Fast fashion and its environmental impact have become increasingly popular topics in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This theme aligns with current global concerns about sustainability and corporate responsibility. Based on recent trends, we can expect to see more questions related to this subject in future IELTS exams. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past tests:
Some people believe that fast fashion companies should be held responsible for the excessive waste they produce. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
This question touches on the core issue of corporate accountability in the fashion industry, a topic that has gained significant attention in recent years. Let’s analyze the question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Question Analysis
The question asks for your opinion on whether fast fashion companies should be held accountable for the waste they generate. Key points to consider:
- Understanding of “fast fashion” and its environmental impact
- The concept of corporate responsibility
- Potential measures to address the issue
- Possible counterarguments or alternative solutions
Your response should clearly state your position and provide well-structured arguments to support it.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In recent years, the environmental impact of fast fashion has come under intense scrutiny. While some argue that these companies should be held accountable for the excessive waste they produce, I strongly agree with this stance, as it is crucial for promoting sustainable practices and mitigating environmental damage.
Firstly, fast fashion companies bear a significant responsibility for the current state of textile waste. Their business model, which relies on rapid turnover of cheap, trendy clothing, encourages overconsumption and disposability. By producing large quantities of low-quality garments that quickly become obsolete, these companies directly contribute to the growing problem of textile waste in landfills. Holding them accountable would incentivize the development of more sustainable production methods and materials.
Moreover, placing responsibility on fast fashion companies can drive innovation in the industry. When faced with potential penalties or regulations, these businesses are more likely to invest in research and development of eco-friendly alternatives. This could lead to breakthroughs in recycling technologies, biodegradable fabrics, or more efficient production processes that minimize waste. For instance, some forward-thinking companies have already begun implementing take-back programs and using recycled materials in their products.
However, it is important to note that consumers also play a role in this issue. While companies should be held accountable, educating consumers about the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions is equally crucial. A combined approach of corporate responsibility and consumer awareness would be most effective in addressing the problem of fashion waste.
In conclusion, I firmly believe that fast fashion companies should be held responsible for the excessive waste they produce. This accountability can serve as a catalyst for positive change in the industry, promoting sustainability and reducing environmental harm. However, this should be part of a broader strategy that also involves consumer education and support for sustainable fashion alternatives.
(Word count: 309)
Fast fashion companies' responsibility for waste production
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The issue of fast fashion companies and their responsibility for waste production is a hot topic these days. In my opinion, I agree to a large extent that these companies should be held accountable for the excessive waste they create.
One main reason for this view is that fast fashion companies are the ones who make decisions about production. They choose to make cheap clothes that don’t last long, which leads to more waste. If they were held responsible, they might think twice about making so many low-quality items. This could help reduce the amount of clothing that ends up in landfills.
Another point is that these companies have the power to make positive changes. They have money and resources to invest in better ways of making clothes. For example, they could use more recycled materials or create designs that last longer. If they were held accountable, they would have more reason to find these solutions.
However, it’s also important to remember that consumers play a role in this problem. People who buy fast fashion are also contributing to the waste. So while companies should be responsible, customers also need to think about their choices.
To conclude, I believe fast fashion companies should be held accountable for their waste, but it’s not the only solution. We need a combination of company responsibility, consumer education, and maybe even government regulations to really solve this problem.
(Word count: 234)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
I think fast fashion companies should be responsible for the waste they make. This is a big problem today and needs to be solved.
First, these companies make too many clothes. They always want people to buy new things, so they make cheap clothes that don’t last long. This causes a lot of waste. If they had to pay for the waste, maybe they would make less clothes or better quality ones.
Also, these big companies have a lot of money. They can use this money to find better ways to make clothes that don’t hurt the environment. Some companies are already doing this, like using recycled materials.
But it’s not just the companies that are the problem. People who buy these clothes are also part of it. We need to teach people about why fast fashion is bad for the environment.
In conclusion, I agree that fast fashion companies should be responsible for their waste. But we also need to change how we shop and what we buy to really fix this problem.
(Word count: 165)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates:
- Clear position with well-developed arguments
- Excellent use of paragraphing and cohesive devices
- Wide range of vocabulary (e.g., “mitigating,” “incentivize,” “obsolete”)
- Complex sentence structures
- Relevant examples and balanced view (mentioning consumer responsibility)
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows:
- Clear opinion with some supporting ideas
- Adequate paragraphing and use of linking words
- Sufficient vocabulary for the task
- Mix of simple and complex sentences
- Some relevant examples, but less developed than the band 8-9 essay
Band 5-6 Essay:
This essay displays:
- Basic opinion with simple supporting ideas
- Basic paragraphing
- Limited range of vocabulary, some repetition
- Mostly simple sentences
- Few examples, less developed arguments
Key Vocabulary
Fast fashion (noun) – /fɑːst ˈfæʃən/ – Inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers in response to the latest trends.
Accountability (noun) – /əˌkaʊntəˈbɪləti/ – The fact or condition of being accountable; responsibility.
Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level, especially without depleting natural resources.
Incentivize (verb) – /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ – To provide someone with a reason or incentive for doing something.
Biodegradable (adjective) – /ˌbaɪəʊdɪˈɡreɪdəbl/ – Capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms.
Overconsumption (noun) – /ˌəʊvəkənˈsʌmpʃn/ – The action or fact of consuming something to excess.
Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – To make less severe, serious, or painful.
Obsolete (adjective) – /ˈɒbsəliːt/ – No longer produced or used; out of date.
Take-back program (noun) – /teɪk bæk ˈprəʊɡræm/ – An initiative where companies collect used products from consumers for recycling or proper disposal.
Landfill (noun) – /ˈlændfɪl/ – A site for the disposal of waste materials by burial.
Sustainable fashion alternatives to fast fashion
In conclusion, the issue of fast fashion companies’ accountability for waste production is likely to remain a relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of consumers in reducing fashion waste
- Government regulations to promote sustainable fashion
- The impact of fast fashion on developing countries
- Balancing affordability and sustainability in the clothing industry
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, and provide relevant examples to support your arguments. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.
The ethical implications of genetic modification is another important topic that often appears in IELTS Writing Task 2. While it may seem unrelated to fast fashion, both topics touch on ethical considerations in modern industries and their impact on society and the environment. Understanding how to approach such complex issues can help you develop critical thinking skills applicable to a wide range of IELTS essay topics.