The topic of fast fashion’s impact on environmental sustainability has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. This trend reflects growing global concerns about the fashion industry’s environmental footprint. Based on past exam patterns and current environmental issues, we can expect this theme to appear frequently in future IELTS tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people think that governments should impose higher taxes on fast fashion brands to reduce their negative impact on the environment. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Analyzing the Question
This question focuses on a potential solution to mitigate the environmental impact of fast fashion. It requires candidates to:
- Understand the concept of fast fashion and its environmental consequences
- Consider the effectiveness of higher taxes as a regulatory measure
- Evaluate the role of governments in addressing environmental issues
- Develop and support a clear stance on the proposed solution
Let’s explore this topic through sample essays at different band levels.
Band 8-9 Sample Essay
Fashion trends have accelerated in recent years, leading to increased production and consumption of clothing. This essay strongly agrees that governments should impose higher taxes on fast fashion brands to curb their detrimental environmental effects.
Firstly, higher taxes can effectively discourage overproduction and overconsumption of cheap, disposable clothing. Fast fashion brands often prioritize profit over environmental concerns, producing large quantities of low-quality garments that are quickly discarded. By increasing taxes, governments can make it less profitable for companies to engage in such practices, potentially reducing the volume of clothing produced and encouraging more sustainable manufacturing processes.
Moreover, the additional revenue generated from these taxes can be reinvested in environmental initiatives. Governments could allocate funds to research and develop eco-friendly textiles, support sustainable fashion startups, or implement better waste management systems for textile recycling. This approach not only penalizes harmful practices but also actively contributes to solutions for the environmental challenges posed by the fashion industry.
However, it is crucial to implement such taxes carefully to avoid unintended consequences. If not properly designed, higher taxes might lead to job losses in the fast fashion sector or push production to countries with laxer environmental regulations. Therefore, governments should couple tax increases with support for industry transition and international cooperation to ensure global effectiveness.
In conclusion, imposing higher taxes on fast fashion brands is a necessary step towards mitigating the industry’s environmental impact. While challenges exist in implementation, the potential benefits of reduced production, increased sustainability initiatives, and raised consumer awareness justify this approach. Governments must take decisive action to address the environmental crisis, and regulating fast fashion through taxation is a viable strategy.
(Word count: 277)
Fast fashion's impact on the environment illustrated
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
In recent years, fast fashion has become a big problem for the environment. Some people think that governments should make these companies pay more taxes to help solve this issue. I agree with this idea to some extent, but I also think there are some problems with it.
On the one hand, higher taxes on fast fashion brands could be helpful. If these companies have to pay more taxes, they might make fewer clothes or use better materials that don’t harm the environment as much. This could lead to less pollution and waste from the fashion industry. Also, the extra money from taxes could be used to clean up the environment or support more eco-friendly fashion businesses.
However, there are some drawbacks to this approach. If taxes get too high, it might make clothes more expensive for people who can’t afford to buy from more expensive brands. This could be unfair to people with lower incomes. Additionally, some fast fashion companies might move their factories to other countries where they don’t have to pay these taxes, which wouldn’t solve the problem globally.
I think a better solution would be to combine higher taxes with other actions. Governments could use the tax money to educate people about the problems of fast fashion and encourage them to buy less and choose better quality clothes. They could also make laws that require fashion brands to use more sustainable materials and production methods.
In conclusion, while higher taxes on fast fashion brands could help reduce their negative impact on the environment, it’s not a perfect solution on its own. A combination of taxes, education, and regulations would be more effective in addressing this complex issue.
(Word count: 275)
The effects of globalization on the fashion industry have contributed significantly to the rise of fast fashion and its associated environmental challenges. As we consider solutions like taxation, it’s important to understand the global context of this issue.
Band 5-6 Sample Essay
Nowadays, fast fashion is causing many problems for the environment. Some people think the government should make these companies pay more taxes. I agree with this idea because it can help solve the problem.
First, if fast fashion brands have to pay more taxes, they might make less clothes. This is good because making too many clothes is bad for the environment. It uses a lot of water and makes pollution. If companies make less clothes, it will be better for the Earth.
Also, the government can use the extra money from taxes to help the environment. They can use it to clean up pollution or support companies that make eco-friendly clothes. This is a good way to use the money to fix the problems caused by fast fashion.
However, there are some problems with this idea. If clothes become more expensive because of taxes, some people might not be able to afford them. This could be unfair for poor people who need cheap clothes.
In my opinion, making fast fashion companies pay more taxes is a good idea, but it’s not enough. The government should also teach people about why fast fashion is bad and how to buy better clothes. They should also make rules to stop companies from harming the environment.
In conclusion, I think higher taxes on fast fashion brands can help reduce their bad impact on the environment. But it should be part of a bigger plan to solve this problem.
(Word count: 234)
Sustainable fashion alternatives compared to fast fashion
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Task Achievement: Fully addresses all parts of the task with a clear position throughout. Presents fully extended and well-developed ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Skillfully manages paragraphing with a clear central topic in each paragraph. Uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately.
- Lexical Resource: Uses a wide range of vocabulary naturally and flexibly. Very rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. Rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’.
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Task Achievement: Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others. Presents relevant main ideas but some may be inadequately developed.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Arranges information and ideas coherently and there is a clear overall progression. Uses cohesive devices effectively, but cohesion within and/or between sentences may be faulty or mechanical.
- Lexical Resource: Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task. Makes some errors in spelling and/or word formation, but they do not impede communication.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. Makes some errors in grammar and punctuation but they rarely reduce communication.
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Task Achievement: Addresses the task only partially. The format may be inappropriate in places. Presents some main ideas but these are limited and not sufficiently developed.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression. Makes inadequate, inaccurate or over-use of cohesive devices.
- Lexical Resource: Uses a limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally adequate for the task. May make noticeable errors in spelling and/or word formation that may cause some difficulty for the reader.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses only a limited range of structures. Attempts complex sentences but these tend to be less accurate than simple sentences. May make frequent grammatical errors and punctuation may be faulty.
Should fast fashion brands be regulated to prevent environmental harm is a question closely related to the taxation issue discussed in these essays. Exploring various regulatory approaches can provide a more comprehensive understanding of potential solutions.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Fast fashion (noun): Inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers in response to the latest trends.
Pronunciation: /fɑːst ˈfæʃən/Environmental sustainability (noun phrase): The ability to maintain ecological balance without depleting natural resources.
Pronunciation: /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/Overproduction (noun): The act of producing more of something than is needed or can be used.
Pronunciation: /ˌəʊvəprəˈdʌkʃən/Disposable (adjective): Intended to be used once or for a short time and then thrown away.
Pronunciation: /dɪˈspəʊzəbl/Eco-friendly (adjective): Not harmful to the environment.
Pronunciation: /ˌiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/Textile waste (noun phrase): Unwanted clothing or fibrous material discarded during production or after consumer use.
Pronunciation: /ˈtekstaɪl weɪst/Carbon emissions (noun phrase): The release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Pronunciation: /ˈkɑːbən ɪˈmɪʃənz/Sustainable manufacturing (noun phrase): Production processes that minimize negative environmental impacts while conserving energy and natural resources.
Pronunciation: /səˌsteɪnəbl ˌmænjuˈfæktʃərɪŋ/Consumer awareness (noun phrase): The understanding by individuals of their rights as consumers and the environmental impact of their choices.
Pronunciation: /kənˈsjuːmər əˈweənəs/Regulatory measure (noun phrase): An official rule or law designed to control or govern conduct.
Pronunciation: /ˈreɡjələtəri ˈmeʒə/
Impact of online shopping on the environment is another related topic worth exploring, as e-commerce has significantly influenced consumption patterns in the fashion industry.
Conclusion
The Impact Of Fast Fashion On Environmental Sustainability is a complex and pressing issue that is likely to continue appearing in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. By understanding the nuances of this topic and practicing with sample essays at different band levels, you can improve your ability to address such questions effectively.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of consumers in promoting sustainable fashion
- The effectiveness of recycling programs in the fashion industry
- The impact of social media on fast fashion consumption
- Balancing economic growth with environmental protection in the clothing industry
Remember to focus on developing a clear stance, supporting your ideas with relevant examples, and using a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your target band score.
Circular fashion economy concept illustration
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you refine your writing skills and prepare more effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.
