The topic of government subsidies for electric vehicles is becoming increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and the growing importance of sustainable transportation, we can expect this subject to appear more frequently in future tests. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays for different band scores, focusing on a question that closely resembles those seen in actual IELTS exams.
Analyzing the Question
Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this topic:
Some people believe that governments should provide subsidies to promote the use of electric vehicles. Others argue that there are more important priorities for government spending. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments in favor of government subsidies for electric vehicles
- Present counterarguments suggesting other priorities for government spending
- Provide a personal opinion on the issue
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, along with analysis and explanations.
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Level
High Band Score Essay
The debate over government subsidies for electric vehicles (EVs) has gained significant traction in recent years, with proponents arguing for financial support to accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation, while critics contend that public funds could be better allocated elsewhere. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint on this contentious issue.
Those in favor of government subsidies for EVs argue that such financial incentives are crucial for combating climate change and reducing air pollution in urban areas. By making electric vehicles more affordable through tax breaks or direct subsidies, governments can encourage wider adoption of this cleaner technology, thereby significantly reducing carbon emissions from the transportation sector. Moreover, subsidies can help stimulate innovation and growth in the EV industry, potentially creating new jobs and economic opportunities in the green technology sector.
On the other hand, critics of EV subsidies contend that there are more pressing issues that deserve government funding. They argue that public money could be better spent on improving healthcare, education, or infrastructure, which would benefit a larger portion of the population. Additionally, some argue that EV subsidies disproportionately benefit wealthier individuals who can afford to purchase new vehicles, rather than addressing the needs of lower-income groups.
In my opinion, while there are valid arguments on both sides, I believe that government subsidies for electric vehicles are justified and necessary in the short to medium term. The urgent need to address climate change and improve air quality in our cities outweighs the potential drawbacks of such subsidies. However, I also believe that these incentives should be implemented thoughtfully, with a clear phase-out plan as EV technology becomes more affordable and widespread. Governments should also ensure that subsidies are designed to benefit a broader range of income groups, perhaps by focusing on public transportation electrification or affordable EV models.
In conclusion, while there are competing priorities for government spending, the long-term environmental and health benefits of promoting electric vehicle adoption through subsidies make it a worthwhile investment. As we transition to a more sustainable future, such policies can play a crucial role in accelerating the shift away from fossil fuel-dependent transportation.
(Word count: 345)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates the qualities expected of a high band score (8-9) in IELTS Writing Task 2:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly presenting a personal opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. Ideas are logically sequenced and cohesive devices are used effectively (e.g., “On the other hand,” “Moreover,” “In conclusion”).
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “contentious issue,” “disproportionately benefit,” “phase-out plan”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly (e.g., complex sentences, passive voice, conditional structures).
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Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
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Tone and Style: The essay maintains an academic tone throughout and presents a balanced view of the issue before offering a nuanced personal opinion.
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Level
Medium Band Score Essay
In recent years, there has been a debate about whether governments should give money to help people buy electric cars. Some people think this is a good idea, while others believe the government should spend money on other things. This essay will look at both sides of this argument and give my opinion.
Those who support government subsidies for electric vehicles say that it is important for protecting the environment. Electric cars produce less pollution than normal cars, so if more people use them, it can help reduce air pollution and fight climate change. Also, if the government helps make electric cars cheaper, more people will be able to buy them. This could lead to more jobs in companies that make electric cars and their parts.
However, other people argue that the government has more important things to spend money on. They say that things like healthcare, education, and fixing roads are more important for everyone. Some people also think that subsidies for electric cars mostly help rich people who can already afford to buy new cars.
In my opinion, I think the government should provide some subsidies for electric vehicles, but they should be careful about how they do it. While it’s true that there are other important things to spend money on, I believe that protecting the environment is also very important for our future. The government could focus on helping public transport like buses to use electric engines, which would benefit more people. They could also give more help to people with lower incomes to buy electric cars.
To conclude, I think subsidies for electric vehicles can be good, but they need to be done in a way that helps more people and doesn’t forget about other important things the government needs to do. It’s important to find a balance between helping the environment and meeting other needs of society.
(Word count: 309)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates the qualities expected of a medium band score (6-7) in IELTS Writing Task 2:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting both views and offering a personal opinion. However, the ideas are less fully developed compared to the higher band essay.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure with introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Some cohesive devices are used, but less sophisticatedly than in the higher band essay.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, but less varied and precise compared to the Band 8-9 essay. Some attempt at using less common vocabulary is evident (e.g., “subsidies,” “climate change”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control, though not as varied as the higher band essay.
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Development of Ideas: Main points are supported with relevant ideas, but the explanations are less detailed and nuanced compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Tone and Style: The essay maintains an appropriate tone, but the language is less academic and more straightforward compared to the higher band essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Subsidy (noun) – /ˈsʌbsɪdi/ – financial support provided by a government to help an industry or business
- Incentive (noun) – /ɪnˈsentɪv/ – something that motivates or encourages someone to do something
- Adoption (noun) – /əˈdɒpʃn/ – the process of starting to use something new or different
- Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
- Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/ – the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise
- Transition (noun) – /trænˈzɪʃn/ – the process or period of changing from one state or condition to another
- Innovation (noun) – /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/ – a new method, idea, product, etc.
- Disproportionately (adverb) – /ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːʃənətli/ – to a degree that is too large or too small in comparison with something else
- Phase-out (noun) – /feɪz aʊt/ – a gradual stopping of a process or activity
- Electrification (noun) – /ɪˌlektrɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/ – the process of providing something with electric power
Conclusion
The topic of government subsidies for electric vehicles is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams due to its global significance. To prepare for this and similar topics, practice writing essays that discuss both sides of the argument and clearly express your own opinion. Remember to use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and aim to develop your ideas with relevant examples and explanations.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of government in promoting renewable energy
- Public transportation vs. private vehicle usage in urban areas
- The environmental impact of different modes of transportation
We encourage you to write your own essay on the topic discussed in this article and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.