Plastic pollution has become an increasingly prevalent topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions, reflecting its growing importance as a global environmental issue. Based on recent trends, it’s highly likely that questions related to plastic pollution will continue to appear in future IELTS exams. To help you prepare, we’ll analyze a relevant question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Let’s examine a question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
The production and use of plastic products have increased significantly in recent years, leading to severe environmental problems. What are the causes of this issue, and what measures can be taken to address it?
Analyzing the Question
This question is asking you to discuss two main points:
- The causes of increased plastic production and use
- Measures to address the resulting environmental problems
To tackle this question effectively, you should:
- Identify 2-3 main causes of increased plastic production and use
- Suggest 2-3 concrete measures to address the environmental issues
- Provide examples and explanations to support your points
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In recent decades, the production and consumption of plastic products have skyrocketed, resulting in severe environmental consequences. This essay will explore the primary causes of this issue and propose effective measures to mitigate its impact.
The proliferation of plastic can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the versatility and low cost of plastic have made it an attractive material for manufacturers across various industries. From packaging to consumer goods, plastic’s durability and affordability have led to its widespread adoption. Secondly, the rise of consumerism and the convenience culture have fueled demand for disposable plastic items, such as single-use bags, bottles, and food containers. Lastly, inadequate waste management infrastructure in many countries has failed to keep pace with the increasing volume of plastic waste, exacerbating the problem.
To address this pressing issue, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. One crucial measure is to implement stricter regulations on plastic production and use. Governments should impose taxes on single-use plastics and incentivize the use of eco-friendly alternatives. Additionally, investing in research and development of biodegradable materials can help reduce our reliance on traditional plastics. Companies should be encouraged to adopt these sustainable alternatives through tax breaks and other incentives. Furthermore, improving waste management systems and promoting recycling initiatives are essential steps in tackling plastic pollution. This can be achieved through public education campaigns, expanding recycling facilities, and implementing deposit-return schemes for plastic bottles.
In conclusion, the surge in plastic production and use is driven by its cost-effectiveness, consumer demand, and inadequate waste management. By implementing stricter regulations, promoting sustainable alternatives, and enhancing recycling efforts, we can effectively combat this environmental crisis. It is crucial for governments, businesses, and individuals to work together to create a more sustainable future free from the scourge of plastic pollution.
(Word count: 293)
Explanation of Band 8-9 Score
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
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Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both causes and measures with well-developed ideas and relevant examples.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices (e.g., “Firstly,” “Secondly,” “Lastly,” “Additionally,” “Furthermore”).
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Lexical Resource: The writer uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “proliferation,” “exacerbating,” “multi-faceted approach,” “biodegradable materials”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a wide range of complex structures used accurately (e.g., “The proliferation of plastic can be attributed to several factors,” “By implementing stricter regulations, promoting sustainable alternatives, and enhancing recycling efforts, we can effectively combat this environmental crisis”).
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
In recent years, there has been a big increase in the production and use of plastic products, which has caused serious environmental problems. This essay will discuss the reasons for this issue and suggest some solutions.
There are several causes of the increase in plastic use. One main reason is that plastic is cheap and easy to produce, making it popular for many companies. Another cause is that people like convenient products, such as disposable plastic bags and bottles, which are easy to use and throw away. Also, many countries don’t have good systems for dealing with plastic waste, so a lot of it ends up in the environment.
To solve this problem, we need to take some important steps. First, governments should make stricter rules about plastic use, like banning single-use plastic bags or putting taxes on plastic products. Second, we should encourage companies to use more environmentally friendly materials instead of plastic. Third, we need to improve recycling systems and teach people how to recycle properly. This could include having more recycling bins in public places and running education campaigns.
In conclusion, the increase in plastic use is caused by its low cost, convenience, and poor waste management. By making new laws, using alternative materials, and improving recycling, we can help reduce plastic pollution. It’s important for everyone to work together to protect the environment from plastic waste.
(Word count: 233)
Explanation of Band 6-7 Score
This essay demonstrates good writing skills but has some limitations:
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Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but some ideas could be more fully developed with specific examples.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is somewhat limited and repetitive (e.g., frequent use of “Also” and “First, Second, Third”).
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate but lacks the sophistication and range seen in higher band scores. Some attempts at less common vocabulary are made (e.g., “environmentally friendly materials”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences accurately, but there is less variety in sentence structures compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Proliferation (noun) – /prəˌlɪfəˈreɪʃən/ – rapid increase or spread
- Exacerbate (verb) – /ɪɡˈzæsərbeɪt/ – make worse
- Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – make less severe or reduce
- Biodegradable (adjective) – /ˌbaɪəʊdɪˈɡreɪdəbl/ – capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms
- Incentivize (verb) – /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ – motivate or encourage
- Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain level without depleting natural resources
- Multi-faceted (adjective) – /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
- Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise
- Consumerism (noun) – /kənˈsjuːmərɪzəm/ – the protection or promotion of the interests of consumers
- Scourge (noun) – /skɜːrdʒ/ – a cause of widespread or great suffering
Conclusion
Tackling the rising problem of plastic pollution is likely to remain a significant topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare for this and similar questions, practice writing essays that address both causes and solutions, using specific examples and a range of vocabulary related to environmental issues.
Some potential future questions on this topic might include:
- Discuss the impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems and suggest ways to protect ocean life.
- Some people believe that individuals, not governments, should be responsible for reducing plastic waste. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- Compare the effectiveness of banning plastic products versus promoting recycling as strategies to combat plastic pollution.
We encourage you to practice writing essays on these topics and share them in the comments section below. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam.