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IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - Should governments prioritize renewable energy over fossil fuels?

IELTS.WORK Free Online Writing Practice # 1712713491

Topic: Should governments prioritize renewable energy over fossil fuels?

Model Answer:
In recent years, the global community has been grappling with the issue of climate change and its catastrophic effects on the environment. As a result, there has been an increasing demand for alternative sources of energy that are cleaner, more sustainable, and less harmful to the environment. One such solution is the utilization of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal power. The question arises: Should governments prioritize renewable energy over fossil fuels, which have been the backbone of industrial societies for centuries?

To begin with, it is crucial to consider the environmental impact of each energy source. Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are non-renewable resources that release significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere when burned. These emissions contribute to global warming, which in turn leads to climate change, melting ice caps, rising sea levels, and an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. On the other hand, renewable energy sources generate significantly less CO2 emissions and have a much smaller environmental footprint. For instance, solar panels and wind turbines do not emit any greenhouse gases during operation, and hydroelectric power plants produce only a fraction of the emissions produced by fossil fuel plants.

Moreover, there are socio-economic benefits associated with the prioritization of renewable energy. The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy can create new job opportunities in the green energy sector. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the number of jobs in the renewable energy sector could surpass those in the oil and gas industry by 2030. Furthermore, investing in renewable energy infrastructure can lead to a more resilient power grid, reducing the likelihood of blackouts caused by natural disasters or cyberattacks. Additionally, as the world's population continues to grow, the demand for energy is expected to increase, and prioritizing renewable energy sources can help meet this growing demand in a sustainable manner.

While it may be argued that fossil fuels are currently more cost-effective than renewable energy technologies, the latter have seen significant advancements in recent years, making them increasingly competitive. Governments can play a pivotal role in encouraging the development and adoption of renewable energy by offering incentives such as tax breaks, subsidies, and research funding. With continued investment in research and development, the cost of generating energy from renewable sources is likely to continue decreasing, making it increasingly viable to prioritize these resources over fossil fuels.

In conclusion, governments should prioritize the development and utilization of renewable energy sources over fossil fuels due to their lower environmental impact, socio-economic benefits, and the potential for long-term cost competitiveness. By investing in renewable energy infrastructure and policies that support its growth, governments can help mitigate the effects of climate change while also promoting sustainable economic development.

Overall band score: 9
Task Response: 5 (Fully met the requirements of the task, and provided a comprehensive response)
Coherence and Cohesion: 5 (Highly coherent and cohesive; the essay flowed logically from one point to another with smooth connections between paragraphs)
Lexical Resource: 4.5 (Appropriate range and variety of vocabulary, but some less common words were not always used accurately or clearly)
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 5 (Excellent grammar and punctuation; the essay was well-structured with no significant errors affecting meaning)

Overall band score for this task is (4.75 + 5 + 4.5 + 5) / 4 = 4.875

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