The topic of fast fashion’s impact on global supply chains is becoming increasingly relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. As environmental concerns and global trade issues gain prominence, this subject has appeared in recent exams and is likely to continue featuring in future tests. To help you prepare, let’s examine a real IELTS question on this topic and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Some people think that the fashion industry has a negative impact on people’s lives and society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Analyzing the Question
This question requires you to consider the broader effects of the fashion industry, including fast fashion, on individuals and society as a whole. You need to:
- Clearly state your opinion on whether you agree or disagree with the statement
- Provide reasons and examples to support your stance
- Consider both positive and negative impacts to present a balanced argument
- Structure your essay logically with clear paragraphs
Let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-scoring response.
Band 8 Sample Essay
The fashion industry, particularly the rise of fast fashion, has undoubtedly transformed the way we consume clothing and accessories. While some argue that this sector negatively impacts individuals and society, I believe that the reality is more nuanced, with both positive and negative consequences to consider.
On one hand, the fashion industry has democratized style and made trendy clothing accessible to a wider range of consumers. Fast fashion brands have enabled people from various socioeconomic backgrounds to express themselves through clothing and feel more confident in their appearance. This accessibility has fostered creativity and self-expression, potentially enhancing individuals’ self-esteem and social interactions. Moreover, the industry provides employment opportunities for millions worldwide, from designers and manufacturers to retail workers and marketers, contributing to economic growth and livelihoods.
However, the negative impacts of the fashion industry, especially fast fashion, cannot be ignored. The relentless pursuit of cheap, trendy clothing has led to exploitative labor practices in many developing countries, where workers often endure poor conditions and low wages. This raises serious ethical concerns about the human cost of our fashion choices. Furthermore, the industry’s environmental impact is substantial, with textile production contributing significantly to water pollution, carbon emissions, and waste generation. The culture of disposable fashion encourages overconsumption, leading to mountains of discarded clothing in landfills.
The impact of fast fashion on global supply chains extends beyond environmental concerns, affecting traditional craftsmanship and local economies. As mass-produced garments flood markets worldwide, artisanal skills and heritage techniques are at risk of being lost. This homogenization of fashion not only threatens cultural diversity but also disrupts local textile industries that cannot compete with the scale and speed of fast fashion production.
In conclusion, while the fashion industry has brought about positive changes in terms of accessibility and economic opportunities, its negative impacts on labor rights, the environment, and cultural heritage are significant. The extent of these effects varies, and it is crucial for consumers, businesses, and policymakers to work together to address the industry’s challenges while preserving its benefits. Ultimately, a more balanced and sustainable approach to fashion is necessary to mitigate its negative impacts on individuals and society.
Fast fashion's impact on global supply chains
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
The fashion industry has become a big part of our lives, and some people think it has negative effects on people and society. I partly agree with this opinion because there are both good and bad sides to the fashion industry.
One positive aspect is that fashion helps people express themselves. When we wear clothes we like, we feel more confident and happy. This can improve our social life and make us feel good about ourselves. Also, the fashion industry creates many jobs for people all over the world, from designers to shop workers. This helps the economy and gives people a way to earn money.
However, there are also negative impacts of the fashion industry, especially fast fashion. Many cheap clothes are made in poor countries where workers are not treated well and paid very little. This is not fair and causes problems for these workers. Another big issue is the environment. Making and throwing away so many clothes causes pollution and wastes resources. Many people buy clothes they don’t need and throw them away quickly, which is bad for the planet.
The effects of global trade on traditional crafts and industries is another concern. As big fashion companies make more cheap clothes, local craftspeople and small businesses find it hard to compete. This means some traditional ways of making clothes might disappear.
In conclusion, I think the fashion industry has both positive and negative effects on people and society. While it allows self-expression and provides jobs, it also causes problems with worker rights and the environment. We need to find a better balance to enjoy fashion without causing so much harm.
Band 5-6 Sample Essay
Fashion industry is very popular now and some people think it is bad for people and society. I think this is partly true because fashion has good and bad things.
Good things about fashion are it makes people look nice. When we wear nice clothes, we feel happy. Also, many people have jobs in fashion shops and factories. This is good for them to earn money.
But fashion also has problems. Some clothes are made in poor countries and workers are not paid well. This is not fair. Also, making lots of clothes uses too much water and makes pollution. People buy too many clothes and throw them away fast. This is bad for the Earth.
Another problem is that big fashion companies make it hard for small local clothes makers. This means some old ways of making clothes might be lost.
To finish, I think fashion has good and bad effects on people and society. We should try to keep the good parts but fix the problems to make fashion better for everyone.
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8 Essay:
- Clear position with a nuanced approach
- Well-developed ideas with specific examples
- Cohesive structure with clear paragraphing
- Wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures
- Minor errors that do not impede communication
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Clear overall position
- Relevant main ideas but less fully developed
- Generally coherent structure
- Adequate range of vocabulary with some less precise word choices
- Mix of simple and complex sentences with some errors
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task but position less clear
- Basic ideas with limited development
- Simple organization with some coherence
- Limited vocabulary range with some repetition
- Mostly simple sentences with frequent errors
Should fast fashion brands be taxed for environmental damage? This is a question that arises when considering the environmental impact of the fashion industry, as discussed in the higher band essays. Such critical thinking and exploration of potential solutions demonstrate the depth of analysis expected in higher-scoring responses.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Fast fashion (noun) – /fɑːst ˈfæʃ.ən/ – Inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers in response to the latest trends
- Supply chain (noun) – /səˈplaɪ tʃeɪn/ – The network between a company and its suppliers to produce and distribute a specific product
- Democratize (verb) – /dɪˈmɒk.rə.taɪz/ – To make something available to all people
- Artisanal (adjective) – /ˌɑː.tɪˈzæn.əl/ – Relating to or characteristic of high-quality or distinctive products made in small quantities
- Disposable (adjective) – /dɪˈspəʊ.zə.bəl/ – Intended to be used once, or until no longer useful, and then thrown away
- Overconsumption (noun) – /ˌəʊ.və.kənˈsʌmp.ʃən/ – The action or fact of consuming something to excess
- Homogenization (noun) – /həˌmɒdʒ.ə.naɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/ – The process of making things uniform or similar
- Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪ.nəˈbɪl.ə.ti/ – The quality of being able to continue over a period of time while avoiding the depletion of natural resources
Sustainable fashion practices infographic
In conclusion, the Impact Of Fast Fashion On Global Supply Chains is a complex and relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the nuances of this issue and practicing with sample essays of different band scores, you can improve your ability to craft well-structured, thoughtful responses. Remember to analyze the question carefully, develop your ideas with specific examples, and use a range of appropriate vocabulary and sentence structures.
How climate change impacts global economic stability is another related topic you might encounter, as it intersects with the environmental concerns raised by the fast fashion industry. Practicing with such interconnected themes can help you develop a broader perspective for your IELTS essays.
To further enhance your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice will help you internalize the structure and language needed for a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 response. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
