Master IELTS Writing Task 2: Sample Essays on Banning Single-Use Plastics

The topic of banning single-use plastics has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and the global focus on environmental issues, it’s highly likely that this subject will continue to appear frequently in future tests. Let’s analyze a relevant question that has appeared in past exams and provide sample essays to help you prepare effectively.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essays

Analyzing the Question

Let’s examine a question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:

Some people believe that there should be a complete ban on single-use plastics worldwide. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

This question requires you to express your opinion on a global ban of single-use plastics. You need to:

1. Clearly state your position (agree, disagree, or partially agree)
2. Provide reasons and examples to support your stance
3. Consider potential counterarguments
4. Conclude by summarizing your main points

Now, let’s look at three sample essays that address this question, each targeting a different band score.

Sample Essay for Band 8-9

Here’s a high-quality essay that would likely score in the Band 8-9 range:

The proliferation of single-use plastics has become a global environmental crisis, prompting calls for a worldwide ban. I largely agree with this proposition, as the detrimental impacts of these materials far outweigh their short-term convenience.

Firstly, single-use plastics pose a severe threat to marine ecosystems. Millions of tons of plastic waste end up in our oceans annually, forming massive garbage patches and harming marine life. Turtles, seabirds, and fish often mistake plastic for food, leading to starvation and death. A complete ban would significantly reduce this influx of harmful waste into our oceans, helping to preserve biodiversity and maintain the health of marine ecosystems.

Moreover, the production and disposal of single-use plastics contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. The entire lifecycle of these products, from petroleum extraction to manufacture and incineration, releases substantial amounts of carbon dioxide and other pollutants. By eliminating single-use plastics, we could make considerable progress in reducing our carbon footprint and mitigating climate change.

However, it is important to acknowledge that an immediate, total ban may present challenges for certain industries and consumers. Some sectors, such as healthcare, rely heavily on single-use plastics for hygiene and safety reasons. Additionally, many low-income communities depend on affordable plastic products for daily necessities. Therefore, while I support a ban, I believe it should be implemented gradually, allowing time for the development of sustainable alternatives and the adaptation of affected industries and communities.

In conclusion, while recognizing the potential short-term difficulties, I strongly support a global ban on single-use plastics due to their devastating environmental impact. Governments, businesses, and individuals must work collaboratively to transition away from these harmful materials and embrace more sustainable practices for the sake of our planet’s future.

(Word count: 294)

Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay

This essay would likely score in the Band 8-9 range for the following reasons:

1. Task Response: The essay clearly addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed argument with relevant examples.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression. Paragraphing is appropriate, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms like “marine ecosystems,” “biodiversity,” and “carbon footprint.”
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of complex structures used accurately, with only minor errors.

Sample Essay for Band 6-7

Here’s an essay that would likely score in the Band 6-7 range:

In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the harmful effects of single-use plastics on our environment. Some people think that these plastics should be completely banned worldwide. I partly agree with this idea, but I also think there are some challenges to consider.

One main reason to ban single-use plastics is that they are very bad for the environment. Plastic bags and bottles often end up in the ocean, where they harm sea animals. Many fish and birds die because they eat plastic or get trapped in it. Also, plastics take hundreds of years to break down, so they stay in the environment for a very long time. If we ban these plastics, we can help protect nature and animals.

Another good reason for a ban is that it would make people use more eco-friendly alternatives. When plastic bags are not available, people will start using reusable bags made of cloth or other materials. This change in behavior can help reduce pollution and save resources.

However, banning all single-use plastics might be difficult in some situations. For example, in hospitals, plastic gloves and syringes are important for keeping things clean and safe. Also, some poor people rely on cheap plastic products for their daily needs. If these are banned, it might make life harder for them.

In conclusion, I believe that banning most single-use plastics is a good idea to protect our environment. But we should do it slowly and carefully, thinking about different situations where plastics might still be needed. Governments should work on finding good alternatives before completely banning all single-use plastics.

(Word count: 269)

Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay

This essay would likely score in the Band 6-7 range for the following reasons:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the task and presents a clear position, but the ideas could be more fully developed.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but some cohesive devices are overused or under-used.
3. Lexical Resource: There is a sufficient range of vocabulary, but some repetition is evident. More sophisticated lexical items could be used.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence structures is used, with some errors that do not impede communication.

Sample Essay for Band 5-6

Here’s an essay that would likely score in the Band 5-6 range:

Nowadays, many people talk about banning single-use plastics everywhere in the world. I think this is a good idea, but it might be hard to do.

First, single-use plastics are very bad for the environment. When we throw away plastic bags or bottles, they often go to the ocean. This is very bad for fish and other sea animals. Many animals die because they eat plastic or get stuck in it. If we stop using these plastics, we can help save many animals.

Also, if we ban plastics, people will start using other things that are better for the environment. For example, instead of plastic bags, people can use cloth bags that they can use many times. This is good because it makes less trash.

But some people might not like the ban because plastic things are cheap and easy to use. Poor people might have trouble if they can’t buy cheap plastic things. Also, some places like hospitals need to use some plastic things to keep things clean.

In conclusion, I think banning single-use plastics is a good idea, but we need to think about how to do it without causing problems for some people. Maybe we can do it slowly and find other ways to replace plastic things.

(Word count: 203)

Analysis of Band 5-6 Essay

This essay would likely score in the Band 5-6 range for the following reasons:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the task, but the ideas are underdeveloped and lack depth.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: There is a basic organizational structure, but cohesive devices are limited and sometimes inaccurate.
3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, with some inaccuracies in word choice.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Mostly simple sentences are used, with some attempts at complex structures. Errors are frequent but do not greatly impede communication.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

Here are some important vocabulary words related to the topic of banning single-use plastics:

1. Biodegradable (adjective) /ˌbaɪəʊdɪˈɡreɪdəbl/: Capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms.

2. Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/: A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

3. Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/: The ability to maintain at a certain rate or level, especially regarding ecological balance.

4. Microplastics (noun) /ˌmaɪkrəʊˈplæstɪks/: Extremely small pieces of plastic debris in the environment resulting from the disposal and breakdown of consumer products.

5. Carbon footprint (noun) /ˈkɑːbən ˌfʊtprɪnt/: The amount of carbon dioxide and other carbon compounds emitted due to the consumption of fossil fuels by a particular person, group, etc.

6. Eco-friendly (adjective) /ˌiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/: Not harmful to the environment.

7. Landfill (noun) /ˈlændfɪl/: A site for the disposal of waste materials by burial.

8. Recycle (verb) /riːˈsaɪkl/: Convert (waste) into reusable material.

9. Conserve (verb) /kənˈsɜːv/: Protect (something, especially an environmentally or culturally important place or thing) from harm or destruction.

10. Pollution (noun) /pəˈluːʃn/: The presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance which has harmful or poisonous effects.

Conclusion

The topic of banning single-use plastics is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related topics such as:

• The role of government regulations in reducing plastic waste
• The impact of plastic pollution on marine life
• Alternatives to single-use plastics and their effectiveness
• The economic implications of banning single-use plastics

Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and complex grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Practice writing your own essay on this topic and consider sharing it in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with fellow IELTS aspirants.

For more information on global initiatives to ban single-use plastics, you can check out this comprehensive guide on global initiatives to ban single-use plastics.