IELTS Writing Task 2: Why Renewable Energy is Key to Reducing Greenhouse Gases – Sample Essays and Analysis

Renewable energy has become a hot topic in recent years, especially in relation to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This subject frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions, making it crucial for test-takers to be well-prepared. Based on past exam trends and current environmental concerns, we can expect to see more questions related to renewable energy and its impact on greenhouse gases in future IELTS tests.

Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:

Some people believe that the best way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is to increase the use of renewable energy sources. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Analyzing the Question

This question asks for your opinion on whether increasing renewable energy usage is the most effective method to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It’s important to note that:

1. The question uses the phrase “the best way,” implying you need to consider other potential solutions.
2. You’re asked to what extent you agree or disagree, allowing for a nuanced response.
3. The topic combines renewable energy and greenhouse gas emissions, requiring knowledge of both subjects.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Here’s a high-scoring sample essay addressing the question:

Climate change, largely driven by greenhouse gas emissions, is one of the most pressing issues of our time. While there are various strategies to combat this problem, I strongly agree that increasing the use of renewable energy sources is indeed the most effective approach to reducing these harmful emissions.

Firstly, renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power produce little to no greenhouse gases during operation. Unlike fossil fuels, which release substantial amounts of carbon dioxide when burned, these clean energy alternatives generate electricity without contributing to the greenhouse effect. For instance, a single wind turbine can prevent thousands of tons of CO2 emissions annually compared to coal-powered electricity generation.

Moreover, the transition to renewable energy has far-reaching effects beyond just the power sector. As industries and transportation systems increasingly electrify, the source of that electricity becomes crucial. By ensuring that this growing demand is met with clean energy, we can dramatically reduce emissions across multiple sectors simultaneously. This multiplier effect makes renewable energy a particularly potent tool in the fight against climate change.

However, it’s important to acknowledge that while renewable energy is key, it should be part of a comprehensive strategy. Energy efficiency measures, reforestation efforts, and changes in consumer behavior also play vital roles. Nevertheless, the scale and immediacy of impact that renewable energy offers make it the cornerstone of any serious emissions reduction plan.

In conclusion, while a multi-faceted approach is necessary to address greenhouse gas emissions, I firmly believe that increasing renewable energy usage is the most crucial and impactful step we can take. Its ability to provide clean power across sectors, coupled with its scalability and technological advancements, makes it unparalleled in its potential to mitigate climate change.

(Word count: 292)

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Here’s a mid-range sample essay addressing the same question:

Greenhouse gas emissions are a big problem for our planet, and many people think using more renewable energy is the best solution. I mostly agree with this idea, but I also think there are other important things we should do.

Renewable energy, like solar and wind power, is good for reducing greenhouse gases because it doesn’t produce pollution when making electricity. This is different from using coal or oil, which release a lot of harmful gases into the air. For example, when we use solar panels to power our homes, we don’t create any emissions, which helps to keep the air clean.

Another reason why renewable energy is important is that it can be used in many different ways. We can use it not just for electricity in houses, but also for cars and factories. This means we can reduce emissions in many areas of life, not just one.

However, I don’t think renewable energy alone is enough to solve the problem completely. We also need to do other things like planting more trees and using less energy in our daily lives. These actions can also help to reduce greenhouse gases.

In conclusion, I believe that increasing the use of renewable energy is very important for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but it’s not the only solution. We need to combine it with other actions to really make a difference in protecting our environment.

(Word count: 228)

Key Points to Remember When Writing

1. Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The higher band essay has more sophisticated paragraph development.

2. Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and phrases like “far-reaching effects,” “multiplier effect,” and “cornerstone.” The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still conveys the main ideas effectively.

3. Grammar: The higher band essay demonstrates a wider range of complex sentence structures, while the mid-range essay uses simpler constructions but still maintains accuracy.

4. Task Response: Both essays address the question directly, but the Band 8-9 essay provides more detailed examples and a more nuanced argument.

5. Cohesion and Coherence: The Band 8-9 essay uses more sophisticated linking words and phrases, creating a smoother flow between ideas.

Renewable Energy vs Greenhouse Gases

Important Vocabulary to Remember

1. Renewable energy (noun) /rɪˈnjuːəbəl ˈenədʒi/: Energy from a source that is not depleted when used.

2. Greenhouse gas emissions (noun phrase) /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɡæs ɪˈmɪʃənz/: The release of gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect.

3. Fossil fuels (noun) /ˈfɒsəl fjuːəlz/: A natural fuel formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms.

4. Carbon dioxide (noun) /ˈkɑːbən daɪˈɒksaɪd/: A greenhouse gas produced by burning fossil fuels.

5. Electrify (verb) /ɪˈlektrɪfaɪ/: Convert to the use of electricity.

6. Mitigation (noun) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃən/: The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.

7. Scalability (noun) /ˌskeɪləˈbɪləti/: The capacity to be changed in size or scale.

8. Comprehensive (adjective) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/: Including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.

9. Far-reaching (adjective) /fɑː ˈriːtʃɪŋ/: Having wide-ranging effects or implications.

10. Cornerstone (noun) /ˈkɔːnəstəʊn/: An important quality or feature on which a particular thing depends or is based.

In conclusion, the topic of renewable energy and its role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related topics such as:

• The challenges of transitioning to renewable energy
• Government policies to promote clean energy
• The economic impacts of shifting away from fossil fuels

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammar structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Feel free to practice by writing your own essay on this topic and sharing it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.