Fast fashion has become a hot topic in recent IELTS Writing Task 2 exams, with questions focusing on its environmental and social impacts. Based on trends from past exams and current global issues, we can expect this theme to appear more frequently in future tests. To help you prepare, let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:

Some people think that the production of cheap clothing by large companies is good for the economy, while others argue that it has negative effects on the environment and society. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

This question directly addresses the advantages and disadvantages of fast fashion, making it an excellent topic for practice. Let’s analyze the question and provide sample essays for different band scores.

Question Analysis

This question requires you to:

1. Discuss the positive economic impacts of cheap clothing production
2. Examine the negative environmental and social effects
3. Present your own opinion on the issue

Remember to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced discussion before stating your view.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Fast fashion, characterized by the rapid production of inexpensive clothing, has become a contentious issue in recent years. While some argue that it benefits the economy, others contend that its environmental and societal costs outweigh any economic advantages. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own opinion on the matter.

Proponents of fast fashion argue that it stimulates economic growth. The mass production of affordable clothing creates jobs in manufacturing, retail, and related industries. Moreover, it allows consumers to purchase trendy items at low prices, potentially increasing their disposable income for other goods and services. This increased consumer spending can have a positive ripple effect throughout the economy.

However, critics point out the significant environmental toll of fast fashion. The industry’s reliance on synthetic materials and harmful dyes contributes to water pollution and soil degradation. Furthermore, the “throwaway culture” encouraged by fast fashion leads to increased textile waste in landfills. Socially, there are concerns about exploitative labor practices in factories producing cheap clothing, often in developing countries where worker protections are minimal.

In my opinion, the negative impacts of fast fashion outweigh its economic benefits. While job creation and affordable clothing are important, they come at too high a cost to our planet and vulnerable workers. I believe we need to shift towards more sustainable fashion practices that prioritize quality over quantity and ensure fair labor conditions.

In conclusion, although fast fashion offers some economic advantages, its detrimental effects on the environment and society cannot be ignored. It is crucial for consumers, businesses, and policymakers to work together to develop more sustainable and ethical approaches to clothing production and consumption.

(Word count: 278)

Environmental impact of fast fashion

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

The production of cheap clothes by big companies is a topic that many people have different opinions about. Some think it’s good for the economy, while others say it’s bad for the environment and society. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.

On one hand, making cheap clothes can help the economy. It creates jobs in factories and shops, which is good for people who need work. Also, when people can buy cheap clothes, they have more money to spend on other things. This can help businesses and make the economy grow.

On the other hand, cheap clothing production can harm the environment. Factories that make clothes often pollute water and air. Also, people throw away cheap clothes quickly, which creates a lot of waste. This is bad for the planet. Additionally, workers in clothing factories sometimes have bad working conditions and low pay, especially in poor countries.

In my opinion, I think the bad effects of cheap clothing production are more important than the good effects on the economy. We need to find ways to make clothes that don’t hurt the environment or exploit workers. Maybe we can use better materials or make clothes that last longer.

To conclude, while cheap clothing production has some benefits for the economy, I believe the negative impacts on the environment and society are more serious. We should try to find better ways to make clothes that are good for everyone and the planet.

(Word count: 253)

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

Cheap clothing made by big companies is a topic that people argue about. Some say it’s good for the economy, but others think it’s bad for the environment and society. I will talk about both sides and give my opinion.

First, cheap clothes can be good for the economy. It gives jobs to many people in factories and shops. Also, when people buy cheap clothes, they can save money and buy other things. This helps businesses make more money.

But cheap clothes can also be bad. The factories that make them can pollute the air and water. People also throw away cheap clothes quickly, which makes a lot of trash. Also, some workers in these factories don’t get paid enough and work in bad conditions.

I think cheap clothes are more bad than good. Even though they help the economy, they hurt the environment and workers too much. We should try to make clothes in a better way that doesn’t harm the planet or people.

In conclusion, cheap clothing has both good and bad points. But I believe the bad things are more important. We need to find better ways to make clothes that are good for everyone.

(Word count: 188)

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay:

• Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
• Presents a clear position throughout the essay
• Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features
• Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
• Presents ideas coherently and cohesively, using paragraphing effectively

Band 6-7 Essay:

• Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
• Presents a clear overall position, but conclusions may be repetitive
• Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, with some inaccuracies
• Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
• Arranges information coherently and there is clear overall progression

Band 5-6 Essay:

• Addresses the task only partially; the format may be inappropriate in places
• Expresses a position but development is not always clear
• Uses limited range of vocabulary; errors may cause some difficulty for the reader
• Uses a limited range of structures with some attempt to use complex sentences
• Presents information with some organization but there may be lack of overall progression

Should school uniforms be mandatory for all students? While this question is not directly related to fast fashion, it shares similarities in discussing societal impacts and personal choices, which can help improve your overall essay writing skills.

Key Vocabulary

1. Fast fashion (noun) – Inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers in response to the latest trends.
   Pronunciation: /fɑːst ˈfæʃən/

2. Disposable income (noun) – The amount of money that households have available for spending and saving after income taxes have been accounted for.
   Pronunciation: /dɪˈspəʊzəbəl ˈɪnkʌm/

3. Exploitative (adjective) – Making use of a situation or treating others unfairly in order to gain an advantage or benefit.
   Pronunciation: /ɪkˈsplɔɪtətɪv/

4. Sustainable (adjective) – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources or causing severe ecological damage.
   Pronunciation: /səˈsteɪnəbəl/

5. Throwaway culture (noun) – A society that tends to use things once only or for a short time before throwing them away.
   Pronunciation: /ˈθrəʊəweɪ ˈkʌltʃə/

6. Ripple effect (noun) – The continuing and spreading results of an event or action.
   Pronunciation: /ˈrɪpəl ɪˈfekt/

7. Textile waste (noun) – Unwanted clothing or fibrous material that ends up in landfills or incinerators.
   Pronunciation: /ˈtekstaɪl weɪst/

8. Labor practices (noun) – The policies and procedures that regulate working conditions in a company or industry.
   Pronunciation: /ˈleɪbə ˈpræktɪsɪz/

These vocabulary items are crucial for discussing the fast fashion’s negative impact on the environment and society, as well as potential solutions.

Sustainable fashion practices

Conclusion

The topic of fast fashion and its impacts on the economy, environment, and society is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

1. The role of consumers in promoting sustainable fashion
2. Government regulations on the fashion industry
3. The balance between economic growth and environmental protection in manufacturing

Sustainable fashion practices for the environment is another crucial aspect to consider when discussing this topic. By exploring these themes, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any question about fast fashion or related environmental and economic issues in your IELTS exam.

Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and always address all parts of the question. Practice writing your own essay on the topic provided in this article and consider sharing it in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners.