The topic of renewable energy integration has gained significant prominence in recent IELTS examinations, appearing frequently in Task 2 questions over the past few years. Based on analysis of past papers and current trends, this theme is likely to remain relevant, particularly as global focus intensifies on sustainable development and climate change mitigation.
Let’s examine a recent IELTS Task 2 question that exemplifies this topic:
Some people say that the main environmental problem of our time is the loss of particular species of plants and animals. Others say that there are more important environmental problems. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Question Analysis
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss multiple perspectives on environmental priorities
- Compare species extinction with other environmental challenges
- Provide and justify a personal stance
- Structure arguments logically with supporting examples
The impact of renewable energy on the power grid demonstrates how environmental concerns are interconnected with technological advancement.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
While species extinction represents a critical environmental challenge, I believe there are equally pressing environmental issues that demand immediate attention, particularly climate change and renewable energy integration challenges.
Those who prioritize species conservation argue that biodiversity loss has irreversible consequences for ecosystems. When a species disappears, it creates a ripple effect throughout the food chain, potentially destabilizing entire biological systems. Furthermore, many plant and animal species may hold undiscovered medical or scientific value that could benefit humanity.
How renewable energy can drive technological innovation is closely linked to environmental preservation efforts. However, there are arguably more urgent environmental concerns. Climate change, for instance, threatens not just individual species but entire habitats and human civilizations. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and disrupted agricultural patterns pose immediate risks to both human societies and natural ecosystems.
In my view, while species conservation is crucial, addressing systemic environmental challenges like climate change through renewable energy adoption should take precedence. This approach would ultimately protect more species by preserving their habitats and preventing widespread ecosystem collapse.
Renewable Energy Integration for Environmental Protection
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The loss of plants and animals is a big environmental problem, but I think there are other important environmental issues we need to think about too.
Some people believe that losing species is the biggest problem we face. When animals and plants die out, we can never get them back. This affects the whole environment because all living things are connected. Also, some of these species might have important uses for medicine that we haven’t found yet.
However, there are other serious environmental problems. Impact of smart technology on household energy consumption shows how energy use affects our planet. Climate change is making the weather more extreme and causing problems for people and nature. Pollution in cities is making people sick, and plastic waste is hurting ocean life.
I think both problems are important, but climate change is probably more serious because it affects everything on Earth, including all species. If we don’t stop climate change, many more species will die anyway.
Key Vocabulary
- Biodiversity (n) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsɪti/ – variety of plant and animal life
- Ecosystem (n) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – community of organisms and environment
- Extinction (n) /ɪkˈstɪŋkʃən/ – state of being extinct
- Mitigation (n) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃən/ – reduction in severity
- Irreversible (adj) /ˌɪrɪˈvɜːsəbl/ – cannot be undone
Conclusion
This topic continues to be relevant in IELTS examinations. Practice writing about similar themes such as:
- Renewable energy implementation challenges
- Environmental conservation versus economic development
- Sustainable urban development
Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and improvement suggestions.
