In recent years, the topic of government investment in alternative energy sources has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. This subject reflects growing global concerns about climate change and the need for sustainable energy solutions. Based on past exam trends and current environmental issues, it’s highly likely that this theme will continue to appear in future IELTS tests. Let’s explore a specific question on this topic and analyze sample essays at different band levels.
Analyzing the Question
Some people think that governments should invest in alternative energy sources. Others believe that it is better to spend money on improving existing energy technologies. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
This question presents two contrasting viewpoints on government spending in the energy sector:
- Investing in alternative energy sources
- Improving existing energy technologies
The task requires you to:
- Discuss both perspectives
- Provide your own opinion
- Support your arguments with relevant examples and explanations
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Level
The debate over government investment in energy has intensified in recent years, with some advocating for funding alternative sources while others prefer improving existing technologies. This essay will examine both viewpoints before presenting my own perspective on this critical issue.
Proponents of investing in alternative energy sources argue that this approach is essential for combating climate change and ensuring long-term energy security. Solar, wind, and geothermal power offer renewable, clean alternatives to fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating environmental damage. Moreover, developing these technologies could create new industries and job opportunities, stimulating economic growth. For instance, countries like Germany and Denmark have successfully created thriving renewable energy sectors through government investment, leading to both environmental and economic benefits.
On the other hand, those who support improving existing energy technologies contend that this is a more pragmatic and cost-effective approach. They argue that enhancing the efficiency of current power plants and grid systems could yield immediate results in reducing emissions and energy costs. Additionally, technologies like carbon capture and storage could significantly reduce the environmental impact of fossil fuels while allowing countries to utilize their existing infrastructure and resources. The United States, for example, has made substantial progress in reducing emissions from coal-fired power plants through technological improvements.
In my opinion, a balanced approach combining both strategies would be most effective. While investing in alternative energy sources is crucial for long-term sustainability, improving existing technologies can provide short-term benefits and ease the transition to cleaner energy. Governments should allocate resources to both areas, focusing on research and development in renewable energy while simultaneously enhancing the efficiency and cleanliness of current energy systems. This dual approach would ensure a smoother and more economically viable transition to a sustainable energy future.
In conclusion, the choice between investing in alternative energy sources and improving existing technologies is not mutually exclusive. By adopting a comprehensive strategy that addresses both short-term needs and long-term goals, governments can effectively tackle the complex challenges of energy security and environmental protection.
(Word count: 309)
Government investment in alternative energy
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates several key features that contribute to its high band score:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly presenting the writer’s opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices.
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Lexical Resource: The writer uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms like “geothermal power” and “carbon capture and storage”.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures with a high degree of accuracy.
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Development and Support: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Level
There is a debate about whether governments should put money into new energy sources or improve the ones we already have. This essay will look at both sides and give my opinion.
Some people think governments should invest in alternative energy. They say this is important because it can help stop climate change and give us energy for the future. For example, solar and wind power don’t make pollution like coal and oil do. Also, making these new energy types could create jobs and help the economy. Countries like Germany have done this and it has worked well for them.
However, other people believe it’s better to make our current energy sources better. They think this is cheaper and can give results faster. For instance, making coal power plants cleaner can reduce pollution quickly. Also, we already have the buildings and machines for these energy types, so it’s easier to keep using them. The USA has made its coal plants cleaner, which shows this can work.
In my opinion, I think governments should do both things. We need new clean energy for the future, but we also need to make our current energy cleaner now. If governments spend money on both, we can have cleaner energy now and also prepare for the future. This way, we can solve energy problems and protect the environment at the same time.
To conclude, both investing in new energy and improving old energy are important. Governments should find a way to do both so we can have clean, reliable energy now and in the future.
(Word count: 261)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates features typical of a Band 6-7 level:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the development of ideas is less thorough compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, but less varied and precise compared to the higher band essay.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, with some errors that do not impede communication.
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Development and Support: Main points are supported with examples, but the explanations are less detailed.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Alternative energy sources (noun phrase) – /ɔːlˈtɜːnətɪv ˈenədʒi sɔːsɪz/ – Forms of energy that are alternatives to fossil fuels.
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Renewable (adjective) – /rɪˈnjuːəbl/ – Describing a source of energy that is not depleted when used.
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Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – The ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time.
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Carbon capture and storage (noun phrase) – /ˈkɑːbən ˈkæptʃər ænd ˈstɔːrɪdʒ/ – Technology to capture and store carbon dioxide emissions.
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Geothermal power (noun phrase) – /ˌdʒiːəʊˈθɜːml ˈpaʊər/ – Power generated from heat stored in the earth.
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Energy security (noun phrase) – /ˈenədʒi sɪˈkjʊərəti/ – The uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price.
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Greenhouse gas emissions (noun phrase) – /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɡæs ɪˈmɪʃnz/ – Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect and climate change.
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Fossil fuels (noun phrase) – /ˈfɒsl fjuːəlz/ – Non-renewable energy sources formed from organic matter over millions of years.
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Energy efficiency (noun phrase) – /ˈenədʒi ɪˈfɪʃnsi/ – The ratio of useful energy output to energy input in a system.
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Sustainable development (noun phrase) – /səˈsteɪnəbl dɪˈveləpmənt/ – Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their own needs.
Conclusion
The topic of government investment in alternative energy sources is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare for such questions, practice writing essays that discuss multiple viewpoints and provide a balanced opinion. Consider exploring related topics such as:
- The role of individual responsibility in energy conservation
- The economic impact of transitioning to renewable energy
- The challenges of implementing alternative energy in developing countries
Remember to support your arguments with specific examples and explanations. As a practice exercise, try writing your own essay on the question discussed in this article and share it in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare more effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.
