Practise under exam conditionsTask 2 essay · 40 minutes and at least 250 words, like the real test.
This practice question is designed to help you prepare for the IELTS Writing Task 2 component, energy transition.
In the actual test, you will have 40 minutes to complete this task, and you should write at least 250 words.
Writing Task 2 assesses your ability to present a clear, relevant, well-organized argument with supporting ideas and appropriate examples.
Task Prompt#
Write about the following topic:
Some people believe that governments should be primarily responsible for funding the transition to renewable energy sources, while others argue that private businesses should bear most of the financial burden.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer Outline#
Body Paragraph 1: Government Funding Perspective#
Mind Map Ideas:
- Tax revenue allocation for public good
- Ability to implement large-scale infrastructure projects
- Setting national environmental targets and standards
- Examples of successful government-led initiatives
- Long-term planning beyond profit motives
Body Paragraph 2: Private Business Funding Perspective#
Mind Map Ideas:
- Innovation and efficiency driven by market competition
- Financial resources of large corporations
- Corporate social responsibility
- Direct beneficiaries of energy production and consumption
- Examples of private sector renewable energy successes
Body Paragraph 3: Your Opinion and Balanced Approach#
Mind Map Ideas:
- Need for collaboration between public and private sectors
- Government incentives and regulatory frameworks
- Private investment and technological innovation
- Shared responsibility reflecting shared benefits
- International examples of successful public-private partnerships
Post-Task Information#
A sample high-scoring response to this question will be shared in our IELTS Writing Task 2 examples collection.
Model answer (Band 8 style)
Write your own answer first, then compare structure and vocabulary. Task 2 · 274 words.
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Moving from fossil fuels to renewable energy will require enormous investment, and there is debate about who should pay. Some argue governments should bear the main cost, while others believe private businesses should carry most of the burden. In my view, governments should lead and share the risk, but private businesses should provide the majority of the investment.
Those who believe governments should pay point to the scale and public nature of the challenge. Climate change affects everyone, and the energy transition involves infrastructure, such as national grids and storage, that individual companies may be unwilling to build. Governments can also borrow at lower costs and accept long-term returns that private investors might find unattractive. Moreover, without public funding, the transition could be too slow to meet climate targets.
On the other hand, there are strong arguments for business responsibility. Many companies, particularly energy producers and heavy industries, have profited from fossil fuels for decades, so it seems fair that they should finance cleaner alternatives. Private businesses also have the capital, technical expertise and competitive pressure to innovate and reduce costs, as the rapid fall in solar panel prices shows. Relying mainly on taxpayers could place an unfair burden on ordinary citizens.
I believe the most effective approach is a partnership. Governments should create clear regulations, carbon pricing and incentives, and fund early-stage research and essential infrastructure, which then makes renewable projects attractive for private investment.
In conclusion, the energy transition should not be funded by either sector alone; governments must set the direction and reduce risks, while private businesses, which have the resources and responsibility, should provide most of the funding.
Task Response
Both views are developed with economic reasoning; the opinion (partnership, business provides most funding) is precise.
Coherence & Cohesion
Clear sequencing with “Those who believe…”, “On the other hand”, “I believe the most effective approach…”.
Lexical Resource
Energy and finance vocabulary: national grids, carbon pricing, capital, early-stage research, burden.
Grammatical Range
Range of structures: relative clauses, conditional meaning (“without public funding…”), passives and comparatives.
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For more IELTS Writing Practice tests, you can also visit Traditions Topic.