Real Article: The Future Is Powered by the Sun
Imagine a world where your electricity doesn’t come from coal, oil, or gas — but from wind, sun, and water.
That world is arriving faster than expected. Across Europe, Asia, and North America, renewable energy is no longer just an ideal — it’s a growing part of national power grids. In 2024, wind and solar provided over 30% of all electricity in some countries.
The benefits are clear: clean air, low emissions, and energy security. Unlike fossil fuels, renewables can’t be cut off by political conflict. The sun rises. The wind blows. Water flows.
But there are challenges too. Solar panels need land. Wind turbines disrupt landscapes. Storing energy for cloudy days and windless nights requires new infrastructure. Still, most scientists agree: if we want a livable planet, transitioning to renewables is not optional — it’s essential.
So next time you flip a switch, ask yourself: where did that energy come from — and what did it cost the Earth?
Vocabulary Deep Dive
| Word | Synonym | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Renewable energy | Sustainable energy | “Renewable” refers to natural replenishment; “sustainable” includes long-term viability |
| Emissions | Pollution | “Emissions” = formal for gases released, especially CO₂ |
| Energy security | Energy independence | “Security” implies geopolitical stability & self-sufficiency |
| Transition | Shift | “Transition” = gradual and systemic change, often over years |
There — now you can explain the transition to renewables with power, accuracy, and IELTS-ready polish.
Article 2: Can the World Really Go 100% Renewable?
Optimists say yes. Realists say: not yet.
Switching entirely to renewable energy is possible — but difficult. Solar and wind are inconsistent. Batteries are expensive. In poor countries, the transition requires major investment. Many regions still rely heavily on fossil fuels, and political resistance to change is strong.
Still, progress is happening. Emissions in some regions are falling. Green technology is improving. And the argument for energy security is growing louder — especially after global fuel disruptions caused by war and supply chain shocks.
Going 100% renewable may not be immediate — but it may be inevitable.
IELTS Reading Test
- What are two environmental benefits of renewable energy?
→ Reduced emissions and clean air - Complete the sentence:
“Energy security means a country is less dependent on ______.”
→ imported fossil fuels - True / False / Not Given:
Solar and wind energy are always available.
→ False - Multiple Choice:
What is one obstacle to full transition to renewable energy?
A. Lack of fuel
B. Expensive electricity
C. Inconsistent supply
D. Public protests
→ C. Inconsistent supply - Matching Headings:
- A. Regional Differences
- B. Obstacles to Full Transition
- C. Geopolitical Importance
- D. Technological Solutions
- E. Growing Momentum
Suggested Answers: E, B, C, D, A
IELTS Speaking Challenge
Focus Vocabulary: renewable energy | emissions | energy security | transition
Warm-Up:
- What sources of energy are common in your country?
- How do you feel about wind or solar farms?
- Should governments do more to promote clean energy?
Band 6 Sample:
“I think solar energy is good. We should use it more. Coal is bad for air.”
Band 7 Sample:
“Renewable energy reduces harmful emissions and strengthens national energy security. However, the transition requires investment and long-term planning, especially in developing regions.”
Speaking Frame:
“In my country, ______ is the main source of energy. While fossil fuels are still common, I believe the transition to ______ is necessary for environmental and economic reasons.”
There — now you can speak with authority on energy policy and global issues.
IELTS Writing Challenge
Prompt:
Some people think governments should invest heavily in renewable energy. Others believe fossil fuels are still necessary.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Band 7 Sample:
“While fossil fuels remain the dominant source in many regions due to existing infrastructure, investing in renewable energy is essential to reduce emissions and improve long-term energy security. In my opinion, governments must lead the transition, even if fossil fuels are used temporarily during the shift.”
Structure Guide:
- Introduce the global energy debate
- Present the case for continued fossil fuel use
- Present the case for renewable investment
- Conclude: transition must be managed but accelerated
Use These Words: emissions, transition, renewable energy, energy security
There — you’ve now got a blueprint for a high-band IELTS Task 2 essay.
Grammar Focus: Complex Conditionals for Policy + Predictions
Used to show what would happen if policies or changes were made.
Examples:
- “If more countries invested in solar power, global emissions would fall.”
- “Energy security would improve if nations transitioned faster.”
- “If governments had acted earlier, the transition would be easier now.”
Practice:
- Rewrite: We use clean energy. Pollution goes down.
→ If we used clean energy, pollution would go down. - Try your own using:
- would… if…
- could… if…
- might… if…
This is Band 7+ grammar — and critical for Task 2 writing on policy and future plans.
Rewrite Challenge
Question:
Should governments replace fossil fuels with renewable energy?
Sentence Guide:
- Fossil fuels still dominate global energy use.
- However, they produce high emissions and threaten energy security.
- Renewables offer cleaner, safer power — but the transition is complex.
- In my view, governments should commit fully to renewable energy, even if the process takes time.
Keywords: renewable energy, emissions, energy security, transition
There — your paragraph is logical, credible, and rooted in global context.
Final Reflection
✔️ You’ve just:
- Gained real control over 4 academic energy terms
- Read two relevant, realistic articles
- Answered IELTS-style reading tasks with multiple formats
- Spoke with structure and clarity
- Wrote with formal balance using academic grammar
- Rebuilt a full response using keyword-rich arguments
To learn how to use high-impact academic skills like weighing perspectives — essential for IELTS, essays, and real leadership — join the full course.