Ocean plastic pollution has become a pressing global issue, and it’s no surprise that this topic frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Based on recent trends and the growing importance of environmental concerns, we can expect this subject to remain highly relevant in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore some potential essay questions and provide sample responses to help you prepare for this challenging yet crucial topic.
Analyzing the Essay Question
For this article, we’ll focus on the following IELTS Writing Task 2 question:
Some people believe that governments should impose heavy taxes on industries and individuals who pollute the oceans with plastic waste. Others argue that education and awareness programs are more effective in tackling ocean plastic pollution. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the view that heavy taxes should be imposed on polluters
- Explain the perspective that education and awareness programs are more effective
- Provide your own opinion on which approach is better
Now, let’s look at three sample essays of varying quality, followed by a detailed analysis of each.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Ocean plastic pollution is a critical environmental issue that demands immediate action. While some advocate for punitive measures through heavy taxation, others believe in the power of education and awareness. In my opinion, a combination of both approaches is necessary to effectively combat this global problem.
Proponents of heavy taxes argue that financial penalties can serve as a powerful deterrent to plastic pollution. By imposing significant costs on industries and individuals who contribute to ocean plastic waste, governments can create a strong economic incentive for change. This approach could lead to rapid reductions in plastic production and disposal, as companies and consumers seek to avoid hefty fines. Moreover, the revenue generated from these taxes could be channeled into ocean cleanup efforts and the development of sustainable alternatives to plastic.
On the other hand, supporters of education and awareness programs contend that lasting change can only come through a shift in societal attitudes and behaviors. By informing people about the devastating impacts of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems and human health, these initiatives can foster a sense of personal responsibility and inspire voluntary action. Educational campaigns can also promote practical solutions, such as recycling, using reusable products, and supporting eco-friendly businesses. Unlike punitive measures, this approach addresses the root cause of the problem by changing people’s mindsets and habits.
In my view, a comprehensive strategy that combines both taxation and education is the most effective way to address ocean plastic pollution. While taxes can provide immediate financial incentives for reducing plastic waste, education ensures long-term behavioral changes. Governments could implement a graduated tax system that increases penalties for repeat offenders while simultaneously investing in robust public awareness campaigns and school curricula focused on environmental conservation. This dual approach would create a society that is both economically motivated and intrinsically committed to protecting our oceans.
In conclusion, tackling ocean plastic pollution requires a multifaceted approach. By leveraging the strengths of both taxation and education, we can create a powerful synergy that addresses this critical issue from multiple angles. Only through such a comprehensive strategy can we hope to reverse the tide of plastic pollution and preserve our oceans for future generations.
(Word count: 345)
Analysis of Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
-
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly stating the writer’s opinion.
-
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices (e.g., “On the other hand,” “Moreover,” “In conclusion”).
-
Lexical Resource: The writer uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “punitive measures,” “deterrent,” “fostering a sense of personal responsibility”).
-
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures with a high degree of accuracy.
-
Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with clear explanations and examples.
The essay would likely score in the Band 8-9 range due to its sophisticated argument, clear structure, and advanced language use.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Ocean plastic pollution is a big problem today. Some people think governments should make polluters pay high taxes, while others believe education is better. I will discuss both ideas and give my opinion.
Taxing polluters can be a good way to reduce plastic waste in oceans. If companies and people have to pay a lot of money for polluting, they might think twice before using or throwing away plastic. This could make them find other materials that are better for the environment. Also, the money from taxes could be used to clean up the oceans and help marine life.
However, education and awareness programs can also be effective. When people learn about how plastic harms sea animals and our health, they might want to change their habits. Schools can teach children about recycling and using less plastic. This knowledge can stay with them for a long time and influence their future choices.
In my opinion, both methods are important and should be used together. Taxes can make quick changes, but education can change people’s minds for the long term. If we only use taxes, people might not understand why they’re paying more. But if we only use education, some people might not care enough to change their behavior.
To conclude, I believe a mix of taxes and education is the best way to fight ocean plastic pollution. Governments should make polluters pay, but also invest in teaching people about the problem. This way, we can work together to keep our oceans clean and healthy for the future.
(Word count: 269)
Analysis of Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates competence in addressing the task but lacks the sophistication of a higher band score:
-
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the ideas are less fully developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
-
Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall structure, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated (e.g., frequent use of “also” and “however”).
-
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, but lacks the precision and range of higher band scores (e.g., repeated use of “big problem,” “good way”).
-
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control, though there are occasional errors.
-
Development of Ideas: Ideas are relevant but less fully extended compared to the higher band essay.
This essay would likely score in the Band 6-7 range due to its clear structure and relevant ideas, but with less sophisticated language and development compared to higher band scores.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Ocean plastic pollution is very bad for environment. Some people say government should give big tax to polluters. Other people think education is better. I will talk about both and give my idea.
Big tax on polluters can help stop plastic in ocean. If companys have to pay lot of money, they may not use plastic. This can make less plastic in sea. Also, government can use money to clean ocean.
But education is also good. When people know about problem, they can change. Schools can teach kids about plastic danger. This can make people use less plastic in future.
I think both ways are good. Tax can make fast change. Education can make long change. We need both to fix ocean pollution problem.
In conclusion, tax and education both important for stop ocean plastic pollution. Government should use both way to help ocean. This can make ocean clean for future.
(Word count: 146)
Analysis of Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
This essay demonstrates a limited ability to address the task:
-
Task Response: The essay addresses the main points of the task but in a very simple and limited way.
-
Coherence and Cohesion: There is a basic structure, but paragraphing is not always logical, and cohesive devices are simple and repetitive.
-
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, with some errors in word choice and spelling (e.g., “companys” instead of “companies”).
-
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay primarily uses simple sentences with frequent grammatical errors (e.g., missing articles, incorrect verb forms).
-
Development of Ideas: Ideas are present but underdeveloped, lacking in detail and explanation.
This essay would likely score in the Band 5-6 range due to its basic address of the task and limited language resources.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Pollution (noun) – /pəˈluːʃn/ – The presence of harmful substances in the environment
- Biodegradable (adjective) – /ˌbaɪəʊdɪˈɡreɪdəbl/ – Capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms
- Ecosystem (noun) – /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment
- Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – The ability to maintain at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources
- Microplastics (noun) – /ˌmaɪkrəʊˈplæstɪks/ – Extremely small pieces of plastic debris in the environment
- Conservation (noun) – /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/ – The protection of plants, animals, and natural resources
- Legislation (noun) – /ˌledʒɪsˈleɪʃn/ – Laws, considered collectively
- Incentive (noun) – /ɪnˈsentɪv/ – Something that motivates or encourages someone to do something
- Detrimental (adjective) – /ˌdetrɪˈmentl/ – Tending to cause harm
- Mitigation (noun) – /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/ – The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something
Conclusion
Ocean plastic pollution is a crucial topic that is likely to appear in future IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. By studying these sample essays and analyses, you can better understand how to approach this subject and improve your writing skills. Remember to practice writing your own essays on this topic, focusing on clear structure, relevant ideas, and appropriate use of vocabulary and grammar.
To further enhance your preparation, consider practicing with these potential essay questions:
- Discuss the roles of individuals, businesses, and governments in reducing ocean plastic pollution.
- Some people believe that banning single-use plastics is the most effective way to combat ocean pollution. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- Compare the effectiveness of local initiatives versus international agreements in addressing ocean plastic pollution.
We encourage you to write your own essays on these topics and share them in the comments section below. This practice will help you refine your writing skills and prepare you for success in your IELTS Writing Task 2.
For more information on tackling environmental topics in IELTS Writing Task 2, check out our guide on how to deal with the growing issue of plastic pollution in oceans and learn about how the global community is addressing ocean plastic pollution.