Fashion and environmental impact has become a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing approximately 3-4 times annually since 2019. The topic particularly resonates with candidates from Asian countries where textile manufacturing is prevalent.
Analysis of Common Question Types
Most frequently, this topic appears as an agree/disagree question. Here’s a recent example from 2023:
Some people believe that the fashion industry has a negative impact on the environment because it encourages people to buy new clothes frequently. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Key Requirements
- Clear position on whether fashion industry harms environment
- Focus on frequent purchasing behavior
- Examples and evidence to support argument
- Well-structured response with clear paragraphing
- Minimum 250 words
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The fashion industry’s role in environmental degradation through its promotion of frequent clothing purchases has become a significant concern. I strongly agree that this industry’s business model negatively impacts our environment through various mechanisms.
The fast fashion model inherently encourages overconsumption, leading to severe environmental consequences. Major retailers launch new collections every few weeks, making previously purchased items appear outdated and creating artificial demand for new clothing. This rapid turnover results in millions of tons of textile waste annually, with many items worn only a few times before disposal. For instance, studies show that the average garment is worn just seven times before being discarded, contributing significantly to landfill pollution.
Furthermore, the constant production of new clothing items places immense pressure on natural resources. The manufacturing process requires enormous amounts of water, energy, and raw materials. Cotton cultivation alone consumes approximately 2,700 liters of water per single t-shirt, while synthetic materials like polyester release microplastics into water systems during production and washing. Additionally, the transportation of goods across global supply chains generates substantial carbon emissions, exacerbating climate change.
The solution lies in transforming both industry practices and consumer behavior. Fashion companies must adopt sustainable production methods, utilize recycled materials, and promote durable, timeless designs. Simultaneously, consumers need to embrace slower fashion by purchasing fewer, higher-quality items and extending their clothing’s lifespan through proper care and repair.
Sustainable fashion concept showing recycling and eco-friendly clothing production
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
I agree that the fashion industry is bad for the environment because it makes people buy too many clothes. This causes many problems for our planet.
First, when people buy new clothes very often, they throw away their old clothes quickly. Many of these clothes go to landfills and create pollution. For example, in my country, many young people buy new clothes every month and throw away old ones, even if they are still good to wear. This makes a lot of waste.
Second, making new clothes uses many natural resources. Companies need lots of water to make cotton clothes, and they use chemicals that pollute rivers. Also, when factories make clothes, they produce air pollution and use much electricity. This is very bad for the environment.
However, some companies are trying to be better. They make clothes from recycled materials and try to produce less waste. Also, some people are starting to buy less clothes and choose better quality items that last longer.
In conclusion, I think the fashion industry hurts the environment because it makes too much waste and uses too many resources. We need to change how we make and buy clothes to protect our planet.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8.5 Essay Analysis
- Clear, sophisticated argument
- Advanced vocabulary and complex structures
- Well-developed ideas with specific examples
- Excellent coherence and cohesion
- Natural academic style
Band 6.5 Essay Analysis
- Clear position but simpler development
- Basic vocabulary with some repetition
- Limited range of structures
- Basic examples
- Adequate coherence but less sophisticated
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Fast fashion (n) /fɑːst ˈfæʃ.ən/ – inexpensive clothing produced rapidly in response to latest trends
- Overconsumption (n) /ˌəʊ.və.kənˈsʌmp.ʃən/ – excessive consumption of resources
- Landfill (n) /ˈlænd.fɪl/ – site for waste disposal
- Microplastics (n) /ˌmaɪ.krəʊˈplæs.tɪks/ – extremely small pieces of plastic debris
- Sustainable (adj) /səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/ – causing little or no damage to the environment
- Degradation (n) /ˌdeɡ.rəˈdeɪ.ʃən/ – process of becoming worse
- Textile waste (n) /ˈteks.taɪl weɪst/ – discarded fabric and clothing materials
For practice, try writing your own essay about how technology could help make the fashion industry more environmentally friendly. Share your response in the comments for feedback.
