Writing Task 2 Practice 3

Your professor is teaching an introductory course on the use of electric cars (EVs) and has posted the following question in the online discussion forum. Write a post of at least 100 words in response to the professor's question.

In your response, you should:

• express and support your opinion
• make a contribution to the discussion

Professor Davis: In recent years, many governments and automakers have pushed for a rapid transition from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric cars (EVs) as a key solution to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. However, some critics argue that EVs are not a perfect solution due to concerns such as battery production pollution, limited charging infrastructure, and the electricity grid’s reliance on fossil fuels. Today, I’d like you to discuss the following question: “Should governments keep pushing people to switch to electric cars, or should they stop that?” Please explain your reasoning.

Student Responses

Lena: I definitely think governments should keep pushing electric cars aggressively. The technology is improving fast, and battery recycling and renewable energy are becoming more widespread. Even if EV production creates some pollution now, studies show that over the lifetime of the vehicle, EVs still produce far fewer greenhouse gases than gas cars. Plus, the more people buy EVs, the more companies will invest in charging stations and green energy. If we slow down now, we’ll just prolong our dependence on oil, which is terrible for both the environment and national security. The long-term benefits far outweigh the short-term challenges.

Michael: I think governments should stop pushing electric cars so hard. The push is causing more problems than it solves. First, mining lithium and cobalt for batteries destroys the environment and often relies on unfair labor practices. Second, in many places, the electricity grid still runs on coal or gas, so EVs just move pollution from the tailpipe to the power plant. Finally, charging stations are rare in rural areas and apartment buildings, so only wealthy homeowners with garages really benefit. Instead of pushing EVs, governments should invest in better public transit, walkable cities, and cleaner hybrid technology. Stopping the heavy push doesn’t mean ignoring climate change—it means being smarter and more realistic.