In recent years, the topic of responsible consumerism has gained significant traction in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. This trend reflects the growing global awareness of sustainable consumption practices and their impact on society and the environment. Based on our analysis of past IELTS exams and current global issues, we predict that questions related to responsible consumerism will continue to appear frequently in future tests. To help you prepare, we’ve selected a relevant question that closely resembles those seen in actual IELTS exams:

Some people believe that consumers should avoid buying products from companies that are known to have poor working conditions for their employees. Others argue that this is not the responsibility of the consumer. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Analyzing the Question

This question addresses the ethical dilemma of consumer responsibility in the face of corporate malpractice. It requires candidates to:

1. Discuss the view that consumers should boycott companies with poor working conditions
2. Explore the opposing view that this is not a consumer’s responsibility
3. Provide a personal opinion on the matter

The question tests your ability to analyze different perspectives, provide balanced arguments, and articulate your own stance on a complex social issue.

Sample Essays

Band 8-9 Essay

In today’s globalized economy, the ethical implications of consumer choices have become increasingly significant. While some argue that consumers should actively avoid products from companies with poor labor practices, others contend that this responsibility lies elsewhere. In my opinion, while consumers can play a crucial role in promoting ethical business practices, the primary responsibility should rest with governments and corporations themselves.

Those who advocate for consumer boycotts of unethical companies argue that this approach can effectively pressure businesses to improve their practices. By voting with their wallets, consumers can send a powerful message to corporations that prioritizing profit over worker welfare is unacceptable. This perspective is supported by historical examples, such as the successful boycotts against companies using sweatshop labor in the 1990s, which led to significant improvements in working conditions across various industries.

On the other hand, opponents of this view argue that placing such responsibility on consumers is unrealistic and unfair. They contend that the average shopper lacks the time, resources, and information necessary to thoroughly investigate the labor practices of every company they purchase from. Moreover, in many cases, ethical alternatives may be more expensive or simply unavailable, particularly for low-income consumers who have limited choices.

In my view, while consumer awareness and action are important, the primary responsibility for ensuring fair working conditions should lie with governments and corporations. Governments have the power to enact and enforce labor laws that protect workers’ rights, while companies have a moral obligation to treat their employees ethically, regardless of consumer pressure. However, I believe that informed consumers can play a significant role in supporting these efforts by making ethical choices when possible and advocating for greater corporate accountability.

In conclusion, while consumer boycotts can be effective in some cases, the complexities of global supply chains make it challenging for individual consumers to bear full responsibility for corporate ethics. A multi-faceted approach involving government regulation, corporate responsibility, and consumer awareness is necessary to create lasting improvements in working conditions worldwide.

(Word count: 310)

Band 6-7 Essay

The issue of whether consumers should avoid buying products from companies with poor working conditions is a complex one. There are arguments for and against this idea, and I will discuss both views before giving my own opinion.

On one hand, some people believe that consumers should not buy from companies that treat their workers badly. They think that if enough people stop buying these products, the companies will be forced to improve their working conditions. This could lead to better lives for many workers around the world. For example, if people stop buying clothes from brands that use sweatshops, these brands might change their practices to win back customers.

On the other hand, others argue that it’s not the consumer’s job to worry about working conditions. They say that consumers can’t know about every company’s practices and that it’s the government’s responsibility to make sure workers are treated fairly. Also, some people might not have the money to buy more expensive products from ethical companies, so they have no choice but to buy cheaper items.

In my opinion, while it would be good if all consumers could avoid unethical companies, it’s not always possible or practical. I think the main responsibility should be on governments to make strict laws about working conditions. However, I also believe that consumers who can afford to make ethical choices should try to do so. By supporting companies with good practices, we can encourage other businesses to improve their standards.

In conclusion, while consumers can play a role in promoting better working conditions, it shouldn’t be their sole responsibility. A combination of government action, company ethics, and consumer awareness is needed to solve this problem.

(Word count: 273)

Band 5-6 Essay

Some people think we should not buy things from companies that don’t treat workers well. Other people say it’s not our job to worry about this. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.

People who say we should not buy from bad companies have some good reasons. If we don’t buy their products, maybe the companies will change and be better to workers. This could help many people have better jobs. For example, if we don’t buy clothes from companies that use very poor workers, they might start paying workers more.

But other people think it’s not our problem as buyers. They say we can’t know about all companies and how they treat workers. Also, some people don’t have much money and can only buy cheap things, even if the company is not good to workers.

I think both sides have good points. It’s hard for normal people to know about all companies. But if we can, it’s good to buy from companies that are nice to workers. I think the government should make rules to make sure companies treat workers well. This is the best way to help.

In the end, I believe we should try to buy from good companies if we can, but it’s not only our job to fix this problem. The government and companies need to do more to make sure workers are treated well.

(Word count: 222)

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay Explanation

This essay demonstrates the qualities of a high-scoring response:

1. Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed response with a clear position.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphing is appropriate and cohesive devices are used effectively.
3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items are used with awareness of style and collocation.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used accurately and appropriately. The essay demonstrates a high degree of grammatical control.

Band 6-7 Essay Explanation

This essay shows characteristics of a mid-range score:

1. Task Achievement: 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, but some ideas may lack logical sequencing. Paragraphing is present but not always logical.
3. Lexical Resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used for the task. There may be some inaccuracies in word choice or collocation, but they do not impede communication.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication.

Band 5-6 Essay Explanation

This essay demonstrates features of a lower-mid range score:

1. Task Achievement: The essay addresses the task, but the format is not fully appropriate. The position is not always clear.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: The overall organization is apparent but not always logical. Paragraphing is present but may not be fully coherent.
3. Lexical Resource: A limited range of vocabulary is used, with some repetition. Word choice errors may cause some difficulty for the reader.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A limited range of structures is used. Errors are frequent but do not greatly impede communication.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Ethical implications (noun phrase) – /ˈeθɪkəl ɪmplɪˈkeɪʃənz/ – the moral consequences or considerations of actions or decisions
2. Boycott (verb/noun) – /ˈbɔɪkɒt/ – to refuse to buy or use something as a form of protest
3. Sweatshop labor (noun phrase) – /ˈswetʃɒp ˈleɪbə/ – work in factories with poor conditions and low wages
4. Corporate accountability (noun phrase) – /ˈkɔːpərət əˌkaʊntəˈbɪləti/ – the responsibility of companies for their actions and impacts
5. Multi-faceted approach (adjective + noun) – /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd əˈprəʊtʃ/ – involving many different aspects or methods
6. Supply chains (noun phrase) – /səˈplaɪ tʃeɪnz/ – the network of organizations involved in producing and distributing a product
7. Advocate (verb) – /ˈædvəkeɪt/ – to publicly support or recommend a particular cause or policy
8. Ethical alternatives (adjective + noun) – /ˈeθɪkəl ɔːlˈtɜːnətɪvz/ – products or services that are considered morally acceptable

Responsible Consumerism Infographic

Conclusion

Understanding how to approach questions about responsible consumerism is crucial for success in IELTS Writing Task 2. The sample essays provided demonstrate different levels of performance and can serve as valuable models for your own writing. Remember to analyze the question carefully, structure your essay logically, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your level.

To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic or on related themes such as:

• The impact of consumer choices on the environment
• The role of social media in promoting ethical consumerism
• The challenges of implementing fair trade practices in a globalized economy

Practice regularly and don’t hesitate to share your essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you develop the critical thinking and writing skills necessary to excel in your IELTS exam.