IELTS Writing Task 2: Renewable Technology — Band 6.5 Sample Answer
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The Prompt
Paraphrased Prompt:
Many governments are investing heavily in renewable technology like solar and wind power. However, some people argue that this investment should be focused on other areas. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Official IELTS Prompt Type: Agree/Disagree Essay
Band 6.5 Sample Answer
Scored using 2026 IELTS Writing Task 2 criteria
> The use of renewable energy has become increasingly important in recent years. Governments around the world are investing large sums of money in renewable technology. I completely agree with this approach and believe that we should continue to invest in renewable technology rather than spending money on other areas.
> There are several reasons why investing in renewable technology is beneficial. First of all, renewable energy sources are much cleaner than fossil fuels. Burning coal and oil releases harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which contributes to global warming. In contrast, solar and wind power do not produce any emissions, making them far better for the environment. Additionally, renewable energy is sustainable, meaning it will never run out. Fossil fuels are finite resources, and we will eventually run out of them. By investing in renewable technology, we can ensure that we have a reliable source of energy for future generations.
> Some people argue that governments should spend money on other areas, such as education or healthcare. While these are certainly important, I believe that investing in renewable technology is more urgent. Climate change is a pressing issue that requires immediate action. If we do not take steps to reduce our carbon emissions, the consequences could be catastrophic. Furthermore, investing in renewable technology can create new jobs and stimulate economic growth. The renewable energy sector is growing rapidly, and by supporting it, we can create employment opportunities and boost the economy.
> In conclusion, I strongly believe that governments should continue to invest in renewable technology. Not only is it better for the environment, but it is also a sustainable and economically beneficial approach. While other areas such as education and healthcare are important, addressing climate change should be our top priority.
Scoring Breakdown
| Criteria | Band 6.5 Score | Explanation | |-------------------|----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Task Response | 6.0 | Presents a clear position but develops ideas in a limited way. The response addresses the task but lacks nuanced development of arguments. The conclusion is somewhat repetitive. | | Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 | Ideas are logically organized but paragraphing is basic. There are some cohesive devices used, but the range is limited. The progression of ideas is generally clear but could be improved with more sophisticated linking. | | Lexical Resource | 6.0 | Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic, but some word choices are basic or repetitive. There are occasional errors in word choice and collocation. Spelling is generally accurate. | | Grammar Accuracy | 7.0 | Demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, but there are some grammatical errors that occasionally obscure meaning. Punctuation is generally correct, but there are some minor issues. |
Vocabulary Highlights
- Renewable energy (noun) - energy from sources that are naturally replenished, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat.
- collocation: renewable energy sources
- Sustainable (adjective) - able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.
- collocation: sustainable development, sustainable energy
- Greenhouse gases (noun) - gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming.
- collocation: reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Finite (adjective) - having limits; not infinite.
- collocation: finite resources
- Catastrophic (adjective) - involving or causing sudden great damage or suffering.
- collocation: catastrophic consequences
- Stimulate (verb) - to encourage or arouse interest or activity in something.
- collocation: stimulate economic growth
- Employment opportunities (noun) - jobs or chances to work.
- collocation: create employment opportunities
- Pressing (adjective) - requiring immediate action or attention.
- collocation: pressing issue
- Economically beneficial (adjective) - providing advantages or profits in terms of money or resources.
- collocation: economically beneficial approach
- Top priority (noun) - the most important thing to be dealt with first.
- collocation: make something a top priority
- Urgent (adjective) - requiring immediate action or attention.
- collocation: urgent action
- Address (verb) - to deal with a problem or situation.
- collocation: address climate change
- Stimulate (verb) - to encourage or arouse interest or activity in something.
- collocation: stimulate economic growth
- Boost (verb) - to increase or improve something.
- collocation: boost the economy
- Rapidly (adverb) - happening quickly or in a short amount of time.
- collocation: growing rapidly
- Sector (noun) - a part of the economy or of society that includes all the businesses or organizations of a similar type.
- collocation: renewable energy sector
- Catastrophic (adjective) - involving or causing sudden great damage or suffering.
- collocation: catastrophic consequences
- Consequences (noun) - results or effects of an action or situation.
- collocation: dire consequences
- Immediate (adjective) - happening or done without delay.
- collocation: immediate action
- Investment (noun) - the act of putting money, effort, or time into something to make a profit or achieve a result.
- collocation: government investment
Common Mistakes in IELTS Writing Task 2 Renewable Technology Essays
- Overgeneralization - Making broad statements without specific examples or evidence. Many students fail to provide concrete details to support their arguments.
- Repetition - Repeating the same words or phrases too often. This sample answer repeats 'renewable technology' and 'invest' multiple times.
- Lack of Nuance - Presenting arguments in a simplistic, black-and-white manner. The Band 6.5 response does not consider counterarguments effectively.
- Inaccurate Word Choice - Using words incorrectly, such as confusing 'affect' and 'effect' or 'imply' and 'infer'.
- Weak Conclusion - Simply restating the introduction without adding new insights or summarizing key points effectively.
How to Improve from Band 6.5 to Band 7.0 and Above
- Expand Your Vocabulary - Use a wider range of academic vocabulary and avoid repetition. Practice using synonyms and collocations related to renewable technology.
- Develop Your Arguments - Provide specific examples, statistics, or case studies to support your points. This will demonstrate a deeper understanding of the topic.
- Improve Cohesion and Cohesion - Use a greater variety of cohesive devices to connect your ideas. Practice writing complex sentences to improve the flow of your writing.
- Proofread Your Work - Carefully check your writing for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and punctuation issues. This will help you achieve higher marks in the Grammar Accuracy criteria.
- Practice Timed Writing - The IELTS Writing Task 2 must be completed in 40 minutes. Practice writing under timed conditions to improve your speed and efficiency.
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