The environmental consequences of rapid delivery services have become an increasingly common topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, particularly as e-commerce continues to reshape global consumer behavior. This theme intersects with broader environmental concerns, similar to should governments fund research into alternative energy, making it highly relevant for current IELTS examinations.
Task Analysis
Some people believe that next-day delivery services are causing significant environmental damage. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
This question requires candidates to:
- Take a clear position on the environmental impact of next-day delivery
- Support arguments with specific examples
- Consider various aspects of environmental damage
- Provide a balanced discussion while maintaining their stance
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The proliferation of next-day delivery services has sparked debate about their environmental implications, and I strongly agree that these services are contributing significantly to environmental degradation through multiple channels.
The most immediate environmental impact stems from the transportation requirements of rapid delivery services. Unlike traditional delivery methods that can optimize routes and consolidate shipments, next-day services often necessitate partially filled vehicles making multiple trips, substantially increasing carbon emissions. For instance, major courier companies frequently dispatch half-empty vans to meet delivery deadlines, similar to how impact of urbanization on social services has led to inefficient resource allocation in cities.
Furthermore, the infrastructure required for next-day delivery creates additional environmental pressures. The construction of numerous distribution centers and warehouses leads to habitat destruction and increased energy consumption. These facilities require constant climate control and operate 24/7, consuming massive amounts of electricity and contributing to urban heat island effects.
The packaging waste generated by rapid delivery services also poses a serious environmental threat. The need for robust packaging to ensure swift and safe delivery results in excessive use of plastic materials and protective fillers, much of which ends up in landfills or oceans. This situation mirrors the challenges faced in how to reduce food insecurity, where immediate solutions often create long-term environmental problems.
While next-day delivery services offer convenience, their environmental cost is unsustainable. To address this issue, companies should implement more environmentally conscious delivery options and consumers should be educated about the environmental impact of their delivery choices.
Eco-friendly delivery alternatives showing electric vehicles and sustainable packaging
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Next-day delivery services are becoming very popular nowadays, and I think they are causing big problems for the environment in many ways.
First, these services use many vehicles on the road. When people want things quickly, companies must send more trucks and vans, which make more pollution. Sometimes they send trucks that are not full just to deliver a few items quickly. This makes more CO2 in the air.
Also, these services need big buildings to store things. They build many warehouses which destroy natural areas where animals live. These buildings use lots of electricity for lights and air conditioning, which is bad for the environment.
Another problem is packaging. Fast delivery needs strong boxes and plastic wrapping to protect items. Most of this packaging is thrown away after one use. This makes lots of waste that goes to landfills and pollutes the earth.
I think companies should try to make delivery services more environmentally friendly. They could use electric vehicles and better packaging. People should also think about whether they really need things so quickly.
Key Vocabulary
- proliferation (n) /prəˌlɪf.əˈreɪ.ʃən/ – rapid increase
- degradation (n) /ˌdeɡ.rəˈdeɪ.ʃən/ – deterioration
- consolidate (v) /kənˈsɒl.ɪ.deɪt/ – combine
- infrastructure (n) /ˈɪn.frəˌstrʌk.tʃər/ – basic facilities
- robust (adj) /rəˈbʌst/ – strong and sturdy
- sustainable (adj) /səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/ – environmentally sound
- optimization (n) /ˌɒp.tɪ.maɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/ – making most effective use
- habitat (n) /ˈhæb.ɪ.tæt/ – natural environment
Conclusion
The environmental impact of next-day delivery services remains a crucial topic for IELTS candidates. Practice writing about similar themes such as:
- The balance between convenience and environmental responsibility
- Solutions for sustainable delivery services
- Consumer behavior and environmental consciousness
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and improvement suggestions.
