IELTS Writing Task 2 essay with model answer

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic

Solar energy is becoming more and more popular as a source of household energy in many countries around the world. What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer:

One of the greatest threats  to modern day living is the depletion of the sources that provide us the energy to maintain our lives. Most of the world’s current energy needs get fulfilled from fossil fuels. However, fossil fuels like petroleum and coal come at a price. They do not only cost us money but also degrade our environment by polluting it. Moreover, these sources of energy are nowhere close to being renewable and according to some scholars, are pushing us to the brink of extinction. Because of these issues, renewable sources of energy like solar power are getting popularised at an unprecedented rate.  

Using solar power as a source of household energy has its own unique advantages. Once harnessed, solar energy has virtually no operational cost; this makes it a cheaper option as compared to the other sources of energy. Secondly, the process of harnessing energy from the sun does not result in any harm to the environment; it is completely pollution free.    

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However, every coin has two sides. There are some disadvantages of using solar power as a source of domestic energy too.  Firstly, the semiconductors used in converting solar power into electricity are made up of expensive metals, thus making it costlier to install a solar power system. Secondly, solar power systems are hard to maintain because they are made up of glass. Any dust on them obstructs the reflection of sunlight and consequently makes the solar power systems inefficient to run. Lastly, solar power systems can only productively work at  locations where there is plenty of sunshine all year round.

In conclusion, generating energy from sunlight has several benefits and drawbacks. In my opinion, both arguments have their merits. On balance, however, I tend to believe that solar energy is the only sustainable solution for our energy needs.   

Total Words: 300

Task Achievement: 9

Coherence & Cohesion: 9

Lexical resources: 9

Grammar: 8

Overall Score: Band 8.5

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