Question：Some people say that we should use clean energy to protect the environment, but others
say that we should use traditional energy sources such as coal and oil because they are less
expensive. What is your opinion?
sample answer:
I think that using clean energy is a very smart idea and the preferable choice. First of all, we need to
take whatever possible steps we can to help the environment before it is too late. Traditional energy
sources can be harmful to humans, which makes the fact that they are cheaper seem trivial. Finally,
clean energy is more sustainable than traditional energy in the long run.
The environment has been so badly damaged over the past few centuries that we must do whatever we
can to help and protect it. Pollution from factories and automobiles has certainly done a great amount
of harm, so shifting to cleaner energy options is important. But of course the problem extends beyond
exhaust and smoke pollution. Our planet also suffers from global warming, overpopulation, and many
other issues. Scientists have been proclaiming for decades that we must attempt to reverse the damage
to the environment as much as possible, although there is no perfect solution. In a situation as serious
and urgent as this, switching to cleaner energy sources should be an obvious step.
Although traditional energy sources like coal and oil may be cheaper than clean energy, the harm they
can cause to humans is not worth it. It’s quite disturbing to look at the skyline of a major city and see a
thick smog hanging over the populace, knowing that people are breathing that air every day. When
there are safer, cleaner options for energy like solar power and wind turbines, the choice seems clear.
They may cost a little more, but the health benefits are so vitally important that they can’t be ignored.
It’s somewhat akin to the juxtaposition between junk food and healthy food. It would be inexpensive
for someone to eat nothing but French fries every day, but it would shatter their health. The risk is too
great.
Clean energy is also more sustainable than coal and oil, meaning that coal and oil are finite resources
but sunlight, wind, and other such power sources are virtually limitless. No matter how cheap coal and
oil may be now, eventually it will be a struggle to supply them to consumers. We have already seen gas
prices vary wildly in recent years as the cost of oil changes. Transitioning to hybrid cars and electric
vehicles points to a more stable future.
That is why I think it is wise to start using clean energy more and more often. Any steps to help the
damaged environment are beneficial and should happen as soon as possible. The health benefits of
clean energy outweigh the inexpensiveness of coal and oil. And coal and oil are not sustainable in the
grand scheme of things, so it is best to move away from them and find smarter options.