The concept of a circular economy for reducing waste in production has become increasingly relevant in recent years, making it a popular topic for IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This theme aligns with global efforts to address environmental concerns and promote sustainable practices in industries. Based on analysis of past IELTS exams and current trends, it’s highly likely that questions related to circular economy and waste reduction will continue to appear in future tests.
Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people say that the best way to reduce waste in industry is to make companies pay for the waste they produce. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Analyzing the Question
This question focuses on a specific approach to reducing industrial waste – making companies financially responsible for their waste production. It requires candidates to consider the effectiveness of this method and provide their opinion on its potential impact.
Key points to address:
- The concept of companies paying for their waste
- Potential benefits and drawbacks of this approach
- Alternative methods for reducing industrial waste
- The role of circular economy principles in waste reduction
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Response
In an era where environmental concerns are paramount, the suggestion that companies should bear the financial burden of their waste production is gaining traction. While I largely agree with this approach, I believe it should be part of a more comprehensive strategy to reduce industrial waste.
Requiring companies to pay for their waste can be a powerful motivator for change. When waste production directly impacts the bottom line, businesses are more likely to invest in innovative solutions to minimize waste. This financial incentive can drive research and development into more efficient production processes, recyclable materials, and waste reduction technologies. For instance, many electronics companies have implemented take-back programs and improved product design to reduce e-waste, largely due to regulations that make them responsible for end-of-life product disposal.
However, this approach alone may not be sufficient to address the complex issue of industrial waste. Smaller companies might struggle to bear the additional costs, potentially leading to job losses or reduced competitiveness. Moreover, some industries might simply pass these costs onto consumers, rather than fundamentally changing their practices.
Therefore, I believe that making companies pay for waste should be part of a broader circular economy strategy. This could include government incentives for waste reduction, support for research into sustainable materials, and education programs to promote a culture of sustainability within businesses. For example, the European Union’s Circular Economy Action Plan combines waste reduction targets with support for eco-design and recycling initiatives.
In conclusion, while I agree that financial responsibility for waste can be a powerful tool, it should be implemented alongside other measures. A holistic approach that combines economic incentives with support for innovation and education is more likely to achieve lasting reductions in industrial waste and move us towards a truly circular economy.
(Word count: 295)
Circular economy diagram for waste reduction
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Response
In today’s world, waste reduction in industries is a big problem. Some people think that making companies pay for their waste is the best solution. I partly agree with this idea, but I think we need more than just this.
Making companies pay for waste can be good because it gives them a reason to produce less waste. When companies have to spend money on waste, they will try to find ways to make less waste. This can lead to new ideas and better ways of making things. For example, some car companies now try to use more recycled materials in their cars because it’s cheaper than paying for waste disposal.
However, this idea might cause problems for some businesses. Small companies might not have enough money to pay for waste and still make a profit. This could make some businesses close down. Also, some big companies might just increase their prices instead of really changing how they work.
I think we need to do more than just make companies pay for waste. The government should help companies learn how to reduce waste and give them rewards for doing it well. We should also teach people about why reducing waste is important. For example, in some countries, schools teach students about recycling and how to use less plastic.
In conclusion, while making companies pay for waste can help, it’s not the only answer. We need a plan that includes many different ways to reduce waste in industry. This will help us create a better system where less waste is produced and more things are reused or recycled.
(Word count: 263)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic:
- Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position and developing it throughout. It considers multiple perspectives and provides specific examples.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately. The essay includes topic-specific terms like “circular economy” and “take-back programs.”
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a variety of complex structures accurately. There are no noticeable errors.
Band 6-7 Essay
This essay shows good writing skills but with some limitations:
- Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task and presents a clear overall position. However, some ideas could be more fully developed.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but some paragraphs could be more clearly linked.
- Lexical Resource: There is a good range of vocabulary, but it’s less sophisticated than the Band 8-9 essay. Some attempts at more complex vocabulary are made.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences. There are no major errors, but the range is more limited than the higher band essay.
Key Vocabulary
- Circular economy (noun) /ˌsɜːkjələr iˈkɒnəmi/ – An economic system aimed at eliminating waste and continual use of resources
- Waste reduction (noun) /weɪst rɪˈdʌkʃən/ – The process of decreasing the amount of waste produced
- Financial burden (noun) /faɪˈnænʃəl ˈbɜːdn/ – A monetary cost or expense that causes difficulty
- Innovative solutions (noun phrase) /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv səˈluːʃənz/ – New and creative ways to solve problems
- Take-back programs (noun) /teɪk bæk ˈprəʊɡræmz/ – Initiatives where companies collect and recycle their products after use
- Eco-design (noun) /ˈiːkəʊ dɪˈzaɪn/ – Designing products with environmental considerations in mind
- Holistic approach (noun phrase) /həˈlɪstɪk əˈprəʊtʃ/ – A method that considers all parts of a system together
- Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – The ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time
Conclusion
The topic of circular economy for reducing waste in production is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Future questions might explore specific aspects of circular economy practices, the role of technology in waste reduction, or the balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability.
To prepare for such topics, consider practicing essays on:
- The role of consumers in promoting circular economy principles
- Government policies to encourage waste reduction in industries
- The impact of circular economy practices on global trade and economic growth
- Challenges in implementing circular economy models in developing countries
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use relevant examples, and demonstrate a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. 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.