The topic of environmental sustainability in the fashion industry has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. As an experienced IELTS instructor, I’ve observed a growing trend in questions related to this subject. Based on past exam patterns and current global concerns, it’s highly likely that candidates will encounter similar prompts in future tests. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays and in-depth analysis to help you prepare effectively for your IELTS Writing Task 2.
Analyzing the Task and Creating Sample Essays
For this article, we’ll focus on the following IELTS Writing Task 2 question:
Some people believe that the fashion industry should be held accountable for its environmental impact. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Task Analysis
This question falls under the “agree or disagree” category of IELTS Writing Task 2. It requires you to express your opinion on whether the fashion industry should be responsible for its environmental consequences. Your essay should:
- Clearly state your position
- Provide reasons and examples to support your viewpoint
- Consider counterarguments (optional, but recommended for higher band scores)
- Conclude by restating your opinion
Now, let’s look at three sample essays of varying quality, representing different band scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The fashion industry’s environmental footprint has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years. I strongly agree that this sector should be held accountable for its ecological impact, as it is one of the world’s largest polluters and has the power to implement significant changes.
Firstly, the fashion industry’s production processes contribute substantially to environmental degradation. From water pollution caused by textile dyeing to greenhouse gas emissions from manufacturing and transportation, the sector’s impact is far-reaching and severe. By holding companies accountable, we can encourage them to adopt more sustainable practices, such as using eco-friendly materials and implementing cleaner production methods. For instance, some forward-thinking brands have already begun using recycled fabrics and reducing water consumption in their manufacturing processes.
Moreover, the industry’s promotion of fast fashion has led to a culture of disposable clothing, exacerbating waste problems worldwide. Consumers are encouraged to frequently update their wardrobes, resulting in millions of tons of textiles ending up in landfills each year. By making fashion companies responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, including disposal, we can incentivize them to design more durable, recyclable clothing and implement take-back programs. This approach has been successful in other industries, such as electronics, where many companies now offer recycling services for old devices.
Some may argue that placing too much responsibility on the fashion industry could stifle creativity and economic growth. However, I believe that accountability can drive innovation and create new opportunities. Companies that embrace sustainability often discover cost-saving measures and attract environmentally conscious consumers, potentially increasing their market share.
In conclusion, given the fashion industry’s significant environmental impact and its capacity for positive change, I firmly believe it should be held accountable for its ecological footprint. This accountability can lead to more sustainable practices, reduce waste, and ultimately contribute to a healthier planet.
(Word count: 309)
Fashion Industry Sustainability
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The fashion industry has been criticized for its negative impact on the environment. I agree that it should be held responsible for this, but I think there are some limitations to consider.
One reason why the fashion industry should be accountable is because it produces a lot of pollution. Factories that make clothes often release harmful chemicals into rivers and the air. This damages the environment and can harm people’s health. If companies are held responsible, they might try to find cleaner ways to make clothes.
Another point is that fast fashion encourages people to buy more clothes than they need. This leads to a lot of waste, with many clothes ending up in landfills. If fashion brands are made accountable, they might design clothes that last longer or find ways to recycle old clothes.
However, it’s not just the industry’s fault. Consumers also play a role in this problem by buying too many clothes and throwing them away quickly. It might not be fair to blame everything on the fashion companies.
Also, making the industry fully responsible could lead to higher prices for clothes, which might be difficult for some people to afford.
In conclusion, I believe the fashion industry should be held accountable for its environmental impact to a large extent, but we should also consider the role of consumers and the potential economic effects.
(Word count: 228)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
The fashion industry is very big and makes lots of clothes. Some people think it should be responsible for hurting the environment. I agree with this idea.
First, making clothes causes pollution. The factories use chemicals that are bad for rivers and the air. If the companies have to be responsible, maybe they will try to be cleaner.
Also, fashion companies make people want to buy new clothes all the time. This is not good because people throw away old clothes too fast. If the companies are responsible, they might make clothes that last longer.
But it’s not only the companies’ fault. People who buy too many clothes are also part of the problem. We can’t just blame the fashion industry for everything.
In conclusion, I think the fashion industry should be responsible for the environment, but people who buy clothes also need to think about what they do.
(Word count: 137)
Understanding the Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Analysis
The high-band essay demonstrates:
- Clear position: The writer strongly agrees with the statement.
- Well-developed arguments: Each paragraph focuses on a specific point with detailed explanations and examples.
- Cohesion and coherence: Ideas flow logically, with effective use of linking words.
- Lexical resource: Uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately (e.g., “environmental degradation,” “exacerbating,” “incentivize”).
- Grammatical range and accuracy: Employs various complex structures correctly.
- Task response: Fully addresses all parts of the task with a consistent position throughout.
Band 6-7 Essay Analysis
This mid-range essay shows:
- Clear position: The writer agrees but acknowledges limitations.
- Adequate development: Main ideas are supported, but with less detail than the higher-band essay.
- Coherence: Ideas are generally well-organized, but transitions could be smoother.
- Vocabulary: Uses some topic-specific vocabulary, but with less precision than the band 8-9 essay.
- Grammar: Mostly accurate, with some complex sentences, but less variety than the higher-band essay.
- Task response: Addresses the main parts of the task, but the conclusion could be stronger.
Band 5-6 Essay Analysis
The lower-band essay demonstrates:
- Basic position: The writer agrees, but the stance is less nuanced.
- Limited development: Ideas are present but lack detail and examples.
- Simple organization: The essay follows a basic structure but lacks sophisticated cohesion.
- Vocabulary: Uses simple vocabulary with some repetition.
- Grammar: Mostly simple sentences with some errors that don’t impede understanding.
- Task response: Addresses the topic but in a limited way, with a weak conclusion.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Environmental sustainability (noun) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – the ability to maintain an ecological balance without depleting natural resources
- Accountability (noun) – /əˌkaʊntəˈbɪləti/ – the fact or condition of being responsible
- Ecological footprint (noun) – /ˌiːkəˈlɒdʒɪkl ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – the impact of human activities on the environment
- Fast fashion (noun) – /fɑːst ˈfæʃən/ – inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers
- Disposable clothing (noun) – /dɪˈspəʊzəbl ˈkləʊðɪŋ/ – garments designed to be discarded after minimal use
- Sustainable practices (noun) – /səˈsteɪnəbl ˈpræktɪsɪz/ – methods that do not deplete or damage natural resources
- Eco-friendly materials (noun) – /ˈiːkəʊ ˈfrendli məˈtɪəriəlz/ – substances that don’t harm the environment
- Textile dyeing (noun) – /ˈtekstaɪl ˈdaɪɪŋ/ – the process of adding color to fabric
- Take-back programs (noun) – /teɪk bæk ˈprəʊɡræmz/ – initiatives where companies collect and recycle used products
- Lifecycle (noun) – /ˈlaɪfsaɪkl/ – the series of changes in the life of an organism or product
Conclusion
The topic of environmental sustainability in the fashion industry is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of consumers in promoting sustainable fashion
- Government regulations to reduce fashion industry waste
- The impact of social media on fast fashion trends
- Balancing affordability and sustainability in clothing production
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is practice. Try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare you for success in your IELTS exam.