Solar Power for Everyone?
The Prompt
Imagine a world powered by sunshine! Solar power uses special panels to turn sunlight into electricity for our homes and schools. It's a type of 'renewable energy' because the sun will always be there, unlike coal or gas which will run out.
Your task is to write a 'discursive' piece, which means you'll explore both the good things (advantages) and the tricky things (challenges) about using solar power everywhere. Think of it like having a balanced discussion where you look at both sides of an argument.
Think about the good bits: How could solar power help our planet? For example, it could reduce 'carbon emissions' (that's the bad stuff that goes into the air from burning fossil fuels and causes climate change). What else could be good about it?
Now think about the tricky bits: What might stop everyone from using solar power?
- Cost: Is it expensive to put up all those panels?
- Efficiency: Does it work as well on cloudy days or at night?
- Aesthetics: Do solar panels always look nice on roofs or in fields?
Your writing should show both sides of the argument, helping someone understand if 'Solar Power for Everyone?' is a great idea or if there are too many problems to solve first. Try to use clear sentences and explain your ideas well, almost like you're having a friendly debate.
💡 Writing Tips
- •
Start with a short introduction about what solar power is.
- •
Write down all the good things (advantages) about using solar power, like helping the Earth.
- •
Next, think of all the tricky things (challenges) about solar power, such as how much it costs.
- •
Use linking words like 'however', 'also', 'on the other hand' to connect your ideas.
- •
End with a short conclusion that summarises both sides of the argument.
📝 Sample Answer
Imagine if all our homes got their electricity from the sun! That's what solar power does, and it sounds like a brilliant idea. One of the best things about it is that it's clean energy. Instead of burning coal or gas, which puts harmful smoke into the air and warms up our planet, solar panels just use sunlight. This means less pollution and a healthier world for everyone, including animals and plants. It's also 'renewable' because the sun will always shine, unlike fossil fuels which will run out one day.
However, there are some tricky parts. Putting up solar panels can be very expensive at the start, and not every family can afford them. Also, what happens on a really cloudy day, or at night when there's no sun at all? The panels don't work as well, or they don't work at all, so we'd still need other ways to get power. Some people also think big solar farms or lots of panels on roofs don't look very pretty and can spoil the view. So, while solar power is amazing for our planet, we need to think about how we can make it affordable, reliable, and look good for everyone.
Did You Know?
You can use the atoply app to practise this prompt and get instant feedback to help improve your writing skills.
Practice This Prompt