Recent exam 12/2025
You need to write an essay addressing the topic below:
While fossil fuels are still the main source of energy for most countries, others have started to rely on renewable options such as wind and solar power.
Is this an advantageous or disadvantageous trend?
Explain your viewpoint with reasons and include appropriate examples based on your knowledge or experiences.
Your essay should comprise a minimum of 250 words.
Type: Advantages and Disadvantages Essay
Model Answer (Band 8–8.5)
While fossil fuels remain the dominant source of energy for most countries, an increasing number of nations have begun shifting towards renewable alternatives such as wind and solar power. Overall, this transition can be regarded as an advantageous trend, despite certain challenges that must be carefully addressed.
One significant benefit of greater reliance on renewable energy is its positive impact on both the environment and national energy security. Unlike fossil fuels, wind and solar power generate electricity without emitting greenhouse gases, thereby helping to reduce air pollution and mitigate climate change. Furthermore, renewable resources are naturally available within national borders, allowing countries to reduce their dependence on imported oil and gas. For example, Germany’s expansion of wind and solar energy has contributed to a decline in coal consumption while simultaneously strengthening energy security by lowering reliance on foreign fossil fuels. Consequently, increasing the share of renewable energy supports environmental sustainability and long-term energy independence.
Nevertheless, the transition to renewable energy also presents several challenges, particularly in terms of reliability and financial feasibility. Wind and solar power are highly dependent on weather conditions, which can result in fluctuations in electricity supply in the absence of adequate energy storage or backup systems. In addition, the initial capital investment required for renewable infrastructure, including upgraded power grids and energy storage facilities, can be substantial. Critics argue that these costs make the transition impractical, especially for developing nations. However, such concerns can be mitigated through gradual implementation and ongoing technological advancement. For instance, Denmark’s large-scale investment in wind power, combined with improvements in grid management, has enabled the country to maintain a stable electricity supply while steadily increasing its reliance on renewable energy.
In conclusion, although the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy involves financial and technical challenges, the overall benefits clearly outweigh the drawbacks. With careful planning and sustained investment, this transition represents a positive and necessary step towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
Word count: 320
Highlight Vocabulary
| Vocabulary / Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| dominant source | the main or most widely used source |
| renewable alternatives | energy sources that can be naturally replenished |
| advantageous trend | a development that brings more benefits than harm |
| national energy security | a country’s ability to meet its energy needs independently |
| mitigate climate change | reduce the severity of global warming effects |
| dependence on imported oil and gas | reliance on energy resources from other countries |
| environmental sustainability | using resources without causing long-term environmental damage |
| reliability | consistency and dependability of energy supply |
| financial feasibility | whether something is affordable and economically practical |
| initial capital investment | large amount of money spent at the beginning of a project |
| energy storage facilities | systems used to store electricity for later use |
| gradual implementation | slow and planned introduction over time |
| technological advancement | progress in technology improving efficiency and performance |
| resilient energy future | an energy system able to withstand challenges and disruptions |
