As an IELTS Writing Task 2 expert, I’ve noticed that questions related to environmental issues, particularly plastic pollution, have been increasingly common in recent years. The topic “Should governments ban the use of plastic packaging” is highly relevant and has a strong likelihood of appearing in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays and in-depth analysis.
Analyzing the Essay Question
Let’s focus on the following question, which is representative of the type you might encounter in an IELTS Writing Task 2 exam:
Some people think that governments should ban the use of plastic packaging for consumer goods, while others believe that consumers should avoid buying goods with plastic packaging. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the view that governments should ban plastic packaging
- Discuss the view that consumers should avoid buying goods with plastic packaging
- Provide your own opinion on the matter
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Environmental concerns have brought the issue of plastic packaging to the forefront of public discourse. While some advocate for governmental intervention through bans, others believe consumer responsibility is the key. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of government bans argue that legislative action is the most effective way to address the plastic crisis. They contend that by prohibiting manufacturers from using plastic packaging, governments can swiftly and significantly reduce plastic waste. This approach has proven successful in some regions, such as Kenya, where a plastic bag ban led to cleaner urban areas and waterways. Moreover, a top-down approach ensures uniformity and prevents companies from exploiting loopholes or variations in local regulations.
On the other hand, those who emphasize consumer responsibility believe that market forces can drive change more organically. They argue that if consumers consistently choose products with eco-friendly packaging, companies will be compelled to adapt their practices to maintain market share. This view is supported by the success of consumer-led movements, such as the shift away from plastic straws in many countries. Additionally, this approach fosters a sense of individual environmental stewardship, potentially leading to more sustainable behaviors in other aspects of life.
In my opinion, a combination of both approaches is necessary to effectively tackle the plastic packaging problem. While government regulations can provide a strong framework and accelerate change, consumer education and choice are crucial for long-term sustainability. Governments should implement graduated bans on the most harmful types of plastic packaging while simultaneously investing in public awareness campaigns and incentives for eco-friendly alternatives. This dual approach would create a supportive environment for both businesses and consumers to transition away from plastic packaging.
In conclusion, addressing the issue of plastic packaging requires a multifaceted approach. By combining governmental action with consumer responsibility, we can create a more sustainable future that balances environmental protection with practical needs. (309 words)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates the qualities expected of a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly presenting the writer’s opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. Each paragraph focuses on a specific point, and ideas are logically developed.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately. Examples include “legislative action,” “environmental stewardship,” and “multifaceted approach.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly. Complex sentences are used effectively, such as “While government regulations can provide a strong framework and accelerate change, consumer education and choice are crucial for long-term sustainability.”
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
Plastic packaging is a big problem for the environment. Some people think the government should stop companies from using it, while others say consumers should not buy products with plastic packaging. I will discuss both ideas and give my opinion.
Those who want the government to ban plastic packaging think it’s the fastest way to solve the problem. They say that if companies can’t use plastic, they will have to find other materials. This could quickly reduce the amount of plastic waste. For example, some countries have banned plastic bags, and it has helped to make their cities cleaner.
On the other hand, people who focus on consumer choice believe that if we stop buying things with plastic packaging, companies will change on their own. They think that businesses will use different packaging if customers prefer it. This has worked in some cases, like when many people stopped using plastic straws.
I think both the government and consumers have important roles to play. The government can make rules to reduce the worst types of plastic packaging, but people also need to choose products with less plastic. If we do both things, we can make real progress in solving the plastic problem.
In conclusion, we need both government action and consumer choices to deal with plastic packaging. This combined approach can help protect the environment while still meeting people’s needs. (219 words)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates the qualities expected of a mid-range IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the ideas are less fully developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is organized logically, but the paragraphing and linking could be more sophisticated.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, but less varied and precise compared to the higher band essay. Some attempts at more advanced vocabulary are made, such as “combined approach.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, but with less variety and sophistication than the Band 8-9 essay. There are no significant errors, but the structures are less flexible.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Environmental stewardship (noun) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈstjuːərdʃɪp/: The responsible use and protection of the natural environment.
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Legislative action (noun) /ˈledʒɪslətɪv ˈækʃn/: The process of making or enacting laws.
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Eco-friendly (adjective) /ˈiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/: Not harmful to the environment.
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Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.
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Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/: Having many different aspects or features.
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Organic (adjective) /ɔːˈgænɪk/: Developing naturally without being forced or contrived.
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Incentive (noun) /ɪnˈsentɪv/: Something that motivates or encourages someone to do something.
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Transition (noun) /trænˈzɪʃn/: The process or period of changing from one state or condition to another.
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Framework (noun) /ˈfreɪmwɜːk/: A basic structure underlying a system, concept, or text.
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Accelerate (verb) /əkˈseləreɪt/: To increase the rate or speed of something.
Conclusion
The topic of banning plastic packaging is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS exams due to its global importance. To prepare, practice writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of technology in reducing plastic waste
- The impact of plastic pollution on marine life
- Comparing the effectiveness of recycling versus reducing plastic use
Remember to always analyze the question carefully, plan your response, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Feel free to practice by writing your own essay on this topic and sharing it in the comments section below. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your IELTS Writing skills.