Renewable energy has become an increasingly popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends, it’s likely that questions related to sustainable energy sources will continue to appear frequently in future tests. Let’s explore a common question format and provide sample essays to help you prepare for this important subject.
Analyzing the Question
Let’s consider the following IELTS Writing Task 2 question:
Many people believe that renewable energy sources are essential for the future. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
This question asks for your opinion on the importance of renewable energy for the future. It’s crucial to:
- Clearly state your position
- Provide reasons and examples to support your view
- Consider potential counterarguments
- Conclude by reinforcing your stance
Sample Essay 1 (Band 7-8)
Renewable energy sources are widely regarded as crucial for our planet’s future, and I strongly agree with this perspective. This essay will explore the reasons why sustainable energy is essential and address potential counterarguments.
Firstly, renewable energy is vital for combating climate change. Fossil fuels, which currently dominate our energy mix, release enormous amounts of greenhouse gases when burned, contributing significantly to global warming. In contrast, renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power produce little to no emissions during operation. For example, a study by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) found that widespread adoption of renewable energy could achieve 90% of the carbon reductions needed to meet the Paris Agreement goals by 2050.
Secondly, renewable energy promotes energy security and independence. Many countries rely heavily on imported fossil fuels, making them vulnerable to price fluctuations and geopolitical tensions. By developing domestic renewable energy resources, nations can reduce their dependence on foreign energy sources and enhance their economic stability. For instance, Denmark has achieved near energy independence through its robust wind power sector, which now supplies over 40% of the country’s electricity.
Moreover, the renewable energy sector is a significant driver of economic growth and job creation. As the world transitions away from fossil fuels, the clean energy industry is expanding rapidly, offering numerous employment opportunities. The International Labour Organization estimates that the shift to a green economy could create 24 million new jobs globally by 2030, far outweighing the jobs lost in traditional energy sectors.
However, some argue that renewable energy sources are unreliable due to their intermittent nature. While it’s true that solar and wind power depend on weather conditions, technological advancements in energy storage, such as improved battery systems and pumped hydro storage, are increasingly addressing this challenge. Additionally, a diverse mix of renewable sources can help ensure a stable energy supply.
In conclusion, the importance of renewable energy for our future cannot be overstated. Its role in mitigating climate change, enhancing energy security, and driving economic growth far outweighs any current limitations. As technology continues to advance, the transition to a sustainable energy future becomes not only essential but increasingly achievable.
(Word count: 349)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
I agree that renewable energy sources are very important for the future. In this essay, I will explain why I think this and give some examples.
One main reason why renewable energy is important is because it helps fight climate change. When we burn fossil fuels like coal and oil, it releases a lot of pollution that warms up the Earth. But renewable energy like solar panels and wind turbines don’t cause this problem. For example, many countries are now building more wind farms to make clean electricity without pollution.
Another reason is that renewable energy can help countries be more independent. Many countries have to buy oil and gas from other places, which can be expensive and cause problems if there are conflicts. But if a country can make its own energy from the sun or wind, it doesn’t need to rely on others as much. This can make the country stronger and save money.
Also, renewable energy can create new jobs. As more companies start making solar panels or building wind turbines, they need to hire more workers. This can help the economy grow and give people new opportunities to work. For instance, in some parts of the United States, there are now more jobs in solar energy than in coal mining.
Some people say that renewable energy is not reliable because the sun doesn’t always shine and the wind doesn’t always blow. This is true, but scientists are working on better ways to store energy, like big batteries, so we can use renewable energy even when it’s cloudy or not windy.
In conclusion, I believe renewable energy is very important for our future because it helps the environment, makes countries more independent, and creates jobs. While there are some challenges, the benefits are much greater, and we should continue to develop and use more renewable energy sources.
(Word count: 309)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
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Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The higher band essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced argument.
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Vocabulary: The Band 7-8 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and phrases such as “combating climate change,” “geopolitical tensions,” and “intermittent nature.” The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still incorporates relevant terminology.
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Grammar: The higher band essay demonstrates a wider range of complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler constructions but maintains grammatical accuracy.
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Task Response: Both essays clearly address the question, but the Band 7-8 essay provides more detailed examples and considers counterarguments more thoroughly.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The Band 7-8 essay uses more sophisticated linking words and phrases to connect ideas, while the Band 6-7 essay relies on simpler connectors but still maintains a logical flow.
Important Vocabulary to Remember
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Renewable energy (noun) /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/: Energy from a source that is not depleted when used.
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Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
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Fossil fuels (noun) /ˈfɒsl fjuːəlz/: Fuels formed by natural processes such as anaerobic decomposition of buried dead organisms.
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Greenhouse gases (noun) /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ˈɡæsɪz/: Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation.
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Energy security (noun) /ˈenədʒi sɪˈkjʊərəti/: The association between national security and the availability of natural resources for energy consumption.
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Geopolitical (adjective) /ˌdʒiːəʊpəˈlɪtɪkl/: Relating to politics, especially international relations, as influenced by geographical factors.
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Intermittent (adjective) /ˌɪntəˈmɪtnt/: Occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady.
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Energy mix (noun) /ˈenədʒi mɪks/: The combination of different energy sources used in a particular area.
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Carbon reductions (noun) /ˈkɑːbən rɪˈdʌkʃnz/: Decreases in the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere.
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Energy storage (noun) /ˈenədʒi ˈstɔːrɪdʒ/: The capture of energy produced at one time for use at a later time.
In conclusion, the topic of renewable energy and its importance for the future is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of government in promoting renewable energy
- The economic impacts of transitioning to sustainable energy sources
- Comparing different types of renewable energy technologies
- The challenges of implementing renewable energy in developing countries
By familiarizing yourself with these topics and practicing your essay writing skills, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question about renewable energy that may appear in your IELTS exam.