The topic of electric cars and their environmental effects has gained significant traction in recent years, appearing frequently in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Based on past exam trends and the increasing global focus on sustainable transportation, it’s highly likely that this subject will continue to be a popular choice for future IELTS tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past exams:

Some people think that the best way to reduce air pollution is to increase the price of fuel for cars and other vehicles. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Analyzing the Question

This question directly relates to our main topic of electric cars and environmental impact. It requires candidates to discuss a proposed solution to air pollution – increasing fuel prices – and express their opinion on its effectiveness. The question implicitly touches upon the shift towards electric vehicles as a potential alternative to combat air pollution.

Sample Essays

Band 8-9 Essay

The escalating concern over air pollution has led to various proposed solutions, one of which is increasing fuel prices for vehicles. While I agree that this approach could contribute to reducing air pollution, I believe it is not the most effective strategy and should be complemented by other measures.

Undoubtedly, raising fuel prices could lead to a decrease in vehicle usage, particularly for non-essential travel. As fuel becomes more expensive, people may be incentivized to seek alternative modes of transportation such as public transit, cycling, or walking for shorter distances. This reduction in vehicle use would consequently lead to lower emissions and improved air quality in urban areas. Moreover, higher fuel costs might encourage consumers to switch to more fuel-efficient vehicles or even electric cars, further reducing the carbon footprint of transportation.

However, simply increasing fuel prices is not a comprehensive solution to the complex issue of air pollution. Firstly, this approach disproportionately affects lower-income individuals who may not have the means to upgrade to more efficient vehicles or access to reliable public transportation alternatives. This could lead to social inequity and potential economic hardships for certain segments of the population. Secondly, without proper infrastructure and alternatives in place, higher fuel prices may not significantly change behavior in areas where private vehicle use is a necessity rather than a choice.

Instead, I believe a more holistic approach is necessary to effectively combat air pollution. This could include investing in clean public transportation systems, developing extensive cycling infrastructure, and providing incentives for the adoption of electric vehicles. Additionally, implementing stricter emissions standards for industries and promoting renewable energy sources would address air pollution from non-vehicular sources as well.

In conclusion, while increasing fuel prices may contribute to reducing air pollution to some extent, it should not be relied upon as the sole or primary solution. A multifaceted approach that combines economic incentives with infrastructure development and technological advancements is more likely to yield substantial and sustainable improvements in air quality.

(Word count: 309)

Electric cars reducing air pollution in urban areas

Band 6-7 Essay

Air pollution is a big problem in many cities, and some people think that making fuel more expensive is the best way to solve it. I partly agree with this idea, but I also think there are other important things we should do.

Increasing the price of fuel could help reduce air pollution in some ways. When fuel is more expensive, people might drive less and use their cars only when they really need to. This would mean fewer cars on the road and less pollution from exhaust fumes. Also, higher fuel prices might make people think about buying electric cars or hybrid vehicles, which are better for the environment.

However, just making fuel more expensive is not enough to solve the problem completely. Some people have to use their cars for work or because they live far from public transport, and higher fuel prices would make life difficult for them. It’s not fair to punish these people for something they can’t easily change.

I think we need to do more than just increase fuel prices. Governments should invest in better public transportation systems so people have good alternatives to using their cars. They could also give tax breaks or other benefits to people who buy electric cars or use environmentally friendly transportation. Additionally, cities could create more bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly areas to encourage people to walk or cycle instead of driving.

In conclusion, while making fuel more expensive might help reduce air pollution to some extent, it’s not the only solution. We need a combination of different approaches to really make a difference in improving air quality in our cities.

(Word count: 268)

Band 5-6 Essay

Air pollution is a big problem in many cities. Some people think making fuel more expensive is the best way to reduce it. I think this idea has some good points, but also some problems.

Making fuel more expensive could help reduce pollution. When fuel costs more, people might drive less. They might choose to walk, ride bikes, or take buses instead of using their cars. This means fewer cars on the roads and less pollution from car exhaust. Also, if fuel is expensive, more people might buy electric cars, which don’t make pollution.

But there are problems with this idea too. If fuel costs more, it will be hard for poor people who need to drive to work. They might not be able to afford the higher prices. Also, in some places, there aren’t good buses or trains, so people have to use cars even if fuel is expensive.

I think we need to do more than just make fuel expensive. We should make better public transport so people have choices. We should also help people buy electric cars by making them cheaper. And we need to teach people about how cars cause pollution so they understand why it’s important to drive less.

In conclusion, making fuel more expensive might help a little bit to reduce air pollution, but it’s not enough by itself. We need to do many different things to solve this big problem.

(Word count: 225)

Explaining the Scores

Band 8-9 Essay

This essay demonstrates excellent command of language and addresses all parts of the task fully. It presents a clear position and develops ideas coherently. The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately (e.g., “escalating concern,” “incentivized,” “disproportionately affects”) and employs a variety of complex sentence structures. It shows sophisticated analysis of the issue, considering multiple perspectives and potential consequences. The conclusion effectively summarizes the main points and reinforces the overall argument.

Band 6-7 Essay

This essay addresses all parts of the task and presents a clear position. The ideas are generally well-organized and developed, though not as fully as in the Band 8-9 essay. The vocabulary is appropriate but less sophisticated (e.g., “big problem,” “make life difficult”). Sentence structures are varied but not as complex. The essay shows good understanding of the issue and presents relevant examples, but the analysis is not as in-depth as the higher band essay. The conclusion summarizes the main points effectively.

Band 5-6 Essay

This essay addresses the task but in a more simplistic manner. The position is clear, but ideas are not as well-developed or coherently organized as in higher band essays. The vocabulary is limited and repetitive (e.g., frequent use of “big problem”). Sentence structures are mostly simple and compound. The essay shows basic understanding of the issue but lacks depth in analysis. The conclusion restates the main points without adding much insight.

Comparison of electric cars and traditional vehicles

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Air pollution (noun) – /eə pəˈluːʃn/ – The presence of harmful substances in the air we breathe
2. Incentivize (verb) – /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ – To encourage or motivate someone to do something
3. Carbon footprint (noun) – /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of one’s activities
4. Holistic (adjective) – /həˈlɪstɪk/ – Considering the whole thing or being rather than just parts
5. Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/ – The basic physical and organizational structures needed for operation of a society or enterprise
6. Emissions (noun) – /ɪˈmɪʃn/ – The production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation
7. Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
8. Renewable energy (noun phrase) – /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/ – Energy from a source that is not depleted when used
9. Multifaceted (adjective) – /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – Having many different aspects or features
10. Disproportionately (adverb) – /ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːʃənətli/ – To a degree that is too large or too small in comparison with something else

Conclusion

The topic of electric cars and their environmental impact is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. To prepare, practice writing essays on related subjects such as:

• The role of government in promoting electric vehicle adoption
• The challenges and benefits of transitioning to a fully electric transportation system
• Comparing the environmental impact of electric cars vs. traditional vehicles throughout their lifecycle
• The potential economic effects of widespread electric car adoption

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures, and provide well-developed arguments supported by relevant examples. Feel free to practice writing an essay on the question provided in this article and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners.