Fast fashion and its environmental impact have become increasingly popular topics in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This theme aligns with the growing global concern for sustainability and corporate responsibility. Based on recent trends, it’s highly likely that questions related to fast fashion and environmental taxation will continue to appear in future IELTS exams.
Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS tests:
Some people think that fast fashion brands should pay additional taxes to compensate for the environmental damage they cause. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to express their opinion on whether fast fashion companies should be subject to extra taxation due to their environmental impact. Key points to consider:
- The concept of fast fashion and its environmental consequences
- The idea of using taxes as a means of environmental compensation
- The potential effectiveness and fairness of such a policy
- Alternative solutions to address the environmental issues caused by fast fashion
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In recent years, the fast fashion industry has come under scrutiny for its significant environmental footprint. While some argue that imposing additional taxes on these brands is an effective way to mitigate the ecological damage they cause, I believe that this approach, although well-intentioned, may not be the most comprehensive solution to the problem.
Undoubtedly, fast fashion companies contribute substantially to environmental degradation through their production processes, excessive waste generation, and promotion of disposable consumer culture. The idea of making these brands financially accountable for their environmental impact through taxation is, at first glance, appealing. It aligns with the “polluter pays” principle and could potentially generate funds for environmental restoration projects. Moreover, such a tax might incentivize fast fashion brands to adopt more sustainable practices to reduce their tax burden.
However, there are several reasons why this approach may fall short of addressing the root causes of the problem. Firstly, the additional costs imposed by taxes are likely to be passed on to consumers, potentially making sustainable fashion even less accessible to lower-income groups. This could inadvertently widen the gap between those who can afford environmentally friendly options and those who cannot. Secondly, taxation alone does not necessarily lead to meaningful changes in corporate behavior or consumer attitudes. Without accompanying regulations and educational initiatives, companies might view the tax as simply another cost of doing business rather than a reason to fundamentally alter their practices.
Instead of relying solely on taxation, a more holistic approach is needed to tackle the environmental issues associated with fast fashion. This could include stricter regulations on production processes and materials used, mandatory transparency in supply chains, and investment in recycling technologies. Additionally, governments and educational institutions should focus on raising consumer awareness about the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions and promoting a culture of sustainable consumption.
In conclusion, while taxing fast fashion brands for environmental damage may seem like a straightforward solution, it is unlikely to be sufficient on its own. A multifaceted strategy that combines regulatory measures, technological innovation, and consumer education is more likely to bring about lasting change in the fashion industry and mitigate its environmental impact.
(Word count: 345)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The idea of taxing fast fashion brands for environmental damage is a topic that has gained attention recently. In my opinion, I agree to some extent that these companies should pay extra taxes, but I also think there are other factors to consider.
On one hand, making fast fashion brands pay more taxes could help address the environmental problems they cause. These companies often produce large amounts of cheap clothing that people wear only a few times before throwing away. This leads to a lot of waste and pollution. By taxing them more, we could discourage this harmful practice and raise money to clean up the environment.
However, there are some potential drawbacks to this approach. If fast fashion brands have to pay higher taxes, they might increase their prices, which could make clothes more expensive for consumers. This could be especially difficult for people with low incomes who rely on affordable clothing options. Additionally, some companies might try to find ways to avoid paying the taxes or move their production to countries with less strict environmental laws.
I believe that a better solution would be to combine taxation with other measures. For example, governments could create stricter regulations on how clothes are made and what materials can be used. They could also invest in recycling programs and educate consumers about the importance of buying durable, high-quality clothing.
In conclusion, while I agree that taxing fast fashion brands for environmental damage could be helpful, I think it should be part of a broader approach to solving the problem. By combining different strategies, we can work towards a more sustainable fashion industry that benefits both people and the planet.
(Word count: 276)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Nowadays, many people are talking about fast fashion and how it harms the environment. Some think these companies should pay more taxes because of this. I partly agree with this idea.
First, I think it’s good to make fast fashion brands pay more taxes. These companies make a lot of cheap clothes that people throw away quickly. This causes pollution and wastes resources. If they have to pay more taxes, maybe they will be more careful about how they make clothes.
But there are also some problems with this idea. If fast fashion brands have to pay more taxes, they might make their clothes more expensive. This would be bad for people who don’t have much money and need cheap clothes. Also, some companies might try to cheat and not pay the taxes.
I think there are other ways to help the environment too. The government could make rules about how clothes should be made. They could also teach people about buying better quality clothes that last longer. Maybe they could also help create more places to recycle old clothes.
In conclusion, I think making fast fashion brands pay more taxes could help a little bit, but it’s not the only solution. We need to do many different things to protect the environment from the problems caused by fast fashion.
(Word count: 213)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
- Presents a clear position throughout the essay
- Logically organizes ideas with clear progression
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control
- Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
- Has rare minor errors and demonstrates a high level of grammatical accuracy
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents a relevant position, though conclusions may become unclear
- Arranges information coherently with clear overall progression
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task with some inaccuracies
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
- Has some errors in grammar and punctuation but they rarely reduce communication
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially; format may be inappropriate in places
- Expresses a position but development is not always clear
- Presents information with some organization but there may be lack of overall progression
- Uses a limited range of vocabulary with some repetition and inappropriate word choice
- Uses a limited range of structures with some attempts at more complex sentences
- Makes frequent grammatical errors that may cause some difficulty for the reader
Key Vocabulary to Remember
-
Fast fashion (noun) – Inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers in response to the latest trends
/fɑːst ˈfæʃən/ -
Environmental degradation (noun phrase) – The deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources
/ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃn/ -
Sustainable (adjective) – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources
/səˈsteɪnəbl/ -
Incentivize (verb) – Motivate or encourage someone to do something
/ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ -
Holistic (adjective) – Characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can be explained only by reference to the whole
/həʊˈlɪstɪk/ -
Multifaceted (adjective) – Having many different aspects or features
/ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ -
Disposable (adjective) – Intended to be used once, or until no longer useful, and then thrown away
/dɪˈspəʊzəbl/ -
Transparency (noun) – The quality of being done in an open way without secrets
/trænsˈpærənsi/ -
Ecological (adjective) – Relating to or concerned with the relation of living organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings
/ˌiːkəˈlɒdʒɪkl/ -
Mitigate (verb) – Make less severe, serious, or painful
/ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/
In conclusion, the question of whether fast fashion brands should be taxed for environmental damage is a complex and relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. As we’ve seen from the sample essays, there are various approaches to addressing this issue, each with its own merits and limitations. To further prepare for similar questions, consider practicing with these related topics:
- The role of consumers in promoting sustainable fashion
- Government regulations vs. corporate responsibility in addressing environmental issues
- The impact of globalization on local textile industries and the environment
- Balancing economic growth with environmental protection in developing countries
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and complex sentences, and fully address all parts of the question. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!