The topic of fast fashion’s impact on environmental sustainability has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. This issue reflects growing global concerns about the environmental consequences of the fashion industry. Based on recent trends, it’s highly likely that this theme will continue to appear in future IELTS tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past exams and could potentially resurface:

Some people say that the fashion industry has a negative impact on people’s lives and on the environment. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Analyzing the Question

This question requires candidates to consider the broader implications of the fashion industry, particularly its fast fashion segment, on both society and the environment. Key points to address include:

1. The fashion industry’s influence on consumer behavior and social norms
2. Environmental impacts such as pollution, waste, and resource depletion
3. Economic aspects, including job creation and economic growth
4. Potential positive impacts, like self-expression and cultural diversity

Sample Essays

Band 8-9 Essay

The fashion industry, particularly its fast-fashion segment, has come under scrutiny for its wide-ranging impacts on society and the environment. While some argue that it contributes positively to the economy and self-expression, I firmly believe that its negative consequences far outweigh any benefits.

Undeniably, the fashion industry exerts a profound influence on people’s lives, often to their detriment. The relentless cycle of changing trends fueled by aggressive marketing campaigns creates a culture of overconsumption. Consumers, especially young people, feel pressured to constantly update their wardrobes to stay “fashionable,” leading to financial strain and decreased self-esteem when unable to keep up. Moreover, the industry’s promotion of unrealistic beauty standards contributes to body image issues and mental health problems.

From an environmental perspective, the fashion industry’s impact is nothing short of catastrophic. Fast fashion’s business model of producing cheap, disposable clothing has resulted in mountains of textile waste clogging landfills worldwide. The production process is equally damaging, with textile dyeing being the second largest polluter of clean water globally. Furthermore, the industry’s reliance on synthetic fibers derived from fossil fuels contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and microplastic pollution in our oceans.

While proponents might argue that the fashion industry creates jobs and drives economic growth, this comes at an unacceptable cost. The exploitation of workers in developing countries, often subjected to hazardous working conditions and meager wages, is a stark reminder of the human toll behind trendy, low-cost garments. Additionally, the industry’s environmental degradation poses long-term economic risks by depleting natural resources and exacerbating climate change.

In conclusion, the fashion industry’s negative impacts on both people and the planet are severe and far-reaching. To address these issues, a radical transformation of the industry is necessary, focusing on sustainable production methods, ethical labor practices, and promoting conscious consumption. Consumers, businesses, and governments must collectively work towards a more sustainable and equitable fashion ecosystem that respects both human dignity and environmental limits.

(Word count: 309)

Fast fashion's environmental impact

Band 6-7 Essay

The fashion industry has become a significant topic of discussion due to its effects on people and the environment. In my opinion, I largely agree that this industry has negative impacts, although there are some positive aspects to consider as well.

One of the main negative impacts of the fashion industry is on the environment. Fast fashion, which produces cheap clothes quickly, leads to a lot of waste. Many clothes are thrown away after being worn only a few times, filling up landfills. Also, making clothes uses a lot of water and chemicals, which can pollute rivers and harm wildlife. For example, growing cotton for clothes requires large amounts of water and pesticides.

The fashion industry also affects people’s lives negatively in some ways. It can make people feel pressure to always buy new clothes to keep up with trends. This can be expensive and cause stress, especially for young people. Additionally, some fashion companies use workers in poor countries who are paid very little and work in bad conditions. This is unfair and can lead to health problems for these workers.

However, it’s important to note that the fashion industry isn’t all bad. It provides jobs for many people around the world and allows people to express themselves through clothing. Fashion can also be a form of art and creativity, which enriches our culture.

In conclusion, while the fashion industry does have some positive aspects, I believe its negative impacts on the environment and people’s lives are more significant. To improve this situation, both companies and consumers need to focus more on sustainable and ethical fashion practices. This could include using eco-friendly materials, ensuring fair wages for workers, and encouraging people to buy fewer, higher-quality clothes that last longer.

(Word count: 280)

Band 5-6 Essay

The fashion industry is very big and important in today’s world. Some people think it is bad for people and the environment. I agree with this idea mostly, but I also think there are some good things about fashion.

First, fashion can be bad for the environment. Many clothes are made very quickly and cheaply. This is called fast fashion. These clothes often don’t last long and people throw them away quickly. This makes a lot of trash. Also, making clothes uses a lot of water and can make rivers dirty.

Fashion can also be bad for people. Some people feel they need to buy new clothes all the time to look good. This can cost a lot of money and make people feel bad if they can’t afford it. Also, some workers who make clothes in poor countries don’t get paid enough money and have to work in bad places.

But fashion is not all bad. It gives jobs to many people. It also lets people show who they are through their clothes. Fashion can be fun and make people feel good about how they look.

In conclusion, I think the fashion industry has more bad effects than good ones, especially on the environment. I think fashion companies should try to make clothes in ways that don’t hurt the environment so much. People should also think more about what they buy and not throw away clothes so quickly.

(Word count: 223)

Explaining the Scores

Band 8-9 Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic, warranting a high band score:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position and fully developed ideas.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Cohesive devices are used effectively.
3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and accuracy.

Band 6-7 Essay Analysis

This essay shows a competent handling of the task, though with less sophistication than the higher band essay:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, though some aspects are more fully developed than others.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, though some cohesive devices are overused.
3. Lexical Resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used, with some attempts at less common words.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used, with generally good control.

Band 5-6 Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates a basic approach to the task:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the task, but the development of ideas is limited.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: There is a basic structure, but paragraphing is not always logical.
3. Lexical Resource: A limited range of vocabulary is used, with some repetition.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Sentences are generally simple, with limited use of complex structures.

Key Vocabulary

1. Scrutiny (noun) – /ˈskruːtəni/ – careful and thorough examination
2. Relentless (adjective) – /rɪˈlentləs/ – continuing without stopping or getting weaker
3. Catastrophic (adjective) – /kætəˈstrɒfɪk/ – causing sudden and great damage or suffering
4. Exploitation (noun) – /ˌeksplɔɪˈteɪʃn/ – the action of treating someone unfairly in order to benefit from their work
5. Degradation (noun) – /ˌdegrəˈdeɪʃn/ – the process of becoming worse or less in quality
6. Conscious (adjective) – /ˈkɒnʃəs/ – aware of and responding to one’s surroundings
7. Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
8. Ethical (adjective) – /ˈeθɪkl/ – relating to moral principles or the branch of knowledge dealing with these
9. Ecosystem (noun) – /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/ – a complex network or interconnected system
10. Transformation (noun) – /trænsfəˈmeɪʃn/ – a thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance

Conclusion

The topic of fast fashion’s impact on environmental sustainability is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

1. The role of consumers in promoting sustainable fashion
2. Government regulations to control the environmental impact of the fashion industry
3. The balance between economic growth and environmental protection in the context of fashion

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and fully address all aspects of the question. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further improvement.