IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Reduce Household Plastic Use – Sample Essays and Analysis

Plastic pollution has become a pressing global issue, making “how to reduce household plastic use” a highly relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. This subject frequently appears in various forms in the IELTS exam, reflecting its significance in contemporary environmental discussions. Based on recent trends, we can expect this theme to continue featuring prominently in future IELTS tests.

Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question related to this topic:

Many people are concerned about the increasing use of plastic in our daily lives. What are the causes of this trend? Suggest some solutions to reduce plastic usage in households.

Analysis of the Question

This question is a classic example of a problem-solution essay. It consists of two parts:

1. Identify the causes of increased plastic usage in daily life.
2. Propose solutions to reduce plastic usage in households.

To answer this question effectively, you need to:

• Discuss at least 2-3 causes of increased plastic use.
• Suggest 2-3 practical solutions for reducing household plastic consumption.
• Ensure a balanced discussion of both aspects.
• Use specific examples to support your points.

Sample Essay (Band 8-9)

Plastic has become ubiquitous in modern life, raising concerns about its environmental impact. This essay will explore the reasons behind the growing use of plastic and propose practical measures to curtail its consumption in households.

The proliferation of plastic in our daily lives can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the convenience and versatility of plastic products have made them indispensable in various applications, from food packaging to household items. Plastic’s durability and low cost have led manufacturers to prefer it over more environmentally friendly alternatives. Additionally, the fast-paced nature of modern lifestyles has increased the demand for disposable and easily transportable items, many of which are made from plastic.

However, there are several effective strategies that households can adopt to reduce their plastic footprint. One approach is to prioritize reusable alternatives to single-use plastic items. For instance, families can invest in durable water bottles, shopping bags, and food containers, significantly reducing their reliance on disposable plastic versions. Another solution is to make conscious purchasing decisions, opting for products with minimal or plastic-free packaging. This consumer-driven approach can encourage manufacturers to adopt more sustainable packaging practices.

Furthermore, governments and local authorities can play a crucial role in plastic reduction by implementing policies that discourage plastic use. This could include imposing taxes on single-use plastic items or offering incentives for businesses that adopt eco-friendly practices. Educational initiatives about plastic reduction in schools and communities can also foster a culture of environmental responsibility from an early age.

In conclusion, while the increasing use of plastic stems from its convenience and economic advantages, concerted efforts from individuals, households, and policymakers can significantly reduce its consumption. By adopting reusable alternatives, making informed consumer choices, and supporting plastic-reduction policies, we can collectively mitigate the environmental impact of plastic use.

(Word count: 298)

Household items made from sustainable materials

Sample Essay (Band 6-7)

Plastic has become a big problem in our world today. In this essay, I will talk about why we use so much plastic and how we can use less of it in our homes.

There are many reasons why plastic use has increased. First, plastic is very cheap and easy to make. Companies can make many things from plastic quickly and sell them at low prices. Second, plastic is very useful for many things. We can use it to keep food fresh, make toys, and many other things. Also, our busy lives make us want things that are easy to use and throw away, which are often made of plastic.

But we can do many things to reduce plastic use at home. One good idea is to use things that we can use many times instead of throwing away. For example, we can use cloth bags when we go shopping instead of plastic bags. We can also use water bottles that we can refill instead of buying new plastic bottles all the time. Another way is to buy things that don’t have a lot of plastic packaging. When we shop, we can choose products that use less plastic or no plastic at all.

The government can also help reduce plastic use. They can make rules that make it harder for companies to use a lot of plastic. They can also teach people about why it’s important to use less plastic. Schools can teach children about this problem so they grow up knowing how to use less plastic.

In conclusion, we use a lot of plastic because it’s cheap and useful, but it’s bad for our planet. By using things we can reuse, buying products with less plastic, and having good rules, we can all help to use less plastic in our homes and protect our environment.

(Word count: 295)

Key Points to Note When Writing

1. Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs addressing causes and solutions, and a conclusion. The band 8-9 essay demonstrates more sophisticated paragraph development and transitions.

2. Language: The band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures, while the band 6-7 essay uses simpler language and shorter sentences.

3. Depth of Analysis: The higher band essay provides more detailed explanations and examples, showing a deeper understanding of the topic.

4. Coherence and Cohesion: The band 8-9 essay uses a variety of linking words and phrases to connect ideas smoothly, while the band 6-7 essay relies on simpler connectors.

5. Tone: Both essays maintain an appropriate academic tone, but the band 8-9 essay demonstrates a more formal style.

Vocabulary to Remember

1. Ubiquitous (adjective) /juːˈbɪkwɪtəs/ – present, appearing, or found everywhere
2. Proliferation (noun) /prəˌlɪfəˈreɪʃn/ – rapid increase in numbers
3. Indispensable (adjective) /ˌɪndɪˈspensəbl/ – absolutely necessary
4. Footprint (noun) /ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – the impact or effect of something
5. Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – make less severe, serious, or painful
6. Concerted (adjective) /kənˈsɜːtɪd/ – jointly arranged or carried out; coordinated
7. Incentive (noun) /ɪnˈsentɪv/ – a thing that motivates or encourages someone to do something
8. Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level

Conclusion

The topic of reducing household plastic use is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

• The impact of plastic pollution on marine life
• Government policies to reduce plastic waste
• The role of individuals in combating plastic pollution
• Alternatives to plastic in everyday products

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Practicing how to reduce plastic waste at home can also provide you with personal experiences to draw upon in your essays.

We encourage you to write your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.