Plastic pollution has become a pressing environmental issue, making it a popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. This essay question has appeared multiple times in recent years and is likely to continue being a frequent subject in future exams. Let’s examine a relevant question and provide sample essays to help you prepare for this important topic.
Some people say that the best way to reduce the amount of plastic used in daily life is for governments to ban all plastic bags and packaging. Others believe it is better to encourage individuals to make their own choices about using plastic.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Analysis of the Question
This question addresses the issue of reducing plastic consumption in everyday life, focusing on two potential approaches:
- Government intervention through banning plastic bags and packaging
- Individual responsibility and choice
The task requires you to discuss both viewpoints and provide your own opinion. It’s crucial to address all parts of the question and maintain a balanced argument throughout your essay.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Plastic pollution has become a global crisis, prompting debates on the most effective ways to reduce plastic consumption in our daily lives. While some advocate for government-imposed bans on plastic bags and packaging, others believe in empowering individuals to make conscious choices. This essay will examine both perspectives and argue that a combination of these approaches is necessary for meaningful change.
Proponents of government intervention argue that banning plastic bags and packaging is the most direct and immediate way to reduce plastic consumption. By eliminating these products from the market, governments can force industries and consumers to adopt more sustainable alternatives. This approach has shown success in countries like Rwanda, where a plastic bag ban has significantly reduced pollution and promoted eco-friendly practices. Moreover, government action sends a strong message about the urgency of the issue and can catalyze broader societal changes.
On the other hand, those who favor individual responsibility contend that lasting change can only come from personal choices and awareness. They argue that educating people about the environmental impact of plastic and encouraging them to make conscious decisions is more effective in the long term. This approach fosters a sense of personal accountability and can lead to more sustainable habits across various aspects of life, not just in plastic use. Additionally, it allows for innovation and creativity in finding alternatives, as motivated individuals often drive market demand for eco-friendly products.
In my opinion, the most effective strategy to reduce plastic consumption involves a combination of both government regulation and individual action. Governments should implement targeted bans on the most harmful single-use plastics while simultaneously investing in education and awareness campaigns. This dual approach can create a supportive environment for change, where legal restrictions are complemented by informed personal choices. Furthermore, governments can incentivize businesses to develop sustainable alternatives, bridging the gap between policy and individual action.
In conclusion, while government bans can provide immediate results, fostering individual responsibility is crucial for long-term sustainability. A balanced approach that combines legislative action with public education and personal empowerment is the most promising path forward in our collective effort to reduce plastic consumption and protect our environment.
(Word count: 329)
Plastic Pollution in Landfill
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Plastic pollution is a big problem in the world today. Some people think the government should ban all plastic bags and packaging to solve this issue, while others believe it’s better to let individuals decide how to use plastic. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support government bans say it’s the fastest way to reduce plastic use. When the government makes laws against plastic bags and packaging, companies and people have to find other options. This has worked well in some countries. For example, in Kenya, banning plastic bags has made the environment cleaner. Also, when the government takes action, it shows everyone how serious the problem is.
On the other hand, people who prefer individual choice say that real change comes from personal decisions. They think that if people learn about how bad plastic is for the environment, they will choose to use less plastic on their own. This way, people feel responsible for their actions and might make better choices in other areas of life too. It can also lead to new ideas for replacing plastic products.
In my opinion, we need both government action and individual choices to really solve the plastic problem. I think the government should ban some of the worst types of plastic, like single-use bags, but also teach people about the environment. This way, there are rules to help reduce plastic use, but people also understand why it’s important and can make good choices themselves. The government can also help businesses create better alternatives to plastic.
To conclude, while banning plastic can have quick results, it’s also important for people to understand and choose to use less plastic. A mix of government rules and individual actions is the best way to reduce plastic use and protect our environment.
(Word count: 309)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
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Structure: Ensure your essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs discussing both viewpoints, and a conclusion with your opinion.
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Balance: Give equal attention to both perspectives before presenting your own view.
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Examples: Use specific examples to support your arguments, as seen in both sample essays.
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Cohesion: Use appropriate linking words and phrases to connect your ideas smoothly.
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Vocabulary: For higher band scores, use a range of vocabulary related to the environment and government policy.
Important Vocabulary to Remember
- Plastic pollution (noun) /ˈplæstɪk pəˈluːʃən/ – Contamination of the environment by plastic materials
- Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
- Intervention (noun) /ˌɪntəˈvenʃn/ – The action or process of intervening
- Catalyze (verb) /ˈkætəlaɪz/ – To cause or accelerate a reaction
- Accountability (noun) /əˌkaʊntəˈbɪləti/ – The fact or condition of being accountable
- Incentivize (verb) /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ – To provide someone with an incentive for doing something
- Eco-friendly (adjective) /ˈiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/ – Not harmful to the environment
- Single-use (adjective) /ˈsɪŋɡl juːs/ – Designed to be used once and then disposed of
- Empowerment (noun) /ɪmˈpaʊəmənt/ – The process of becoming stronger and more confident
- Legislation (noun) /ˌledʒɪsˈleɪʃn/ – Laws, considered collectively
In conclusion, the topic of reducing plastic consumption in everyday life is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Practice writing essays on this theme, considering various angles such as government policies, individual actions, and the role of businesses. Remember to balance your discussion, use relevant examples, and showcase your vocabulary range. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further improvement.
