Environmental protection has become a hot topic in recent years, with the issue of single-use plastics gaining significant attention. This topic has appeared frequently in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams and is likely to continue being a popular subject. Let’s examine a relevant question that has been featured in past IELTS exams and analyze sample essays for different band scores.
Some people believe that governments should ban the use of disposable plastic products to reduce waste. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Analyzing the Question
This question asks for your opinion on whether governments should prohibit the use of disposable plastic products as a means to reduce waste. Key points to consider:
- The main topic is banning disposable plastic products
- The reason given is to reduce waste
- You need to state your level of agreement or disagreement
- You should provide reasons and examples to support your position
Should governments ban single-use plastics? This is a complex issue that requires careful consideration of both the benefits and drawbacks of such a ban.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In recent years, the proliferation of disposable plastic products has become a major environmental concern. While some argue that governments should implement a complete ban on these items to reduce waste, I partially agree with this stance, believing that a more nuanced approach is necessary.
On the one hand, there are compelling reasons to support a ban on disposable plastics. Firstly, these products contribute significantly to environmental pollution, with millions of tons of plastic waste ending up in oceans and landfills each year. This pollution harms marine life, contaminates food chains, and degrades ecosystems. Secondly, the production of single-use plastics relies heavily on fossil fuels, contributing to climate change. A ban would force industries to develop more sustainable alternatives, potentially spurring innovation in eco-friendly materials.
However, an outright ban on all disposable plastic products may not be the most effective solution. Some single-use plastics serve crucial purposes in medical and scientific fields, where sterility and precision are paramount. A complete ban could hinder progress in these areas. Additionally, many businesses and consumers rely on disposable plastics for convenience and cost-effectiveness. An immediate ban could cause economic disruptions and face significant resistance.
Instead of a blanket ban, I believe governments should adopt a multi-faceted approach. This could include implementing gradual restrictions on non-essential single-use plastics, such as shopping bags and straws, while investing in research and development of biodegradable alternatives. Governments could also introduce incentives for businesses to transition to sustainable packaging and impose taxes on plastic production to discourage overuse. Public education campaigns to raise awareness about the environmental impact of plastic waste and promote responsible consumption are equally important.
In conclusion, while I agree that reducing disposable plastic use is crucial for environmental protection, I believe a complete government ban is too simplistic a solution. A more balanced approach combining targeted restrictions, incentives for sustainable alternatives, and public education would be more effective in addressing this complex issue.
(Word count: 309)
Single-use plastic pollution in the ocean
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic, warranting a high band score. Here’s why:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with a nuanced view. It discusses both sides of the argument and provides a well-developed response.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph has a central topic, and ideas are logically connected using appropriate linking words.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is sophisticated and precise (e.g., “proliferation,” “nuanced approach,” “spurring innovation”). There is a good range of less common vocabulary used accurately.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a wide range of complex structures accurately. There is a good mix of simple and complex sentences with no noticeable errors.
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Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations. The essay presents a balanced view and offers alternative solutions, showing depth of critical thinking.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The issue of disposable plastic products and their impact on the environment has become a major concern in recent years. Some people think that governments should completely ban these products to reduce waste. I partially agree with this idea, but I think there are both advantages and disadvantages to consider.
On the one hand, banning disposable plastics could have several benefits. Firstly, it would significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in our oceans and landfills. This would help protect marine life and reduce pollution in general. Secondly, a ban would force companies to find more eco-friendly alternatives, which could lead to new innovations in packaging and materials.
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to a complete ban. Many businesses rely on disposable plastics for packaging and serving food, and a sudden ban could cause economic problems for these companies. Additionally, some disposable plastic products, like medical supplies, are important for hygiene and safety reasons.
Instead of a total ban, I believe governments should take a more balanced approach. They could start by banning unnecessary single-use plastics like straws and shopping bags, while gradually phasing out other types of disposable plastics. Governments should also invest in recycling programs and educate people about reducing plastic use. This way, we can reduce plastic waste without causing too much disruption to businesses and people’s daily lives.
In conclusion, while I agree that reducing disposable plastic use is important for the environment, I think a complete ban might be too extreme. A combination of partial bans, better recycling, and education would be a more effective way to address the problem.
(Word count: 276)
Should governments ban plastic bags and encourage the use of eco-friendly alternatives? This is one aspect of the broader issue of single-use plastics that deserves careful consideration.
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates good writing skills but lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band essay. Here’s an analysis of its strengths and weaknesses:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task and presents a clear position. However, the ideas could be more fully developed and supported with specific examples.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear paragraphing. There is a logical progression of ideas, although the use of cohesive devices could be more varied.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is generally appropriate and adequate for the task. There are some attempts at less common vocabulary (e.g., “eco-friendly alternatives,” “phasing out”), but the range is not as wide as in the Band 8-9 essay.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control. There are no major errors that impede communication, but the range of structures is not as wide as in the higher band essay.
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Development of Ideas: The main points are relevant and supported, but the ideas could be more fully explored and elaborated. The essay presents a balanced view but lacks the depth of analysis seen in the Band 8-9 essay.
Key Vocabulary
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Proliferation (noun) – rapid increase in the number or amount of something
Pronunciation: /prəˌlɪfəˈreɪʃən/ -
Nuanced (adjective) – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
Pronunciation: /ˈnjuːənst/ -
Biodegradable (adjective) – capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms
Pronunciation: /ˌbaɪəʊdɪˈɡreɪdəbl/ -
Incentives (noun) – something that motivates or encourages someone to do something
Pronunciation: /ɪnˈsentɪvz/ -
Eco-friendly (adjective) – not harmful to the environment
Pronunciation: /ˈiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/ -
Phase out (phrasal verb) – to gradually stop using or providing something
Pronunciation: /feɪz aʊt/ -
Innovation (noun) – a new idea, method, or device
Pronunciation: /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/ -
Sustainable (adjective) – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
Pronunciation: /səˈsteɪnəbl/
These vocabulary items are crucial for discussing environmental topics and policy measures in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays.
Conclusion
The issue of banning single-use plastics is a complex and relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. By analyzing these sample essays, you can see how to approach this question at different band levels. Remember to clearly state your position, provide well-developed reasons and examples, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your level.
Should there be a global ban on single-use plastics? This is another potential question you might encounter, which would require you to consider the global implications of such a ban.
For practice, try writing your own essay on this topic or a related one, such as:
- “Some people believe that recycling is the best way to tackle plastic waste, while others think reducing plastic production is more effective. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
- “To what extent do you think individuals are responsible for reducing plastic waste, as opposed to governments and businesses?”
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.
