The environmental impact of the fashion industry has become an increasingly common topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. Based on analysis of past exam questions from 2019-2023, this theme appears in approximately 15% of environment-related tasks, particularly in countries like India, China, and Vietnam where textile manufacturing is prominent.
fast fashion’s impact on environmental sustainability has emerged as a critical global concern, making it highly relevant for IELTS candidates to master this topic.
Sample Question Analysis
Some people believe that the fashion industry has a negative impact on the environment. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.
This question requires candidates to:
- Take a clear position on the environmental impact of fashion
- Support arguments with specific examples
- Demonstrate understanding of environmental issues
- Provide a balanced discussion
Band 8.5 Sample Essay
The fashion industry’s detrimental effects on our environment have become increasingly evident in recent years. I strongly agree that this sector poses significant environmental challenges through various aspects of its operations.
Firstly, the production of clothing materials generates substantial environmental pollution. The cultivation of cotton, for instance, requires enormous quantities of water and pesticides, leading to soil degradation and water scarcity in many regions. Similarly, The impact of fast fashion on the environment is particularly severe when considering synthetic fabric production, which releases microplastics into water systems and contributes to ocean pollution.
Moreover, the fast fashion model has exacerbated environmental degradation through its emphasis on rapid production cycles and disposable clothing. Major retailers introduce new collections every few weeks, encouraging consumers to constantly update their wardrobes and discard barely-worn items. This practice not only increases waste in landfills but also accelerates the depletion of natural resources used in manufacturing.
However, the industry has begun implementing solutions to address these environmental concerns. Many brands are now adopting sustainable practices, such as using recycled materials and implementing water-conservation techniques in production. Additionally, the rise of sustainable fashion industry practices demonstrates that profitability and environmental responsibility can coexist.
In conclusion, while the fashion industry currently has a significant negative impact on the environment, the sector’s growing commitment to sustainability offers hope for positive change in the future.
Fast fashion manufacturing process showing environmental impact
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
I agree that the fashion industry causes problems for the environment. There are several reasons why this is true.
The first problem is pollution from factories. When companies make clothes, they use many chemicals that are bad for the environment. These chemicals go into rivers and make the water dirty. Also, making clothes needs a lot of water, which is not good because many places don’t have enough water.
Another big problem is that people buy too many clothes. Shops always have new styles, so people throw away their old clothes very quickly. This makes a lot of waste that goes to landfills. The clothes in landfills take many years to break down and can harm the soil.
However, some companies are trying to help the environment. They use better materials and try to waste less water. Some shops also tell customers to recycle their old clothes. But I think more companies need to do this to help the environment.
In conclusion, the fashion industry does cause environmental problems, but there are ways to make it better if more companies try to be environmentally friendly.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8.5 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Clear organization and coherent arguments
- Relevant examples and specific details
- Advanced connecting phrases
- Balanced discussion with nuanced perspective
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Basic vocabulary with some repetition
- Simple sentence structures
- General examples lacking detail
- Basic connecting words
- Limited development of ideas
Key Vocabulary
- detrimental (adj) /ˌdetrɪˈmentl/ – causing harm or damage
- exacerbate (v) /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ – to make something worse
- degradation (n) /ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃn/ – the process of becoming worse
- microplastics (n) /ˌmaɪkrəʊˈplæstɪks/ – extremely small pieces of plastic
- sustainability (n) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – the ability to continue without damaging the environment
Consider practicing with these related topics:
- The role of consumers in promoting sustainable fashion
- Solutions to reduce fashion industry waste
- The balance between fashion trends and environmental protection
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion.
