy use is crucial in this context. By implementing supportive policies and incentives, governments can accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies while gradually phasing out fossil fuels. This approach can help mitigate climate change while also creating new jobs and industries in the renewable sector.
In conclusion, while both renewable energy and fossil fuels have their merits, the urgent need to address climate change and secure a sustainable energy future necessitates a shift towards renewables. Governments should lead this transition through strategic investments and policy support, ensuring a balanced approach that considers both environmental and economic factors.
(Word count: 377)
Renewable Energy vs Fossil Fuels Comparison
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The question of whether governments should invest more in renewable energy or continue to rely on fossil fuels is a complex issue. There are arguments on both sides, and this essay will discuss them before giving my opinion.
On one hand, many people think governments should prioritize renewable energy investment. The main reason for this is that renewable energy is better for the environment. It doesn’t produce greenhouse gases like fossil fuels do, which cause global warming. Also, renewable energy sources like wind and solar power will never run out, unlike oil and coal. This means countries can have more energy security in the long run.
However, others believe that fossil fuels should remain the main energy source. One argument for this is that fossil fuels are currently cheaper and more reliable than renewable energy. Many industries and transportation systems are built around fossil fuels, so switching to renewables could be expensive and difficult. Also, some people worry that renewable energy might not be able to meet all our energy needs, especially in countries with growing economies.
In my opinion, I think governments should focus more on renewable energy, but not ignore fossil fuels completely. We need to reduce our impact on the environment, and renewable energy is the best way to do this. However, we can’t switch to renewables overnight, so we need a gradual transition that still uses some fossil fuels.
How can renewable energy be made more accessible is an important question governments need to consider. They could provide subsidies or tax breaks to make renewable energy cheaper, and invest in research to improve renewable technologies. At the same time, they should work on making fossil fuel use cleaner and more efficient while we transition to more renewables.
In conclusion, while both renewable energy and fossil fuels have their advantages, I believe that moving towards more renewable energy is necessary for our future. Governments should lead this change, but do it in a way that doesn’t cause too much disruption to our current energy systems and economies.
(Word count: 329)
Government Policies Promoting Renewable Energy
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
These days, there is a big debate about whether governments should invest more in renewable energy or keep using fossil fuels. Both sides have good points, and I will talk about them in this essay.
First, some people think renewable energy is better. They say it’s good for the environment because it doesn’t make pollution like fossil fuels do. Also, renewable energy won’t run out, but fossil fuels will someday. This means we can use renewable energy for a long time.
But other people think fossil fuels are still important. They say fossil fuels are cheaper and easier to use right now. Many things like cars and factories use fossil fuels, so it’s hard to change everything to renewable energy quickly. Some people also worry that renewable energy might not be enough for all our needs.
I think renewable energy is better for the future, but we can’t stop using fossil fuels right away. We need to slowly change to more renewable energy while still using some fossil fuels. This way, we can help the environment but also keep our economy stable.
Should governments provide subsidies for green energy is an important question. I think they should, because it can help make renewable energy cheaper and more popular. But they should also help make fossil fuels cleaner while we are changing to renewable energy.
In conclusion, I believe governments should invest more in renewable energy because it’s better for our future. But they need to do it carefully and not forget about fossil fuels completely until we are ready to use only renewable energy.
(Word count: 275)
Analysis of Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Demonstrates a sophisticated approach to the topic with well-developed arguments for both sides
- Uses advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures effectively
- Provides a clear personal opinion with well-supported reasoning
- Excellent coherence and cohesion throughout the essay
- Addresses all parts of the task fully
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Presents a clear position and develops main ideas sufficiently
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures
- Demonstrates good control of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision
- Generally well-organized with clear progression throughout
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Presents relevant ideas but some may be inadequately developed
- Uses a limited range of vocabulary and grammatical structures
- Shows some organization but coherence may be lacking in places
- Addresses the task but may miss some points or lack focus in parts
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Renewable energy (noun) /rɪˈnjuːəbəl ˈenədʒi/ – Energy from a source that is not depleted when used
- Fossil fuels (noun) /ˈfɒsəl fjuːəlz/ – Fuels formed by natural processes such as anaerobic decomposition of buried dead organisms
- Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – The ability to maintain at a certain rate or level
- Greenhouse gas emissions (noun) /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɡæs ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – The release of gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect
- Energy density (noun) /ˈenədʒi ˈdensəti/ – The amount of energy stored in a given system or region of space per unit volume
- Climate change (noun) /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/ – Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns
- Energy security (noun) /ˈenədʒi sɪˈkjʊərəti/ – The association between national security and the availability of natural resources for energy consumption
- 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
In conclusion, the debate between renewable energy and fossil fuels remains a critical topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. As global concerns about climate change and energy security continue to grow, you can expect to encounter similar questions in future exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related topics such as government policies on energy, the economic impact of transitioning to renewables, and the impact of climate change on global water resources. Remember to always address all parts of the question, provide balanced arguments, and clearly state your own opinion. Feel free to practice by writing your own essay on this topic and sharing it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.
