The topic of fast fashion and its environmental impact has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and the growing global concern for sustainability, it’s highly likely that questions related to this issue will continue to appear in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Some people believe that fast fashion companies should be held responsible for the environmental damage caused by their products. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Analyzing the Question
This question requires you to express your opinion on whether fast fashion companies should be held accountable for environmental damage. You need to:
- Clearly state your position (agree, disagree, or partially agree)
- Provide reasons and examples to support your viewpoint
- Consider potential counterarguments
- Conclude by summarizing your main points and restating your opinion
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Fast fashion has revolutionized the clothing industry, but at a significant environmental cost. I strongly believe that fast fashion companies should indeed be held accountable for the ecological damage their products cause, as this responsibility is crucial for promoting sustainable practices and mitigating the industry’s negative impact on our planet.
Firstly, fast fashion companies are the primary beneficiaries of the current unsustainable model of clothing production and consumption. They profit from encouraging rapid turnover of styles, leading to excessive waste and resource depletion. By holding these companies responsible, we create a financial incentive for them to adopt more sustainable practices, such as using eco-friendly materials, implementing circular economy models, and improving their supply chain management.
Moreover, these corporations possess the resources and influence to drive significant change in the industry. Their vast financial means and market reach put them in a unique position to innovate and set new standards for sustainability. By being held accountable, they are more likely to invest in research and development of sustainable technologies and materials, which can have a ripple effect throughout the entire fashion ecosystem.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that consumers also play a role in this issue. While companies should bear the primary responsibility, educating consumers about the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions is equally crucial. A balanced approach that combines corporate accountability with consumer awareness can lead to more effective and lasting change.
In conclusion, I firmly believe that fast fashion companies should be held responsible for their environmental impact. This accountability can drive innovation, promote sustainable practices, and ultimately lead to a more environmentally friendly fashion industry. However, this approach should be complemented by efforts to raise consumer awareness, creating a holistic solution to this pressing environmental challenge.
(Word count: 295)
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
In recent years, fast fashion has become a big problem for the environment. Many people think that companies making cheap, trendy clothes should be responsible for the damage they cause. I agree with this idea to some extent, but I also think other factors should be considered.
On one hand, fast fashion companies definitely play a big role in harming the environment. They make too many clothes that people only wear a few times before throwing away. This creates a lot of waste and uses up resources. These companies should take responsibility by using better materials and making clothes that last longer. They have the money and power to make big changes in how clothes are made and sold.
However, we can’t put all the blame on these companies. Consumers also have a part in this problem. Many people keep buying new clothes even when they don’t need them, just to follow trends. If people stopped buying so many cheap clothes, companies would have to change their ways. Also, governments should make rules to help protect the environment from the fashion industry.
In conclusion, I believe fast fashion companies should be held responsible for a lot of the environmental damage they cause, but not for all of it. We need a mix of company responsibility, consumer education, and government rules to really solve this problem. Everyone needs to work together to make fashion more environmentally friendly.
(Word count: 238)
Sample Essay for Band 5-6
Fast fashion is a big problem for the environment today. Some people think the companies that make cheap clothes should be responsible for this. I agree with this idea.
Firstly, fast fashion companies make too many clothes. They use a lot of water and chemicals to make these clothes, which is bad for nature. They should be responsible because they are the ones making these choices. If they have to pay for the damage, maybe they will make better choices.
Also, these companies are rich and powerful. They can change how clothes are made if they want to. They can use better materials that don’t hurt the environment so much. If they are held responsible, they might do this more.
But it’s not just the companies’ fault. People who buy too many clothes are also part of the problem. We need to teach people to buy less and buy better quality clothes.
In conclusion, I think fast fashion companies should be responsible for environmental damage, but everyone needs to help solve this problem. Companies, people who buy clothes, and the government all need to work together to make fashion better for the environment.
(Word count: 188)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts of the task with a clear position and well-developed ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Logically organized with clear progression throughout. Uses a range of cohesive devices effectively.
- Lexical Resource: Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy.
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses all parts of the task, although some parts may be more fully covered than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Arranges information coherently and there is a clear overall progression. Uses cohesive devices but may be overused or underused.
- Lexical Resource: Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task with some attempts at less common vocabulary.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors that do not impede communication.
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses the task only partially, with limited development of ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Presents information with some organization but may lack overall progression. Uses basic cohesive devices.
- Lexical Resource: Uses a limited range of vocabulary but this is minimally adequate for the task.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses only a limited range of structures with some attempts at complex sentences. Errors may cause some difficulty for the reader.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
-
Fast fashion (noun) – /fɑːst ˈfæʃən/ – Inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers in response to the latest trends.
-
Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources or causing ecological damage.
-
Accountability (noun) – /əˌkaʊntəˈbɪləti/ – The fact or condition of being accountable; responsibility.
-
Environmental impact (noun phrase) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈɪmpækt/ – The effect of human activities on the natural environment.
-
Circular economy (noun phrase) – /ˈsɜːkjələr iˈkɒnəmi/ – An economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources.
-
Resource depletion (noun phrase) – /rɪˈsɔːs dɪˈpliːʃn/ – The consumption of a resource faster than it can be replenished.
-
Ecological damage (noun phrase) – /ˌiːkəˈlɒdʒɪkl ˈdæmɪdʒ/ – Harm caused to ecosystems and the environment.
-
Supply chain management (noun phrase) – /səˈplaɪ tʃeɪn ˈmænɪdʒmənt/ – The handling of the entire production flow of a good or service.
-
Consumer awareness (noun phrase) – /kənˈsjuːmər əˈweənəs/ – The understanding by an individual of their rights as a consumer concerning available products and services.
-
Eco-friendly (adjective) – /ˈiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/ – Not harmful to the environment.
In conclusion, the topic of fast fashion’s environmental impact is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of consumers in promoting sustainable fashion
- Government regulations to control the environmental impact of the fashion industry
- Balancing economic growth with environmental protection in the clothing sector
Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Feel free to practice by writing your own essay on this topic and sharing it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.