As an IELTS Writing Task 2 expert, I’ve noticed that topics related to environmental issues, particularly electric vehicles and their impact on carbon emissions, have been increasingly appearing in recent exams. This trend is likely to continue given the global focus on climate change and sustainable transportation. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in past IELTS exams and could potentially come up again:
Some people believe that the use of electric cars will help reduce global warming. Others think that electric cars are not as environmentally friendly as claimed and have their own disadvantages. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the view that electric cars help reduce global warming
- Discuss the opposing view that electric cars are not as environmentally friendly as claimed
- Present your own opinion on the matter
Remember to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced discussion before stating your own stance.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and the transportation sector plays a significant role in carbon emissions. While some argue that electric vehicles (EVs) are a solution to reduce global warming, others contend that they are not as eco-friendly as purported. This essay will examine both perspectives before offering a personal viewpoint.
Proponents of electric cars argue that these vehicles significantly reduce carbon emissions, thus mitigating global warming. Unlike conventional vehicles that burn fossil fuels and release greenhouse gases directly into the atmosphere, EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions. This characteristic alone can lead to a substantial decrease in urban air pollution and overall carbon footprint. Moreover, as countries transition to renewable energy sources for electricity generation, the environmental benefits of EVs will only increase, further reducing their lifecycle emissions.
On the other hand, critics argue that electric cars are not a panacea for environmental issues. The production of EV batteries involves energy-intensive processes and the mining of rare earth metals, which can have significant environmental impacts. Additionally, if the electricity used to charge these vehicles comes from fossil fuel sources, the overall carbon footprint may not be as low as expected. There are also concerns about battery disposal and recycling, which could potentially lead to environmental hazards if not properly managed.
In my opinion, while electric vehicles are not perfect, they represent a crucial step towards reducing global warming. The technology is continuously improving, with advancements in battery efficiency and recycling processes addressing many of the current concerns. Furthermore, as renewable energy becomes more prevalent in the global energy mix, the environmental benefits of EVs will become increasingly apparent. It is essential, however, to adopt a holistic approach, combining the promotion of electric vehicles with investments in clean energy infrastructure and sustainable urban planning.
In conclusion, electric cars offer a promising path to reduce carbon emissions and combat global warming, despite some valid concerns. As technology progresses and renewable energy sources become more widespread, the advantages of EVs will likely outweigh their drawbacks, making them an integral part of our sustainable future.
(Word count: 329)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Global warming is a big problem today, and many people think electric cars can help solve it. However, others believe these cars are not as good for the environment as we think. This essay will look at both sides and give my opinion.
People who support electric cars say they are good for the environment. These cars don’t produce pollution when they are driven, unlike normal cars that use petrol or diesel. This means they can help reduce air pollution in cities and lower the amount of greenhouse gases that cause global warming. Also, as more countries start using clean energy like solar and wind power, electric cars will become even better for the environment.
However, some people argue that electric cars are not perfect. Making the batteries for these cars can be bad for the environment because it uses a lot of energy and requires mining for special materials. If the electricity used to charge the cars comes from power plants that burn coal or oil, then the cars might not be as clean as we think. There are also worries about what to do with old batteries when they need to be replaced.
In my opinion, I think electric cars are a good way to help reduce global warming, even though they have some problems. The technology is getting better all the time, which means the batteries are becoming more efficient and easier to recycle. As more countries start using renewable energy, electric cars will become even better for the environment. However, it’s important to remember that we need to do other things too, like improving public transport and building more bike lanes, to really solve the problem of global warming.
To conclude, while electric cars are not perfect, they are a step in the right direction for fighting climate change. As technology improves and we use more clean energy, the benefits of electric cars will become even clearer.
(Word count: 309)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic. It:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
- Presents a clear position throughout the response
- 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
- Develops ideas coherently and logically with clear progression throughout
- Uses cohesive devices effectively and appropriately
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows a competent handling of the task, although it lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band essay. It:
- Addresses all parts of the task, although some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents a relevant position, although the conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, with some errors in word choice and collocation
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with generally good control
- 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
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Carbon emissions (noun) – /ˈkɑːrbən ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – The release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
- Global warming (noun) – /ˈɡloʊbəl ˈwɔːrmɪŋ/ – The gradual increase in the overall temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere.
- Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbəl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.
- Renewable energy (noun) – /rɪˈnjuːəbəl ˈenərdʒi/ – Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.
- Fossil fuels (noun) – /ˈfɑːsəl fjuːəlz/ – A natural fuel such as coal or gas, formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms.
- Lifecycle emissions (noun) – /ˈlaɪfsaɪkəl ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – The total amount of greenhouse gases produced during a product’s existence, from production to disposal.
- Environmental impact (noun) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈɪmpækt/ – The effect of human activity on the environment.
- Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃər/ – The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
Conclusion
The topic of electric vehicles and their role in reducing carbon emissions is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS exams. To prepare, practice writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of government in promoting electric vehicle adoption
- Comparing public transportation and electric vehicles as solutions to urban pollution
- The challenges and opportunities in transitioning to a fully electric transportation system
Remember to always analyze the question carefully, plan your response, and use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures. Feel free to practice by writing your own essay on this topic and sharing it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.