Ethical sourcing has become a significant topic in recent IELTS Writing Task 2 exams, reflecting its growing importance in global commerce and consumer behavior. This theme aligns with current trends in sustainability and corporate social responsibility, making it highly relevant for test-takers. Based on past exam patterns and current global issues, we can expect questions related to ethical sourcing to appear frequently in future IELTS tests.
Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this subject:
Many consumers now consider the ethical practices of companies when making purchasing decisions. Do you think this is a positive development? What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of this trend?
Analyzing the Question
This question requires you to discuss the growing trend of ethical consumerism. It consists of two parts:
- Your opinion on whether this trend is positive.
- An analysis of the potential benefits and drawbacks of consumers considering ethical practices in their purchasing decisions.
To answer this question effectively, you need to:
- Clearly state your position on whether this trend is positive or negative.
- Discuss both benefits and drawbacks of ethical consumerism.
- Provide relevant examples to support your arguments.
- Conclude by summarizing your main points and restating your opinion.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in consumer behavior, with many individuals now factoring in a company’s ethical practices when making purchasing decisions. I believe this is undoubtedly a positive development, as it encourages corporate responsibility and promotes sustainable business practices. However, like any trend, it comes with both advantages and potential drawbacks.
The primary benefit of this consumer trend is its potential to drive positive change in corporate behavior. When consumers prioritize ethical sourcing, companies are incentivized to improve their practices to remain competitive. This can lead to significant improvements in areas such as workers’ rights, environmental protection, and fair trade. For instance, the growing demand for ethically sourced coffee has led many large coffee chains to implement fair trade policies, directly benefiting farmers in developing countries.
Moreover, this trend fosters greater transparency in supply chains. As consumers demand more information about product origins and manufacturing processes, companies are compelled to be more open about their operations. This transparency can help expose and eliminate unethical practices such as child labor or environmental degradation, leading to a more equitable and sustainable global economy.
However, there are potential drawbacks to consider. One significant concern is the potential increase in product prices. Ethical sourcing often involves higher production costs, which may be passed on to consumers. This could create a divide where only affluent consumers can afford to make ethical purchasing decisions, potentially exacerbating economic inequality.
Additionally, there is a risk of ‘greenwashing,’ where companies may exaggerate or misrepresent their ethical practices to appeal to conscious consumers. This can lead to consumer confusion and skepticism, potentially undermining genuine efforts towards ethical sourcing.
In conclusion, while there are challenges to navigate, the trend of consumers considering ethical practices in their purchasing decisions is overwhelmingly positive. It has the power to drive significant improvements in corporate behavior, leading to fairer and more sustainable business practices globally. As this trend continues to grow, it is crucial for consumers to stay informed and for regulatory bodies to ensure the authenticity of ethical claims, maximizing the benefits of this important shift in consumer behavior.
(Word count: 343)
Ethical Sourcing and Consumer Choices
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
In today’s world, many people are thinking about how companies behave when they buy things. I think this is a good thing, but it has both good and bad sides.
One big benefit of this trend is that it can make companies do better things. When customers care about ethics, businesses have to improve how they work. For example, if people want clothes made without hurting workers, fashion companies might start treating their workers better. This can help make the world fairer for everyone.
Another good thing is that it makes companies tell the truth more. When customers ask questions about where products come from, companies have to give answers. This means we can know more about what we’re buying and feel better about our choices.
However, there are some problems too. One issue is that ethical products can cost more money. This is because doing things the right way sometimes costs more. So, not everyone might be able to afford to buy ethical products, which isn’t fair.
Also, some companies might lie about being ethical just to sell more. This is bad because it tricks people and makes it hard to know who to trust.
In conclusion, I believe that people caring about ethics when they shop is mostly a good thing, even though it has some problems. It can help make businesses better and the world fairer. But we need to be careful and make sure companies are telling the truth about being ethical.
(Word count: 252)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing benefits and drawbacks, and a conclusion. This organization is crucial for achieving a high band score.
Language: The Band 8-9 essay uses more sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language. For example:
- Band 8-9: “This transparency can help expose and eliminate unethical practices…”
- Band 6-7: “This means we can know more about what we’re buying…”
Depth of Analysis: The higher band essay provides more detailed explanations and specific examples, demonstrating a deeper understanding of the topic.
Cohesion: Both essays use linking words and phrases to connect ideas, but the Band 8-9 essay does this more effectively and with greater variety.
Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the Band 8-9 essay does so with more thoroughness and nuance.
Vocabulary to Remember
Ethical sourcing (noun phrase) /ˈeθɪkəl ˈsɔːsɪŋ/ – The process of ensuring that the products being sourced are created in safe facilities with responsible labor practices.
Corporate social responsibility (noun phrase) /ˈkɔːpərət ˈsəʊʃəl rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪlɪti/ – A company’s commitment to manage the social, environmental and economic effects of its operations responsibly.
Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪlɪti/ – The ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time.
Transparency (noun) /trænsˈpærənsi/ – The quality of being open and honest in business practices.
Greenwashing (noun) /ˈɡriːnwɒʃɪŋ/ – The practice of making misleading claims about the environmental benefits of a product, service, or company policy.
Fair trade (noun) /feə treɪd/ – A system of certification that aims to ensure a set of standards are met in the production and supply of a product or ingredient.
Supply chain (noun) /səˈplaɪ tʃeɪn/ – The network between a company and its suppliers to produce and distribute a specific product.
In conclusion, the topic of ethical sourcing in consumer decisions is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Future questions might explore related themes such as the impact of ethical consumption on sustainability, the role of ethical business practices in global trade, or the importance of ethical sourcing in specific industries like fashion. To prepare, practice writing essays on these topics, focusing on developing clear arguments, using relevant examples, and employing a range of vocabulary related to ethics and consumer behavior.
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on the given topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam.
