Renewable energy and sustainability have become increasingly prominent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on an analysis of past exam questions and current global trends, it’s highly likely that candidates will encounter tasks related to “the importance of renewable energy for a sustainable future” in upcoming tests. To help you prepare effectively, we’ve selected a relevant question from recent IELTS exams and provided sample essays for different band scores.
Some people believe that the development of renewable energy sources is crucial for the future of our planet, while others argue that renewable energy is too expensive and unreliable. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the importance of renewable energy for the planet’s future
- Address concerns about the cost and reliability of renewable energy
- Present their own opinion on the topic
A balanced approach is necessary, exploring both sides of the argument before reaching a conclusion.
Sample Essay 1 – Band 8-9
The debate over renewable energy sources has intensified in recent years, with proponents highlighting their importance for a sustainable future and critics raising concerns about cost and reliability. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint on this critical issue.
Those who advocate for renewable energy argue that it is essential for the long-term survival of our planet. Fossil fuels are finite resources that contribute significantly to global warming and climate change. In contrast, renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power offer clean, sustainable alternatives that can help mitigate these environmental challenges. Furthermore, as technology advances, the efficiency and affordability of renewable energy systems continue to improve, making them increasingly viable options for large-scale implementation.
On the other hand, critics contend that renewable energy sources are currently too expensive and unreliable to meet global energy demands. The initial costs of installing renewable infrastructure, such as solar panels or wind turbines, can be prohibitively high for many countries and individuals. Additionally, the intermittent nature of some renewable sources, like wind and solar power, raises concerns about their ability to provide consistent energy supply, especially during peak demand periods or adverse weather conditions.
Renewable Energy Debate Illustration
In my opinion, while the concerns about cost and reliability are valid, the development of renewable energy sources is crucial for our planet’s future. The long-term benefits of transitioning to clean energy far outweigh the short-term challenges. Investing in renewable technologies now will lead to improvements in efficiency and reductions in cost over time, making them more accessible and reliable. Moreover, the environmental and health benefits of reducing our dependence on fossil fuels cannot be overstated.
The role of renewable energy in achieving a carbon-neutral future is undeniable, and governments and industries must work together to overcome the current limitations and accelerate the adoption of sustainable energy solutions.
In conclusion, while there are valid concerns about the cost and reliability of renewable energy, its development is essential for the future of our planet. By addressing these challenges through continued research, innovation, and investment, we can create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy landscape for future generations.
(Word count: 380)
Sample Essay 2 – Band 6-7
Renewable energy is a hot topic these days, with some people saying it’s really important for our planet’s future, while others think it’s too expensive and not reliable enough. In this essay, I’ll talk about both sides and give my opinion.
People who support renewable energy say it’s crucial for saving the planet. They argue that things like solar power and wind energy are much cleaner than fossil fuels and don’t run out. This is important because we’re facing big problems like climate change, and renewable energy could help solve them. Also, as technology gets better, renewable energy is becoming cheaper and more efficient, which makes it a good option for many countries.
However, some people worry about the cost and reliability of renewable energy. They point out that setting up things like solar panels or wind farms can be really expensive at first. This can be a big problem for poorer countries or individuals who can’t afford the initial investment. Another concern is that some renewable sources, like wind and solar, don’t always produce energy consistently. For example, solar panels don’t work well on cloudy days, and wind turbines need wind to generate power.
Renewable Energy Implementation Challenges
In my opinion, even though there are some problems with renewable energy right now, it’s still really important for our future. I think the benefits of clean energy in the long run are more important than the short-term difficulties. If we invest in renewable energy now, it will probably get cheaper and more reliable over time. Plus, it’s much better for the environment than using fossil fuels, which is crucial for fighting climate change.
Should governments fund renewable energy research? I believe they should, as this could help solve some of the current problems with renewable energy.
To sum up, while renewable energy does have some challenges like high costs and reliability issues, I think it’s still very important for the future of our planet. We need to keep working on making it better and more affordable so that we can create a cleaner and more sustainable world for everyone.
(Word count: 368)
Sample Essay 3 – Band 5-6
Nowadays, people are talking a lot about renewable energy. Some think it’s very important for our future, but others say it’s too expensive and not reliable. I will discuss both ideas and give my opinion.
People who like renewable energy say it’s good for the planet. They think things like solar and wind power are better than oil and coal because they don’t pollute. Climate change is a big problem, and renewable energy might help solve it. Also, as technology gets better, renewable energy is getting cheaper and easier to use.
But some people worry about renewable energy. They say it costs too much money to start using it. Poor countries might not be able to afford solar panels or wind turbines. Another problem is that sometimes renewable energy doesn’t work well. For example, solar panels don’t make electricity at night or when it’s cloudy.
I think renewable energy is important, even though it has some problems. It’s better for the environment, which is very important for our future. If we keep working on it, renewable energy will probably get cheaper and work better over time. Also, it’s important to stop using things like oil and coal because they are bad for the planet.
The impact of renewable energy on reducing greenhouse gas emissions is significant, and we should consider this when thinking about our energy choices.
In conclusion, I believe renewable energy is very important for our future, even though it has some problems right now. We need to keep trying to make it better and cheaper so we can have a cleaner world.
(Word count: 269)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
- Presents a clear position throughout the essay
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features
- Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
- Ideas are coherent and there is clear progression throughout
- Uses cohesion in such a way that it attracts no attention
- Demonstrates awareness of style and collocation
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents a relevant position, though conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task with some evidence of style and collocation
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
- Arranges information and ideas coherently and there is a clear overall progression
- Uses cohesive devices effectively, but cohesion within and/or between sentences may be faulty or mechanical
- May have some errors in grammar and vocabulary, but they do not impede communication
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially; format may be inappropriate in places
- Expresses a position but development is not always clear
- Uses limited range of vocabulary; attempts to use less common words but with some inaccuracy
- Uses a limited range of structures with some repetition
- Presents information with some organization but there may be lack of overall progression
- Makes inadequate, inaccurate or over-use of cohesive devices
- May have frequent grammatical errors and faulty punctuation; errors may cause some difficulty for the reader
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Renewable energy (noun) – /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/ – Energy from a source that is not depleted when used
- Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
- Intermittent (adjective) – /ˌɪntəˈmɪtənt/ – Occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady
- Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – The basic physical and organizational structures needed for operation
- Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – Make less severe, serious, or painful
- Viable (adjective) – /ˈvaɪəbl/ – Capable of working successfully; feasible
- Transition (noun/verb) – /trænˈzɪʃn/ – The process or period of changing from one state or condition to another
- Accelerate (verb) – /əkˈseləreɪt/ – Increase in rate, amount, or extent
- Implementation (noun) – /ˌɪmplɪmenˈteɪʃn/ – The process of putting a decision or plan into effect
- Efficiency (noun) – /ɪˈfɪʃnsi/ – The state or quality of being efficient
In conclusion, the topic of renewable energy and its importance for a sustainable future is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of government in promoting renewable energy
- The impact of renewable energy on job markets and economies
- Balancing economic growth with environmental protection
- The potential of specific renewable energy sources (e.g., solar, wind, hydroelectric)
- Overcoming challenges in transitioning to renewable energy systems
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on the given topic and share it in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam more effectively.