Renewable energy and sustainability have become increasingly prominent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. As environmental concerns continue to grow globally, the frequency of these themes appearing in IELTS exams has risen significantly. Based on recent trends and the importance of sustainable development, we can expect to see more questions related to renewable energy and its role in achieving sustainability in future IELTS tests.
Let’s examine a relevant IELTS Writing Task 2 question that has appeared in recent exams:
Some people believe that the development of renewable energy sources is crucial for solving environmental problems, while others argue that renewable energy is not a viable solution. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the viewpoint that renewable energy is crucial for solving environmental problems
- Discuss the opposing viewpoint that renewable energy is not a viable solution
- Provide their own opinion on the matter
It’s important to address all parts of the question while maintaining a balanced argument. Let’s look at some sample essays that demonstrate different levels of proficiency in answering this question.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The debate surrounding renewable energy as a solution to environmental issues has gained significant traction in recent years. While some argue that developing renewable energy sources is essential for addressing environmental challenges, others contend that these alternatives are not feasible solutions. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint on this critical matter.
Proponents of renewable energy argue that it is crucial for solving environmental problems. Firstly, renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power produce significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels, thereby reducing the carbon footprint of energy production. This reduction in emissions is vital for combating climate change, one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. Secondly, renewable energy promotes sustainable resource use, as these sources are naturally replenished and do not deplete finite resources like coal or oil. This sustainability aspect ensures long-term energy security while minimizing environmental degradation associated with resource extraction.
On the other hand, skeptics argue that renewable energy is not a viable solution to environmental problems. Their primary concern is the intermittent nature of some renewable sources, such as solar and wind power, which depend on weather conditions. This intermittency can lead to reliability issues in energy supply, potentially necessitating backup systems that may still rely on fossil fuels. Additionally, the initial costs of implementing renewable energy infrastructure can be substantial, posing economic challenges for many countries, especially developing nations. Critics also point out that the production of renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels and wind turbines, can have its own environmental impacts, including resource extraction and waste generation.
In my opinion, while renewable energy may not be a perfect solution, it is an indispensable component in addressing environmental challenges. The long-term benefits of reduced emissions and sustainable resource use far outweigh the initial challenges of implementation. Moreover, as technology advances, many of the current limitations of renewable energy are likely to be overcome. To maximize the effectiveness of renewable energy, a multi-faceted approach is necessary, combining technological innovation, policy support, and gradual transition strategies that consider economic realities.
In conclusion, the development of renewable energy sources plays a crucial role in solving environmental problems, despite some valid concerns about its current limitations. As we face increasingly severe environmental threats, embracing and improving renewable energy technologies is not just viable but essential for ensuring a sustainable future for our planet.
(Word count: 398)
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellent characteristics of a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
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Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly stating 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. Each paragraph has a clear central topic.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately. Complex lexical items are used effectively, such as “intermittent nature,” “renewable energy infrastructure,” and “multi-faceted approach.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and appropriately. It includes complex sentences and structures without noticeable errors.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are well-developed with relevant examples and explanations. The essay presents a clear and logical argument throughout.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Nowadays, there is a debate about whether renewable energy can solve environmental problems or not. Some people think it is very important, but others believe it is not a good solution. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
On the one hand, many people say that renewable energy is very important for the environment. They think it can help reduce pollution because it doesn’t create harmful gases like fossil fuels do. For example, solar panels and wind turbines don’t produce smoke or carbon dioxide. Also, renewable energy sources don’t run out, so we can use them for a long time without damaging the Earth.
On the other hand, some people argue that renewable energy is not a good solution to environmental problems. They say that it is not always reliable because it depends on the weather. For instance, solar panels don’t work well on cloudy days, and wind turbines need wind to produce electricity. Another problem is that renewable energy can be expensive to set up, especially for poor countries. Some people also worry that making solar panels and wind turbines can cause pollution too.
In my opinion, I think renewable energy is a good solution for environmental problems, even though it has some problems. The benefits of clean energy are more important than the difficulties. As technology improves, I believe renewable energy will become cheaper and more efficient. Governments should support the development of renewable energy to help solve environmental issues.
To conclude, while there are arguments for and against renewable energy, I believe it is crucial for solving environmental problems. We need to keep improving renewable energy technologies to make them better and more available to everyone.
(Word count: 292)
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates characteristics of a mid-range IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
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Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and providing a personal opinion. However, the ideas could be more fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure with separate paragraphs for each viewpoint and the writer’s opinion. Basic cohesive devices are used, but more sophisticated linking could improve the flow.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, with some attempt at using less common lexical items. However, there is some repetition and the range could be broader.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control. There are no major grammatical errors, but the range could be more varied.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are relevant and supported with examples, but they could be elaborated on more fully to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the topic.
Key Vocabulary
Here are some key vocabulary items used in the essays, along with their definitions and pronunciations:
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Renewable energy (noun) /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/: Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.
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Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/: The ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time.
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Viable (adjective) /ˈvaɪəbl/: Capable of working successfully; feasible.
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Intermittent (adjective) /ˌɪntəˈmɪtənt/: Occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady.
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Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/: The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
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Carbon footprint (noun) /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/: The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organization, or community.
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Resource extraction (noun phrase) /rɪˈzɔːs ɪkˈstrækʃn/: The process of removing raw materials from the earth for use by consumers.
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Multi-faceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/: Having many different aspects or features.
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Indispensable (adjective) /ˌɪndɪˈspensəbl/: Absolutely necessary or essential.
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Finite (adjective) /ˈfaɪnaɪt/: Having limits or bounds; not infinite.
Conclusion
The role of renewable energy in achieving sustainability is a crucial topic in contemporary IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. As demonstrated in the sample essays, this theme allows candidates to showcase their ability to discuss complex environmental and economic issues while presenting balanced arguments.
To prepare for similar topics, consider practicing with these potential questions:
- Should governments prioritize investment in renewable energy over other sectors?
- How can developing countries balance economic growth with sustainable energy practices?
- Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy as an alternative to fossil fuels.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is to address all parts of the question, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and develop your ideas with relevant examples and explanations.
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on the topic discussed in this article. Share your essay in the comments section below for feedback and to engage in productive discussions with other learners. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam.