The topic of government regulation in the fashion industry to promote sustainability has become increasingly relevant in recent years. This issue has appeared in various forms in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being a popular subject for Writing Task 2 questions. Based on analysis of previous exam topics, we can expect to see questions related to environmental impact, consumer responsibility, and economic implications of regulating the fashion sector.

Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:

Some people think that governments should regulate the fashion industry to make it more sustainable. Others believe it should be the responsibility of companies and consumers. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Analysis of the Question

This question requires candidates to:

1. Discuss the view that governments should regulate the fashion industry for sustainability
2. Discuss the opposing view that companies and consumers should be responsible
3. Provide their own opinion on the issue

The key aspects to address are:

• Government regulation vs. individual/corporate responsibility
• Potential impacts of regulation on sustainability
• Effectiveness of different approaches in promoting sustainable fashion

Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-scoring response.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

In recent years, the environmental impact of the fashion industry has come under increasing scrutiny, leading to debates about who should bear the responsibility for making it more sustainable. While some argue that government regulation is necessary, others believe that companies and consumers should take the lead. In my opinion, a combination of both approaches is essential to effectively address this complex issue.

Those in favor of government regulation argue that it is the most efficient way to enforce sustainable practices across the entire industry. Legislation can set clear standards for production methods, waste management, and the use of sustainable materials, ensuring a level playing field for all companies. For example, governments could mandate the use of recycled materials in clothing production or impose limits on water usage in textile manufacturing. Such measures would force the industry to innovate and adopt more environmentally friendly practices, regardless of individual company priorities or consumer preferences.

On the other hand, proponents of corporate and consumer responsibility contend that market forces are more effective in driving change. They argue that the impact of fast fashion on global waste can be mitigated through consumer education and corporate initiatives. As consumers become more aware of the environmental costs of fast fashion, they may choose to support brands that prioritize sustainability. This shift in demand would incentivize companies to adopt more sustainable practices voluntarily, potentially leading to more innovative and cost-effective solutions than those imposed by government regulations.

In my view, the most effective approach would be a combination of government regulation and voluntary action. While regulations can establish minimum standards and provide a framework for sustainability, the creativity and market responsiveness of companies and consumers are crucial for developing truly innovative solutions. Governments could set baseline requirements for sustainability in the fashion industry, while also implementing educational programs to raise consumer awareness. Simultaneously, companies should be encouraged to go beyond these minimum standards, differentiating themselves through superior sustainability practices.

In conclusion, addressing the environmental impact of the fashion industry requires a multi-faceted approach. By combining government regulation with corporate initiative and consumer responsibility, we can create a more sustainable fashion ecosystem that benefits both the environment and the economy.

Government regulation and consumer awareness in sustainable fashion

Explanation of Band Score 8-9

This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly stating the writer’s opinion.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the argument, and ideas are logically linked.

3. Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately. For example, “scrutiny,” “level playing field,” “incentivize,” and “multi-faceted approach.”

4. 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 regulations can establish minimum standards and provide a framework for sustainability, the creativity and market responsiveness of companies and consumers are crucial for developing truly innovative solutions.”

5. Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations, showing a sophisticated understanding of the issue.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

The fashion industry has a big impact on the environment, and people have different ideas about how to make it more sustainable. Some think the government should make rules, while others say companies and customers should be responsible. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.

Those who support government regulation believe it’s the best way to make sure all fashion companies follow sustainable practices. The government can create laws that require companies to use eco-friendly materials and reduce waste. This could help protect the environment because all companies would have to follow the same rules. For example, the government could ban the use of harmful chemicals in clothing production or set limits on how much water can be used to make clothes.

On the other hand, some people think companies and consumers should take responsibility for making fashion more sustainable. They say that if customers demand more environmentally friendly products, companies will change their practices to meet this demand. Also, companies can choose to use sustainable materials and methods without being forced by the government. This might lead to more creative solutions and could be less expensive than following strict government rules.

Sustainable fashion practices for the environment can be promoted through both approaches. In my opinion, a mix of government regulation and voluntary action from companies and consumers is the best way to address this issue. The government can set some basic rules to ensure a minimum level of sustainability, while companies and consumers can go beyond these rules to create even more eco-friendly fashion.

In conclusion, making the fashion industry more sustainable requires effort from everyone involved. Governments, companies, and consumers all have a role to play in reducing the environmental impact of fashion.

Collaborative efforts for fashion industry sustainability

Explanation of Band Score 6-7

This essay demonstrates good writing skills but has some limitations:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and stating an opinion. However, the ideas could be more fully developed.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is sometimes repetitive (e.g., frequent use of “Some people think…”).

3. Lexical Resource: The essay uses an adequate range of vocabulary, but some expressions are repetitive. There’s room for more sophisticated vocabulary use.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control. However, there’s less variety in sentence structures compared to the Band 8-9 essay.

5. Development of Ideas: Main ideas are present and supported, but the level of detail and explanation is less than in the higher band essay.

Key Vocabulary

1. Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.

2. Regulation (noun) /ˌreɡjʊˈleɪʃn/: A rule or directive made and maintained by an authority.

3. Incentivize (verb) /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/: To motivate or encourage someone to do something.

4. Innovation (noun) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/: The action or process of innovating; a new method, idea, product, etc.

5. Eco-friendly (adjective) /ˌiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/: Not harmful to the environment.

6. Mandate (verb) /mænˈdeɪt/: To authorize or decree (a particular action).

7. Scrutiny (noun) /ˈskruːtəni/: Critical observation or examination.

8. Multi-faceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/: Having many different aspects or features.

9. Legislation (noun) /ˌledʒɪsˈleɪʃn/: Laws, considered collectively.

10. Voluntary (adjective) /ˈvɒləntəri/: Done, given, or acting of one’s own free will.

In conclusion, the topic of government regulation in the fashion industry for sustainability is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS exams. Candidates should be prepared to discuss various aspects of this issue, including environmental impact, economic considerations, and the roles of different stakeholders. Practice writing essays on related topics such as “why governments should regulate fast fashion industries” or “the balance between economic growth and environmental protection in the fashion sector” to improve your skills.

We encourage readers to practice writing their own essays on this topic and share them in the comments section below. This active engagement can significantly enhance your writing skills and prepare you for success in the IELTS Writing Task 2.