Renewable energy and energy security have become increasingly prevalent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. Based on analysis of past papers and current global trends, this theme has appeared in various forms over the past five years and is likely to remain relevant for future tests. Let’s explore some common question types and sample essays to help you tackle this important topic.
Question Analysis and Sample Essays
The role of renewable energy in achieving global energy security has become a critical examination topic. Here’s a recent IELTS question that exemplifies this trend:
Some people believe that governments should invest heavily in renewable energy sources to ensure energy security, while others argue that traditional energy sources are more reliable. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Question Analysis
This question requires candidates to:
- Examine both perspectives on energy investment
- Evaluate the reliability of different energy sources
- Present and justify a personal stance
- Consider economic and environmental implications
Band 8.5 Sample Essay
The importance of renewable energy in energy security can be demonstrated through this high-scoring response:
The debate over government investment in renewable versus traditional energy sources has become increasingly significant in recent years. While both energy types have their merits, I strongly believe that substantial investment in renewable energy is crucial for long-term energy security.
Proponents of traditional energy sources argue that these resources have proven reliability and established infrastructure. Coal, oil, and natural gas power plants can operate consistently regardless of weather conditions, providing stable baseline power generation. Furthermore, many countries have decades of experience managing these resources, making them seemingly more dependable for national energy security.
However, renewable energy advocates present compelling arguments for government investment in alternative sources. Firstly, renewable energy provides true energy independence, as countries can generate power from naturally occurring resources within their borders. This reduces dependence on foreign energy imports and volatility in international markets. Additionally, renewable technologies are becoming increasingly efficient and cost-competitive, with solar and wind power now often cheaper than fossil fuels in many regions.
In my opinion, government investment in renewable energy is essential for ensuring long-term energy security. The impact of renewable energy on national security extends beyond mere power generation. The decentralized nature of renewable energy systems makes them more resilient to disruptions, whether from natural disasters or security threats. Moreover, as climate change concerns intensify and fossil fuel resources deplete, countries investing in renewable infrastructure now will be better positioned for future energy challenges.
To conclude, while traditional energy sources currently play an important role, substantial government investment in renewable energy is crucial for achieving sustainable energy security. The benefits of energy independence, decreasing costs, and enhanced resilience make renewable energy the more strategic long-term investment for nations worldwide.
Government strategies for implementing renewable energy security measures
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
Some people think governments should spend lots of money on renewable energy for energy security, while others think traditional energy is better. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
On one side, traditional energy sources like coal and oil have been used for many years. These sources are reliable because they can produce energy any time, day or night. Also, many countries already have the equipment and knowledge to use these energy sources, which makes them feel more secure.
However, renewable energy has many advantages for energy security. Solar panels and wind turbines use natural resources that never run out. Why renewable energy should be prioritized over fossil fuels becomes clear when we consider that countries don’t need to buy these resources from other nations. This means countries can be more independent.
In my opinion, governments should invest in renewable energy because it is better for the future. Traditional energy sources will eventually run out, but renewable energy will always be available. Also, renewable energy is becoming cheaper every year, which makes it a good investment.
To conclude, while traditional energy is reliable now, I believe renewable energy is the better choice for energy security in the future. Should the government fund research into alternative energy sources? The answer is clearly yes, as this will help countries become more energy independent.
Key Vocabulary
- Energy security (n) /ˈenədʒi sɪˈkjʊərəti/ – reliable access to energy sources
- Renewable energy (n) /rɪˈnjuːəbəl ˈenədʒi/ – energy from natural sources that replenish
- Infrastructure (n) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – basic physical systems of a country
- Resilient (adj) /rɪˈzɪliənt/ – able to recover quickly from difficulties
- Decentralized (adj) /diːˈsentrəlaɪzd/ – distributed across multiple locations
- Volatility (n) /ˌvɒləˈtɪləti/ – tendency to change rapidly
- Cost-competitive (adj) /kɒst kəmˈpetɪtɪv/ – priced similarly to alternatives
- Baseline power (n) /ˈbeɪslaɪn ˈpaʊə/ – minimum power generation needed
Practice Suggestions
Consider practicing with these related topics:
- The role of nuclear energy in energy security
- Government subsidies for renewable energy development
- The economic impact of transitioning to renewable energy
- Environmental consequences of different energy sources
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners.
