IELTS Writing Task 2: Should Fossil Fuels Be Banned Globally? Sample Essays and Analysis

The topic of banning fossil fuels globally is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. It has appeared in various forms in past exams and is likely to continue being a relevant subject for future tests. This essay question touches on environmental issues, energy policies, and sustainable development – all of which are hot topics in today’s world.

Let’s examine a recent IELTS Writing Task 2 question related to this theme:

Some people believe that the use of fossil fuels should be banned globally to protect the environment. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

Analyzing the Question

This question asks for your opinion on a controversial topic. It requires you to:

1. Understand the concept of fossil fuels and their environmental impact
2. Consider the implications of a global ban on fossil fuels
3. Formulate and express your stance on the issue
4. Provide reasons and examples to support your viewpoint

Remember, there’s no right or wrong answer. The examiners are interested in how well you can articulate your thoughts and support your arguments.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

While the detrimental effects of fossil fuels on our environment are undeniable, I disagree with the notion that their use should be banned globally. Instead, I believe a more nuanced approach, focusing on gradual reduction and sustainable alternatives, would be more practical and effective.

Firstly, an immediate global ban on fossil fuels would cause severe economic disruption. Many countries, especially developing nations, heavily rely on fossil fuels for their energy needs and economic growth. A sudden shift away from these resources could lead to energy shortages, job losses, and economic instability. For instance, countries like India and China, which are still in the process of industrialization, would face significant challenges in maintaining their economic progress without access to affordable fossil fuel energy.

Secondly, while renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly viable, they are not yet capable of fully replacing fossil fuels in all sectors. The technology for large-scale energy storage, necessary for consistent renewable energy supply, is still developing. Moreover, certain industries, such as aviation and heavy manufacturing, currently lack practical alternatives to fossil fuels. A complete ban would severely impact these sectors, potentially causing global supply chain disruptions.

Renewable Energy vs Fossil Fuels

However, it is crucial to acknowledge the urgent need to address climate change. Rather than an outright ban, a more effective approach would be to implement stringent regulations on fossil fuel use, coupled with substantial investments in renewable energy research and infrastructure. Governments could introduce carbon pricing mechanisms, provide incentives for clean energy adoption, and set progressive targets for emissions reduction. This balanced strategy would allow for a smoother transition, giving economies and technologies time to adapt while still making significant progress in environmental protection.

Furthermore, focusing on improving energy efficiency and promoting sustainable practices across all sectors could yield substantial reductions in fossil fuel consumption without the need for a complete ban. Encouraging public transportation, improving building insulation, and optimizing industrial processes are examples of measures that can significantly reduce energy demand.

In conclusion, while the intention behind banning fossil fuels is commendable, such a drastic measure could have severe unintended consequences. A more pragmatic approach involving gradual reduction, investment in alternatives, and improved efficiency would be more effective in achieving the ultimate goal of environmental protection without causing undue economic hardship.

(Word count: 366)

Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)

This essay demonstrates several qualities that align with Band 8-9 criteria:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position that disagrees with the statement while acknowledging the importance of environmental protection. It offers a nuanced view and suggests alternative approaches.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph focuses on a specific point, and ideas are logically connected. The use of cohesive devices (e.g., “Firstly,” “However,” “Furthermore”) enhances the flow of the argument.

3. Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately. Complex phrases like “detrimental effects,” “nuanced approach,” “economic disruption,” and “stringent regulations” demonstrate a sophisticated command of English.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures used accurately. It maintains grammatical control throughout, with no noticeable errors.

5. Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with explanations and examples, showing depth of critical thinking on the topic.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

I partly agree that fossil fuels should be banned globally to protect the environment, but I think it’s not possible to do it immediately.

On one hand, banning fossil fuels would be good for the environment. Fossil fuels cause a lot of pollution and contribute to global warming. When we burn coal, oil, and gas, it releases harmful gases into the air. This damages the ozone layer and makes the Earth warmer. If we stop using fossil fuels, we can reduce these problems and have cleaner air.

However, banning fossil fuels completely and suddenly is not practical. Many countries still depend on fossil fuels for their energy needs. Developing countries especially need cheap energy to grow their economies. Also, many industries like transportation and manufacturing rely heavily on fossil fuels. We don’t have enough alternative energy sources yet to replace all fossil fuels.

I think a better solution is to gradually reduce the use of fossil fuels while increasing the use of renewable energy. Governments should invest more in solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. They should also encourage people to use public transport and electric cars. Companies should be given incentives to use cleaner energy and improve their energy efficiency.

In conclusion, while banning fossil fuels would help the environment, it’s not realistic to do it immediately. We should aim to reduce fossil fuel use over time and switch to cleaner energy sources. This way, we can protect the environment without causing too much disruption to our economies and daily lives.

(Word count: 253)

Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)

This essay demonstrates several qualities that align with Band 6-7 criteria:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task and presents a clear position. However, the ideas could be more fully developed and supported with more specific examples.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure with introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Ideas are generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices could be more sophisticated.

3. Lexical Resource: The essay uses a mix of common and some less common vocabulary related to the topic. There’s an attempt to use topic-specific language, but the range could be wider.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are no major grammatical errors, but the range of structures could be more varied.

5. Development of Ideas: Main points are relevant and supported, but the level of detail and explanation is not as extensive as in the Band 8-9 essay.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Fossil fuels (noun) – /ˈfɒs.əl ˌfjuːəlz/ – combustible geologic deposits of organic materials formed from decayed plants and animals

2. Renewable energy (noun) – /rɪˈnjuː.ə.bəl ˈen.ə.dʒi/ – energy from a source that is not depleted when used

3. Carbon emissions (noun) – /ˈkɑː.bən ɪˈmɪʃ.ənz/ – the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere

4. Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level

5. Energy efficiency (noun) – /ˈen.ə.dʒi ɪˈfɪʃ.ən.si/ – using less energy to perform the same task

6. Global warming (noun) – /ˌɡləʊ.bəl ˈwɔː.mɪŋ/ – the gradual increase in the overall temperature of the earth’s atmosphere

7. Economic disruption (noun) – /ˌiː.kəˈnɒm.ɪk dɪsˈrʌp.ʃən/ – a major disturbance in economic activity

8. Incentive (noun) – /ɪnˈsen.tɪv/ – something that motivates or encourages someone to do something

Conclusion

The topic of banning fossil fuels globally is complex and multifaceted. It requires careful consideration of environmental, economic, and social factors. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, consider practicing with similar topics such as:

• The role of government in promoting renewable energy
• The impact of individual actions on climate change
• The balance between economic growth and environmental protection
• The challenges of implementing global environmental policies

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is not just about your opinion, but how well you can articulate and support your ideas. Practice writing essays on these topics, focusing on structure, coherence, vocabulary, and grammar. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!