The topic of fast fashion’s impact on environmental pollution has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and the growing global concern over sustainability, 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 past IELTS exams and provide sample essays for different band scores.

Analyzing the Question

Some people say that the fashion industry has a big negative impact on the environment. Do you agree or disagree?

This question directly addresses the environmental impact of the fashion industry, which includes fast fashion. It’s an agree/disagree type question, requiring you to present a clear stance and support it with relevant arguments and examples.

Fashion industry pollution

Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9

The fashion industry, particularly the fast fashion sector, has come under scrutiny for its detrimental effects on the environment. I strongly agree that this industry has a significant negative impact on our planet, and will outline the key reasons for this stance.

Firstly, the production of clothing items contributes heavily to environmental degradation. The textile industry is one of the largest consumers of water globally, with a single cotton T-shirt requiring up to 2,700 liters of water to produce. Moreover, the use of harmful chemicals in dyeing and treating fabrics leads to water pollution, affecting both aquatic ecosystems and human health in manufacturing regions.

Secondly, the fast fashion model encourages overconsumption and waste. With new styles hitting the shelves every week, consumers are enticed to buy more frequently, leading to a ‘throwaway’ culture. This results in millions of tons of textile waste ending up in landfills annually, where synthetic materials can take hundreds of years to decompose, releasing harmful chemicals and microfibers into the soil and water systems.

Furthermore, the carbon footprint of the fashion industry is substantial. From the transportation of raw materials to the distribution of finished products across the globe, the industry contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. The United Nations estimates that the fashion industry is responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions, more than international flights and maritime shipping combined.

However, it’s important to note that there are ongoing efforts to mitigate these environmental impacts. Some brands are adopting sustainable practices, such as using recycled materials, implementing water-saving technologies, and promoting clothing recycling programs. Consumers are also becoming more aware of the environmental costs of fast fashion, leading to a growing demand for eco-friendly and durable clothing options.

In conclusion, while there are nascent efforts to address the environmental issues, the overall impact of the fashion industry, especially fast fashion, remains overwhelmingly negative. It is crucial for both consumers and producers to take responsibility and work towards more sustainable practices in fashion consumption and production to reduce this environmental burden.

(Word count: 329)

Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a high-scoring response (Band 8-9):

1. Clear position: The writer clearly agrees with the statement in the introduction.
2. Well-developed ideas: Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the environmental impact (water usage and pollution, waste generation, carbon emissions).
3. Relevant examples: The essay provides specific data (e.g., water usage for a T-shirt, UN estimate of carbon emissions) to support arguments.
4. Cohesion and coherence: Ideas flow logically, with clear topic sentences and appropriate linking words.
5. Lexical resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately (e.g., “detrimental effects,” “degradation,” “overconsumption”).
6. Grammatical range and accuracy: It demonstrates a variety of complex structures used accurately.
7. Task response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a fully developed position with relevant, extended ideas.

Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7

I agree that the fashion industry, especially fast fashion, has a big negative impact on the environment. There are several reasons for this.

First, making clothes uses a lot of water and chemicals. Growing cotton for fabric needs a lot of water, and the chemicals used to dye clothes can pollute rivers and harm wildlife. This is bad for the environment and people living near factories.

Second, fast fashion makes people buy too many clothes. Shops always have new styles, so people keep buying more. This means a lot of clothes end up in the trash. These clothes often don’t break down easily in landfills and can release harmful substances into the soil.

Also, transporting clothes around the world causes pollution. Many clothes are made in one country and sold in another. The ships and planes that carry these clothes use a lot of fuel and release greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change.

However, some companies are trying to be more environmentally friendly. They are using recycled materials and trying to waste less water. Some people are also starting to buy second-hand clothes or choosing brands that are better for the environment.

In conclusion, I believe the fashion industry does have a big negative impact on the environment. While some efforts are being made to improve this, more needs to be done by both companies and consumers to reduce the harm caused by fashion.

(Word count: 252)

Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates characteristics of a Band 6-7 response:

1. Position: The writer’s position is clear, agreeing with the statement.
2. Ideas development: Main ideas are present but less fully developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
3. Examples: Some examples are given, but they are more general and less specific than in the higher band essay.
4. Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the linking between and within paragraphs is less sophisticated.
5. Vocabulary: There is a good range of vocabulary, but it’s less advanced than in the Band 8-9 essay (e.g., “big negative impact” instead of “detrimental effects”).
6. Grammar: There’s a mix of simple and complex sentences, with generally good control.
7. Task response: The essay addresses the task, but the ideas and examples are less fully extended than in a higher band response.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

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

2. Environmental degradation (noun) – /ɪnˌvaɪ.rən.menˈtl ˌdeɡ.rəˈdeɪ.ʃən/ – The deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources and destruction of ecosystems.

3. Overconsumption (noun) – /ˌəʊ.və.kənˈsʌmp.ʃən/ – The action or fact of consuming something to excess.

4. Carbon footprint (noun) – /ˈkɑː.bən ˈfʊt.prɪnt/ – The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organization, or community.

5. Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources or causing severe ecological damage.

6. Textile waste (noun) – /ˈteks.taɪl weɪst/ – Waste generated from the production, use, and disposal of clothing and other textile products.

7. Microfibers (noun) – /ˈmaɪ.krəʊˌfaɪ.bəz/ – Very fine fibers, often synthetic, that can be released from textiles during washing and end up polluting water systems.

8. Eco-friendly (adjective) – /ˌiː.kəʊˈfrend.li/ – Not harmful to the environment.

9. Landfill (noun) – /ˈlænd.fɪl/ – A site for the disposal of waste materials by burial.

10. Greenhouse gas emissions (noun) – /ˈɡriːn.haʊs ɡæs ɪˈmɪʃ.ənz/ – The release of gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation.

Conclusion

The impact of fast fashion on environmental pollution is a critical topic that is likely to appear in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

• The role of consumers in promoting sustainable fashion
• Government regulations to reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry
• The balance between economic growth and environmental protection in the fashion sector

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is not just about memorizing essays, but understanding how to structure your arguments, use relevant examples, and express your ideas clearly and coherently. Practice writing your own essays on this topic and share them in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare more effectively for your IELTS exam.