Electronic waste, or e-waste, has become a pressing environmental concern in recent years. This topic has appeared in several IELTS Writing Task 2 questions, reflecting its growing importance in global discourse. Based on past exam trends and current environmental issues, it’s likely that e-waste and its environmental impact will continue to be a recurring theme in future IELTS tests.

One of the most relevant and frequently appearing questions on this topic is:

Some people think that manufacturers should be made to pay for the safe disposal of their products at the end of their useful life. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Let’s analyze this question and provide sample essays for different band scores.

Question Analysis

This question focuses on the responsibility of manufacturers in managing e-waste. It requires you to discuss whether companies should bear the financial burden of disposing of their products safely after they become obsolete. Your response should:

1. Clearly state your position (agree, disagree, or partially agree)
2. Provide reasons and examples to support your stance
3. Consider potential counterarguments
4. Conclude with a summary of your main points

Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

In today’s consumer-driven society, the rapid turnover of electronic devices has led to an alarming increase in e-waste. I strongly agree that manufacturers should be held financially responsible for the safe disposal of their products at the end of their lifecycle. This approach not only addresses the growing environmental crisis but also incentivizes companies to design more sustainable and long-lasting products.

Firstly, making manufacturers pay for disposal encourages them to adopt more environmentally friendly practices. When companies are responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, including disposal, they are more likely to invest in recyclable materials and design products that are easier to dismantle and recycle. This shift towards sustainable design can significantly reduce the environmental impact of e-waste, which often contains hazardous materials like lead and mercury.

Moreover, this policy would promote innovation in product longevity and repairability. Manufacturers would be incentivized to create devices that last longer and are easier to repair, reducing the overall volume of e-waste generated. For instance, some smartphone companies have already started designing modular phones that allow for easy replacement of individual components, extending the device’s lifespan and reducing waste.

However, critics might argue that this additional cost would be passed on to consumers, making electronic products more expensive. While this is a valid concern, the long-term benefits to the environment and public health far outweigh the short-term increase in consumer prices. Furthermore, as companies innovate to reduce disposal costs, they may actually become more competitive, potentially leading to lower prices in the long run.

In conclusion, holding manufacturers accountable for the safe disposal of their products is a crucial step in addressing the e-waste crisis. By aligning corporate interests with environmental sustainability, we can foster a more responsible approach to production and consumption, ultimately benefiting both the planet and future generations.

E-waste recycling facility with workers sorting electronic components

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

The issue of e-waste and its disposal is becoming more important in our modern world. I agree to some extent that manufacturers should pay for the safe disposal of their products when they are no longer useful.

One reason for this is that it would make companies think more about the environmental impact of their products. If they have to pay for disposal, they might try to make products that last longer or are easier to recycle. This could help reduce the amount of e-waste that ends up in landfills or is sent to developing countries for disposal.

Another advantage is that it could lead to better recycling processes. Companies would be motivated to find more efficient ways to recycle their products if they have to pay for it. This could result in new technologies and methods for dealing with e-waste, which is good for the environment.

However, there are also some potential problems with this idea. It might make electronic products more expensive for consumers, as companies would likely pass on the cost of disposal to their customers. This could make it harder for some people to afford important devices like computers and phones.

Additionally, it might be difficult to implement this policy fairly. Some products are more difficult or expensive to dispose of than others, so it could be challenging to decide how much each company should pay.

In conclusion, while I believe that making manufacturers pay for safe disposal of their products has some benefits, it also has some drawbacks. A balanced approach that considers both environmental protection and consumer interests might be the best solution.

Diagram showing the lifecycle of electronic devices from production to recycling

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

E-waste is a big problem in our world today. I think it’s a good idea for companies to pay for getting rid of their products safely when people don’t use them anymore.

One good thing about this is that it makes companies care more about the environment. If they have to pay to throw away their old products, they might try to make things that don’t break so easily. This means less trash for the planet.

Also, it could help make better ways to recycle. Companies might look for new ways to reuse parts of old electronics if they have to pay for getting rid of them. This is good for the Earth because it means less waste.

But there are some problems too. It might make things like phones and computers more expensive to buy. This is because companies will probably make customers pay more to cover the cost of throwing things away.

It might also be hard to make this rule fair for all companies. Some things are harder to throw away than others, so it’s difficult to say how much each company should pay.

In the end, I think it’s a good idea for companies to pay for getting rid of their old products, but there are some problems that need to be thought about too.

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay:

• Fully addresses all parts of the task with a clear position
• Presents well-developed ideas with logical structure
• Uses a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures accurately
• Demonstrates sophisticated use of cohesive devices
• Shows awareness of style and tone appropriate for an academic essay

Band 6-7 Essay:

• Addresses all parts of the task, though some aspects may be more fully covered than others
• Presents relevant main ideas but some may be inadequately developed
• Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some errors that do not impede communication
• Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
• Has adequate paragraphing but may lack some cohesive devices

Band 5-6 Essay:

• Addresses the task only partially; format may be inappropriate in places
• Presents some main ideas but these are limited and not well-developed
• Uses limited range of vocabulary; errors may cause some difficulty for the reader
• Uses mainly simple sentences; errors in grammar are noticeable
• Has inadequate paragraphing and limited use of cohesive devices

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. E-waste (noun) /ˈiːweɪst/ – discarded electrical or electronic devices
2. Obsolete (adjective) /ˈɒbsəliːt/ – no longer produced or used; out of date
3. Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
4. Incentivize (verb) /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ – motivate or encourage (someone) to do something
5. Longevity (noun) /lɒnˈdʒevəti/ – long existence or service
6. Modular (adjective) /ˈmɒdjʊlə/ – constructed with standardized units for flexibility and variety
7. Dismantle (verb) /dɪsˈmæntl/ – take (a machine or structure) to pieces
8. Hazardous (adjective) /ˈhæzədəs/ – risky; dangerous
9. Lifecycle (noun) /ˈlaɪfsaɪkl/ – the series of changes in the life of an organism or product
10. Repairability (noun) /rɪˌpeərəˈbɪləti/ – the quality of being fixable or mendable

In conclusion, the Impact Of E-waste On The Environment is a crucial topic that is likely to appear in future IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. By understanding the key issues and practicing with sample essays like these, you can improve your ability to write coherent, well-structured responses. Remember to focus on developing your ideas fully, using a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, and maintaining a clear stance throughout your essay.

To further enhance your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic or related ones such as “The impact of fast fashion on global supply chains” or “How public awareness campaigns can reduce environmental damage”. You can post your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners. This active practice will help you become more confident and proficient in tackling environmental topics in your IELTS Writing Task 2.