Illegal dumping is a pressing environmental issue that has been increasingly featured in IELTS Writing Task 2 prompts. Based on recent exam trends, we can expect this topic to appear more frequently in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past exams:

Some people think that the best way to reduce the amount of waste created by companies and individuals is to increase the cost of waste disposal. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Analysis of the Question

This question addresses the issue of waste management and asks for your opinion on a proposed solution. Key points to consider:

1. The main topic is reducing waste creation.
2. The proposed solution is increasing the cost of waste disposal.
3. You need to express your level of agreement or disagreement.
4. You should discuss both companies and individuals.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Waste management is a critical issue facing modern societies, and some argue that increasing disposal costs is the most effective way to reduce waste production. While I agree that this approach could have some positive impact, I believe a more comprehensive strategy is necessary to address this complex problem.

Raising the cost of waste disposal could indeed motivate both businesses and individuals to reduce their waste output. Companies, driven by profit margins, would likely invest in more efficient production processes and packaging methods to minimize waste and associated disposal costs. Similarly, households might become more conscious of their consumption habits and make efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle to avoid higher garbage collection fees.

However, this approach alone is insufficient and may have unintended consequences. Firstly, increased disposal costs could lead to more illegal dumping, as some individuals and companies might seek to avoid paying higher fees. This would simply shift the problem rather than solving it. Secondly, this method disproportionately affects lower-income households, who may struggle to pay higher waste management costs and have less flexibility in changing their consumption patterns.

A more effective strategy would combine economic incentives with education, infrastructure improvements, and regulatory measures. Governments should invest in public awareness campaigns to promote responsible consumption and proper waste sorting. Improving recycling facilities and implementing extended producer responsibility programs would make it easier for people to dispose of waste responsibly. Additionally, stricter regulations on packaging and planned obsolescence could reduce waste at the source.

In conclusion, while increasing the cost of waste disposal may play a role in waste reduction, it should be part of a multifaceted approach. By combining economic, educational, and regulatory measures, we can create a more sustainable and equitable waste management system that addresses the root causes of excessive waste production.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Waste management is a big problem in many countries, and some people think that making it more expensive to throw away trash will help reduce the amount of waste. I partly agree with this idea, but I also think there are other important things we need to do.

Increasing the cost of waste disposal could make people and companies more careful about how much waste they produce. If it costs more money to get rid of garbage, businesses might try to use less packaging or find ways to reuse materials. Families might also start to recycle more and buy things with less packaging to save money on garbage collection.

However, just making waste disposal more expensive might cause some problems. Some people might start dumping their trash illegally to avoid paying higher fees. This could make the environment even dirtier. Also, poor people might have a hard time paying for more expensive waste collection, which isn’t fair.

I think we need to do more than just raise prices. The government should teach people about recycling and why it’s important to reduce waste. They should also make it easier for people to recycle by providing more recycling bins and centers. Companies should be encouraged or required to use materials that are easy to recycle.

In conclusion, making waste disposal more expensive might help a little, but it’s not enough on its own. We need to combine this with education, better recycling systems, and rules for companies to really solve the waste problem.

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

Nowadays, there is too much waste in our cities and countries. Some people say we should make it more expensive to throw away trash to solve this problem. I think this is a good idea, but it might not be enough.

If it costs more money to get rid of garbage, maybe people will make less trash. Companies might use less packaging for their products. Families might try to recycle more things instead of throwing them away. This could help reduce waste.

But there are some problems with this idea. If it’s too expensive to throw away trash, some people might dump it in parks or rivers. This is very bad for the environment. Also, poor people might not be able to pay for expensive garbage collection.

I think we need to do more things to solve the waste problem. The government should teach people about recycling. They should put more recycling bins in cities. Schools should teach children about not wasting things. Companies should make products that last longer and are easy to recycle.

In conclusion, making waste disposal more expensive might help, but we need to do other things too. If we all work together and learn about reducing waste, we can make our cities cleaner and healthier.

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay:

• Fully addresses all parts of the task with well-developed ideas
• Presents a clear position throughout the response
• Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control
• Uses a wide range of complex structures with full flexibility and accuracy
• Has excellent paragraph organization and uses cohesive devices effectively

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 the conclusions may become unclear at times
• Uses an adequate range of vocabulary with some errors in word choice
• Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors
• Has clear paragraphing but may lack some cohesive devices

Band 5-6 Essay:

• Addresses the task only partially, with limited idea development
• Expresses a position but it may not be clear throughout
• Uses limited vocabulary with noticeable errors that may cause some difficulty for the reader
• Uses mainly simple sentences with limited accuracy in more complex structures
• Has some organization but lacks overall progression, with inadequate use of cohesive devices

Comparison chart of waste reduction strategies

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Waste management (noun) – /weɪst ˈmænɪdʒmənt/ – The collection, transportation, and disposal of garbage, sewage, and other waste products.

2. Illegal dumping (noun) – /ɪˈliːɡəl ˈdʌmpɪŋ/ – The practice of disposing of waste in an unauthorized area.

3. Disproportionately (adverb) – /ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːʃənətli/ – To an extent that is too large or too small in comparison with something else.

4. Extended producer responsibility (noun) – /ɪkˈstendɪd prəˈdjuːsər rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/ – A strategy designed to promote the integration of environmental costs associated with goods throughout their life cycles into the market price of the products.

5. Multifaceted (adjective) – /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – Having many different aspects or features.

6. Planned obsolescence (noun) – /plænd ˌɒbsəˈlesns/ – A policy of producing consumer goods that rapidly become obsolete and so require replacing.

7. Consumption patterns (noun) – /kənˈsʌmpʃən ˈpætənz/ – The way in which people use goods and services.

8. Recycling facilities (noun) – /riːˈsaɪklɪŋ fəˈsɪlətiz/ – Places or equipment designed for collecting and processing materials for reuse.

In conclusion, the topic of illegal dumping and waste management is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

• The role of government vs. individual responsibility in waste reduction
• The impact of consumerism on waste production
• Innovative technologies for waste management and recycling

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 with other learners.