Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: Circular Economy Challenges Essay Samples

The concept of a circular economy has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This topic, which focuses on sustainable resource management and waste reduction, is likely to appear more frequently in future exams due to its growing global importance. Let’s explore some potential essay questions and provide sample responses to help you prepare for this challenging subject.

Circular Economy Diagram

Analyzing the Essay Question

Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on Circular Economy Challenges:

Some people believe that transitioning to a circular economy is essential for addressing environmental problems, while others argue that it is too difficult to implement on a large scale. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

This question requires you to:

1. Discuss the benefits of transitioning to a circular economy for solving environmental issues
2. Explain the challenges of implementing a circular economy on a large scale
3. Provide your personal opinion on the matter

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

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

In recent years, the concept of a circular economy has gained traction as a potential solution to pressing environmental challenges. While proponents argue that this approach is crucial for addressing ecological issues, critics contend that its large-scale implementation is fraught with difficulties. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.

Advocates of the circular economy model emphasize its potential to mitigate environmental problems significantly. By designing products for reuse, recycling, and regeneration, this system aims to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency. For instance, companies like Philips have successfully implemented circular economy principles by offering lighting as a service, reducing energy consumption and extending product lifespans. Such initiatives not only reduce the strain on natural resources but also curtail greenhouse gas emissions, addressing both resource depletion and climate change simultaneously.

However, skeptics argue that transitioning to a circular economy on a global scale poses numerous challenges. The current linear economic model is deeply ingrained in business practices and consumer behavior, making a systemic shift exceptionally difficult. Moreover, implementing circular economy principles requires substantial initial investments in infrastructure, technology, and education. Developing countries, in particular, may struggle to allocate resources for such a transition when faced with more immediate socioeconomic concerns.

In my opinion, while the challenges of implementing a circular economy are indeed significant, the potential benefits far outweigh the difficulties. The environmental crises we face demand radical solutions, and the circular economy offers a comprehensive approach to address multiple issues concurrently. Governments and businesses must collaborate to overcome implementation barriers through policy incentives, technological innovation, and public education. Gradual adoption of circular principles in key sectors can pave the way for broader systemic changes.

In conclusion, although transitioning to a circular economy presents considerable challenges, it is an essential step towards solving our environmental problems. By acknowledging the difficulties while actively working to overcome them, we can harness the transformative potential of the circular economy to create a more sustainable future.

(Word count: 309)

Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay

This essay demonstrates excellent coherence, vocabulary, and argumentation, typical of a high band score:

1. Clear structure: The essay follows a logical four-paragraph structure, addressing both sides of the argument before presenting a personal opinion.
2. Sophisticated vocabulary: The writer uses advanced terms like “mitigate,” “fraught,” and “curtail” appropriately.
3. Cohesive devices: Transitions like “however,” “moreover,” and “in conclusion” enhance the essay’s flow.
4. Specific examples: The mention of Philips’ circular economy initiative adds credibility to the argument.
5. Balanced argumentation: Both viewpoints are discussed thoroughly before the writer presents a nuanced personal opinion.
6. Complex sentence structures: The essay employs a mix of simple and complex sentences, demonstrating linguistic flexibility.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

The idea of a circular economy has become popular as a way to solve environmental problems. Some people think it is very important to change to this system, but others say it is too hard to do on a big scale. This essay will look at both sides and give my opinion.

Those who support the circular economy say it can help the environment a lot. In a circular economy, things are made to be used again and recycled, which means less waste and less use of natural resources. For example, some companies now make products that can be easily taken apart and reused. This helps to reduce pollution and save energy, which are big environmental problems.

On the other hand, some people think it is very difficult to change to a circular economy everywhere. Our current way of making and buying things is very different, and it would take a lot of time and money to change it. Also, many countries might not have enough money to invest in new technologies and systems needed for a circular economy. This makes it hard to implement on a global scale.

In my opinion, even though changing to a circular economy is challenging, it is necessary for protecting the environment. We need to find new ways to live that don’t harm nature, and the circular economy seems like a good solution. Governments and companies should work together to overcome the difficulties and make the change happen slowly over time.

To conclude, while there are challenges in implementing a circular economy, I believe it is an important step towards solving environmental problems. We should try to overcome the difficulties because the benefits for the environment are very important for our future.

(Word count: 283)

Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay

This essay demonstrates good control of language and argument structure, suitable for a Band 6-7 score:

1. Clear organization: The essay follows a basic four-paragraph structure, addressing the question’s requirements.
2. Adequate vocabulary: The writer uses appropriate vocabulary, though less sophisticated than the Band 8-9 essay.
3. Basic cohesive devices: Simple transitions like “on the other hand” and “to conclude” are used effectively.
4. General examples: The essay provides examples, but they are less specific compared to the higher band essay.
5. Balanced argument: Both viewpoints are discussed before presenting a personal opinion.
6. Simpler sentence structures: The essay primarily uses simple and compound sentences, with fewer complex structures.

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

Some people think changing to a circular economy is very important to fix environmental problems. But other people say it is too hard to do everywhere. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.

People who like the circular economy think it can help the environment. In this system, things are made to be used again, so there is less waste. This is good because it can stop pollution and save natural things. For example, some companies try to make products that don’t create much waste.

But other people think it is very difficult to change to a circular economy. Our way of making and buying things now is very different. It would cost a lot of money to change everything. Also, some countries might not have enough money to do this. So it is hard to do it everywhere in the world.

I think that even though it is hard to change to a circular economy, we should try to do it. The environment is very important, and we need to protect it. Maybe we can start small and then do more later. Governments and companies need to work together to make it happen.

In conclusion, changing to a circular economy is difficult but important. We should try to do it to help the environment, even if it takes a long time.

(Word count: 218)

Analysis of Band 5-6 Essay

This essay demonstrates basic competence in addressing the task, typical of a Band 5-6 score:

1. Simple structure: The essay follows a basic structure but lacks sophisticated organization.
2. Limited vocabulary: The writer uses simple vocabulary and repeats some words.
3. Basic cohesive devices: Simple transitions like “but” and “also” are used.
4. Lack of specific examples: The essay provides general ideas without detailed examples.
5. Simple argument: Both viewpoints are presented, but the discussion lacks depth.
6. Simple sentence structures: The essay primarily uses simple sentences with limited complexity.

Key Vocabulary for Circular Economy Essays

1. Circular economy (noun) /ˈsɜːkjələr ɪˈkɒnəmi/: An economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources.

2. Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/: The ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time.

3. Resource efficiency (noun phrase) /rɪˈsɔːs ɪˈfɪʃənsi/: The maximization of the supply of natural resources through their efficient use.

4. Waste reduction (noun phrase) /weɪst rɪˈdʌkʃən/: The process of cutting down on the amount of waste produced.

5. Regenerative design (noun phrase) /rɪˈdʒenərətɪv dɪˈzaɪn/: An approach to design that focuses on creating systems that are self-renewing or regenerative.

6. Cradle-to-cradle (adjective) /ˈkreɪdl tə ˈkreɪdl/: A design approach that considers the full lifecycle of a product, from creation to recycling.

7. Linear economy (noun) /ˈlɪniər ɪˈkɒnəmi/: The traditional economic model based on a ‘take-make-dispose’ pattern of growth.

8. Upcycling (noun) /ˈʌpˌsaɪklɪŋ/: The process of transforming by-products, waste materials, or unwanted products into new materials or products of better quality or environmental value.

9. Closed-loop system (noun phrase) /kləʊzd luːp ˈsɪstəm/: A system where all waste is either reused or recycled, creating no additional waste.

10. Extended producer responsibility (noun phrase) /ɪkˈstendɪd prəˈdjuːsər rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/: A strategy designed to promote the integration of environmental costs associated with goods throughout their life cycles into the market price of the products.

Conclusion

Mastering the circular economy topic for IELTS Writing Task 2 requires a good understanding of environmental issues, economic systems, and global challenges. By studying these sample essays and analyzing their strengths, you can improve your writing skills and increase your chances of achieving a higher band score.

To further enhance your preparation, consider practicing with these additional potential questions:

1. How can governments encourage businesses to adopt circular economy principles?
2. Discuss the potential impact of a circular economy on job markets and employment.
3. Compare the effectiveness of circular economy initiatives in developed and developing countries.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is practice. Try writing your own essays on these topics and share them in the comments section below. This active practice will help you refine your skills and prepare effectively for the exam.

For more insights on related topics, check out our articles on reducing waste in production through circular economy and how urban planning addresses climate change challenges.