Cambridge English Exams
C1 Advanced Essay Writing: Solar Panels
Example Exam Task
You attended a college debate that discussed ways of encouraging more people to be more environmentally friendly in their energy use and production. You have made the notes below:
How can individuals protect the environment through their home energy policy?
- Subsidised solar panels
- Free insulation
- Replacement of heating systems
Some opinions expressed during the debate:
- ‘Governments should be doing this, not individuals!’
- ‘Heating old, cold buildings helps nobody.’
- ‘Solar panels take decades to pay for themselves!’
Write an essay, discussing two of the ideas in your notes. You should explain which idea would help protect the environment most, giving reasons in support of your answer. Write 220 – 260 words in an appropriate style.
You may, if you wish, make use of the opinions expressed in the debate, but you should use your own words as far as possible.
Example Essay
Promoting Sustainable Energy Use at Home
In recent years, encouraging individuals to adopt more environmentally friendly approaches to energy use at home has become a key topic of public debate. Among the proposed measures, subsidised solar panels and replacement of old heating systems are often considered effective ways of reducing environmental impact. While both ideas have clear advantages, I believe that replacing outdated heating systems would be the more beneficial solution.
On the one hand, subsidised solar panels allow households to generate renewable energy and reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. Financial support from local authorities can make this technology more affordable and encourage wider adoption. Although critics argue that solar panels require 7–10 years to become cost-effective and that their disposal is expensive, their role in reducing carbon emissions should not be underestimated. However, the effectiveness of solar panels largely depends on geographical conditions, such as sunlight availability and weather conditions.
On the other hand, replacing inefficient heating systems can lead to immediate environmental benefits. Many homes still rely on outdated coal-burning stoves that consume excessive amounts of energy and generate high emissions. Installing modern alternatives, such as heat pumps or pellet stoves, can significantly reduce emissions while improving comfort for residents. As suggested during the debate, continuing to rely on outdated heating systems is both economically and environmentally unsustainable.
In my view, the replacement of old heating systems would contribute more to protecting the environment than subsidised solar panels. While renewable energy production is undoubtedly important, reducing emissions at their source is more urgent. Provided that financial support is available, upgrading domestic heating systems could play a vital role in promoting sustainable energy use and helping individuals contribute to environmental protection.