Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and the role of renewable energy in combating this global threat has become an increasingly common topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on recent trends and the growing importance of sustainability, it’s highly likely that questions related to renewable energy and climate change will continue to appear in future IELTS exams. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past tests and provide sample essays to help you prepare for this crucial topic.
Analyzing the Question
Some people think that the best way to solve global environmental problems is to increase the cost of fuel for cars and other vehicles. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
This question touches on the relationship between fuel consumption, transportation, and environmental issues. While it doesn’t directly mention renewable energy, it provides an opportunity to discuss the importance of transitioning away from fossil fuels towards cleaner alternatives.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Climate change poses an existential threat to our planet, and addressing this crisis requires a multifaceted approach. While increasing fuel costs could potentially reduce emissions from vehicles, I believe this solution alone is insufficient and potentially problematic. Instead, I argue that a comprehensive strategy focusing on renewable energy adoption and sustainable transportation alternatives is crucial for effectively combating global environmental problems.
Admittedly, raising fuel prices could lead to reduced consumption and lower emissions in the short term. Higher costs might encourage some individuals to drive less or switch to more fuel-efficient vehicles. However, this approach has several significant drawbacks. Firstly, it disproportionately affects lower-income individuals who may have no choice but to drive for work or essential activities. This could exacerbate existing socioeconomic inequalities. Secondly, without viable alternatives in place, higher fuel costs could lead to economic disruption, particularly in industries reliant on transportation.
Instead, I propose that governments and societies should prioritize the rapid development and implementation of renewable energy sources. Transitioning to clean energy such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power for electricity generation would significantly reduce overall carbon emissions. This shift would not only address emissions from the transportation sector as electric vehicles become more prevalent but would also tackle pollution from other major sources like industry and residential energy use.
Furthermore, investing in sustainable transportation infrastructure is essential. This includes expanding public transit systems, creating extensive networks of bicycle lanes, and incentivizing the adoption of electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles. By providing affordable and accessible alternatives to traditional fuel-powered cars, we can reduce emissions without placing an undue burden on individuals.
In conclusion, while increasing fuel costs might seem like a straightforward solution to environmental problems, it fails to address the root causes and could create new social challenges. A more effective and equitable approach involves aggressively pursuing renewable energy adoption and developing sustainable transportation alternatives. By focusing on these strategies, we can combat climate change while promoting economic growth and social equity.
(Word count: 345)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Global environmental problems are a big concern for many people today. Some think that making fuel more expensive for cars and other vehicles is the best way to solve these issues. I partly agree with this idea, but I also think there are other important things we need to do.
Increasing the cost of fuel could help reduce pollution in some ways. When fuel is more expensive, people might drive less or choose to buy cars that use less fuel. This could lead to less pollution from vehicles. Also, if fewer people are driving, there might be less traffic on the roads, which could also help the environment.
However, making fuel more expensive has some problems too. It could make life harder for people who don’t have a lot of money but need to drive to work or take their kids to school. It might also cause problems for businesses that rely on transportation, which could hurt the economy.
I think a better way to solve environmental problems is to focus on renewable energy. We should try to use more clean energy sources like solar power and wind power. This would help reduce pollution not just from cars, but from other things too, like factories and homes. Governments could give money to help people and businesses switch to these cleaner energy sources.
Another important thing is to improve public transportation. If buses and trains are better and cheaper, more people might choose to use them instead of driving cars. This could help reduce pollution without making things harder for people who can’t afford expensive fuel.
In conclusion, while making fuel more expensive might help a little bit, I think focusing on renewable energy and better public transportation are more effective ways to solve global environmental problems. These solutions can help the environment without causing too many problems for people and the economy.
(Word count: 295)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
-
Understanding the question: While this question doesn’t explicitly mention renewable energy, it provides an opportunity to discuss various solutions to environmental problems, including the transition to clean energy sources.
-
Structuring your essay: Both sample essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing different aspects of the issue, and a conclusion summarizing the main points.
-
Developing arguments: The Band 8-9 essay provides more nuanced arguments and explores the complexities of the issue in greater depth. The Band 6-7 essay presents simpler arguments but still covers multiple perspectives.
-
Using appropriate vocabulary: The higher band essay incorporates more sophisticated vocabulary and phrases related to environmental issues and energy policy.
-
Grammar and coherence: Both essays use a variety of sentence structures and linking words to ensure coherence and flow. The Band 8-9 essay demonstrates more complex grammatical structures.
Essential Vocabulary for This Topic
- Renewable energy (noun) /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/ – energy from a source that is not depleted when used
- Fossil fuels (noun) /ˈfɒsl fjuːəlz/ – fuels formed from the remains of living organisms
- Carbon emissions (noun) /ˈkɑːbən ɪˈmɪʃnz/ – the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
- Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – the ability to maintain at a certain rate or level
- Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – the basic physical and organizational structures needed for operation
- Incentivize (verb) /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ – to encourage or motivate with a reward
- Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
- Exacerbate (verb) /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ – to make a problem or bad situation worse
- Viable (adjective) /ˈvaɪəbl/ – capable of working successfully
- Transition (noun/verb) /trænˈzɪʃn/ – the process of changing from one state or condition to another
Conclusion
The topic of renewable energy and its role in fighting climate change is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the key arguments and vocabulary related to this issue, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle similar questions in the future. Some potential related topics you might encounter could include:
- The role of government policies in promoting renewable energy adoption
- The economic impacts of transitioning to clean energy sources
- The challenges and benefits of implementing renewable energy in developing countries
To further improve your writing skills, try composing your own essay on the question provided in this article. Share your essay in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners. This practice will help you refine your arguments and build confidence in addressing complex environmental topics in your IELTS Writing Task 2.