The topic of whether governments should promote the use of electric vehicles has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. Based on recent trends and the growing global focus on sustainable transportation, it’s highly likely that this subject will continue to appear in future tests. Let’s explore this topic through a carefully selected question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Analyzing the Question
Let’s examine a question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people think that governments should promote the use of electric vehicles to reduce air pollution. Others think there are more effective ways to reduce air pollution. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that governments should promote electric vehicles to reduce air pollution
- Explore alternative methods to reduce air pollution
- Provide a personal opinion on the most effective approach
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9
Electric vehicles have emerged as a potential solution to combat air pollution, with some advocating for government promotion of these eco-friendly alternatives. However, others argue that there are more effective strategies to address this environmental crisis. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of government-backed electric vehicle initiatives argue that this approach can significantly reduce emissions from the transportation sector, a major contributor to air pollution. By incentivizing the purchase of electric vehicles through tax breaks, subsidies, and infrastructure development, governments can accelerate the transition away from fossil fuel-dependent vehicles. This shift would not only decrease harmful emissions but also stimulate innovation in clean energy technologies, potentially creating a ripple effect across various industries.
On the other hand, critics contend that focusing solely on electric vehicles may overshadow other, potentially more impactful solutions to air pollution. They argue that addressing industrial emissions, improving public transportation systems, and implementing stricter regulations on polluting activities could yield more immediate and widespread results. Moreover, the production of electric vehicles and their batteries still has environmental implications, which should not be overlooked.
In my opinion, while promoting electric vehicles is a step in the right direction, it should be part of a comprehensive strategy to combat air pollution rather than the sole focus. Governments should indeed encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, but this effort should be complemented by initiatives to enhance public transportation, regulate industrial emissions, and promote renewable energy sources. A multifaceted approach that addresses various sources of pollution and encourages sustainable practices across all sectors of society is likely to be more effective in the long run.
In conclusion, while the promotion of electric vehicles by governments can contribute to reducing air pollution, it should not be seen as a panacea. A balanced and comprehensive approach that incorporates multiple strategies is necessary to address the complex issue of air pollution effectively. (309 words)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly stating a personal opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of linking words (“However”, “On the other hand”, “In my opinion”).
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (“eco-friendly alternatives”, “incentivizing”, “overshadow”, “multifaceted approach”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and appropriately.
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7
Electric vehicles are becoming more popular as a way to reduce air pollution. Some people think governments should encourage people to use these cars, but others believe there are better ways to solve the pollution problem. This essay will look at both sides and give my opinion.
Those who support government promotion of electric vehicles say it can help reduce pollution from cars and trucks. If the government gives people money to buy electric cars or builds more charging stations, more people might switch from regular cars. This could lead to less pollution in cities and help fight climate change.
However, other people think there are more effective ways to reduce air pollution. They say that improving public transportation or making stricter rules for factories could work better. They also point out that making electric cars and their batteries can still cause some pollution.
In my opinion, I think governments should promote electric vehicles, but this should not be the only solution. They should also work on other ways to reduce pollution, like improving public transportation and making sure factories follow strict rules. By doing many different things, we can tackle the problem of air pollution more effectively.
To conclude, while promoting electric vehicles can help reduce air pollution, it’s important to use other methods too. Governments should use a mix of different approaches to solve this complex problem. (219 words)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates competence in several areas but falls short of excellence:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task but lacks the depth and nuance of a higher band score.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated than in the Band 8-9 essay.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate but lacks the precision and range of higher band scores.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control, but lacks the variety and sophistication of the Band 8-9 essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Electric vehicles (noun) – /ɪˈlektrɪk ˈviːɪkl̩z/ – Cars powered by electricity stored in rechargeable batteries
- Air pollution (noun) – /eə pəˈluːʃn/ – The presence of harmful substances in the air
- Incentivize (verb) – /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ – To encourage or motivate with a reward
- Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/ – The basic physical and organizational structures needed for operation
- Emissions (noun) – /ɪˈmɪʃn̩z/ – The production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation
- Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl̩/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
- Multifaceted (adjective) – /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – Having many different aspects or features
- Panacea (noun) – /ˌpænəˈsɪə/ – A solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases
Conclusion
The topic of government promotion of electric vehicles is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of individual responsibility versus government action in addressing environmental issues
- The impact of technological advancements on environmental conservation
- The balance between economic development and environmental protection
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide well-developed arguments supported by examples. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further discussion.