Plastic packaging has become a significant environmental concern in recent years. As a result, questions about banning or reducing plastic use have appeared frequently in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on past exam trends and current global issues, we can expect this topic to remain relevant in future IELTS tests. Let’s examine a sample question and provide model essays for different band scores.

Some people think that plastic packaging should be banned globally. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Analyzing the Question

This question asks for your opinion on a global ban on plastic packaging. Key points to consider:

• It’s an agree/disagree question, so you need to clearly state your position.
• The word “globally” implies you should discuss the issue from an international perspective.
• “To what extent” allows for a nuanced response – you can fully agree, partially agree, or disagree.
• Consider both environmental and economic implications of such a ban.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Plastic packaging has become ubiquitous in our modern world, but its environmental impact is increasingly concerning. While I agree that drastic measures are needed to address this issue, I believe a complete global ban on plastic packaging is not the most effective solution.

Undoubtedly, plastic packaging poses severe environmental threats. Marine pollution, for instance, is largely attributed to discarded plastic materials, endangering countless species of marine life. Moreover, the production and disposal of plastic packaging contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change. A global ban would undeniably lead to a substantial reduction in these environmental problems, potentially reversing some of the damage already done to our ecosystems.

However, an outright ban on all plastic packaging worldwide is likely to create new challenges. Many industries, particularly food and healthcare, rely heavily on plastic packaging for hygiene, preservation, and transportation purposes. A sudden, complete ban could lead to food spoilage, increased costs, and potential health risks in some regions. Furthermore, the economic impact on countries with large plastic manufacturing sectors could be devastating, potentially leading to job losses and economic instability.

Instead of a blanket ban, I propose a more nuanced approach to tackling the plastic packaging problem. Governments should implement stringent regulations on plastic production and usage, incentivize the development of biodegradable alternatives, and invest in improved recycling infrastructure. Simultaneously, there should be a gradual phase-out of single-use plastics, starting with items that have readily available alternatives. This approach would allow industries time to adapt and innovate while still addressing the urgent need to reduce plastic waste.

Biodegradable packaging alternatives

In conclusion, while the intention behind a global ban on plastic packaging is commendable, its implementation could lead to unintended negative consequences. A more balanced approach, combining regulation, innovation, and gradual reduction, is likely to be more effective and sustainable in the long run.

(Word count: 309)

Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates characteristics of a high band score (8-9):

1. Clear position: The writer partially agrees with the statement, proposing a more nuanced approach.
2. Well-developed ideas: Each paragraph explores a different aspect of the issue in depth.
3. Cohesion and coherence: Ideas flow logically, with clear topic sentences and appropriate linking words.
4. Lexical resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately (e.g., ubiquitous, exacerbating, stringent).
5. Grammatical range and accuracy: It employs a variety of complex structures correctly.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Plastic packaging is a big problem for our environment today. Many people think it should be banned all over the world. I partly agree with this idea, but I think there are some problems with banning all plastic packaging.

One reason to ban plastic packaging is that it’s very bad for the environment. Plastic takes hundreds of years to break down, and it often ends up in the oceans, harming sea animals. Also, making plastic uses a lot of oil, which is bad for climate change. If we banned plastic packaging, we could help solve these problems and make the Earth cleaner.

However, banning all plastic packaging might cause some difficulties. Many products, especially food and medicines, need plastic packaging to stay fresh and safe. If we suddenly stopped using all plastic packaging, it could be hard to keep these products good for a long time. Also, many people work in factories that make plastic packaging, and they might lose their jobs if it was banned.

Workers in a plastic packaging factory

I think a better solution is to reduce plastic packaging slowly and find other materials to use instead. Governments could make rules to use less plastic and encourage companies to find new ways to package things. People could also try to use less plastic in their daily lives, like bringing their own bags to the shops.

In conclusion, while banning plastic packaging could help the environment, it might also cause some problems. I believe it’s better to reduce plastic use gradually and find alternative materials rather than banning it completely.

(Word count: 263)

Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates characteristics of a Band 6-7 score:

1. Clear position: The writer partially agrees with the statement.
2. Developed ideas: The essay presents reasons for and against a ban, though with less depth than the Band 8-9 essay.
3. Cohesion and coherence: Ideas are logically organized, but transitions could be smoother.
4. Lexical resource: The vocabulary is appropriate but less sophisticated than the higher band essay.
5. Grammatical range and accuracy: Sentence structures are generally accurate but less varied.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Ubiquitous (adjective) /juːˈbɪkwɪtəs/ – present, appearing, or found everywhere
2. Exacerbate (verb) /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ – make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse
3. Stringent (adjective) /ˈstrɪndʒənt/ – (of regulations, requirements, or conditions) strict, precise, and exacting
4. Incentivize (verb) /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ – motivate or encourage (someone) to do something
5. Biodegradable (adjective) /ˌbaɪəʊdɪˈɡreɪdəbl/ – capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms
6. Phase-out (noun) /ˈfeɪz aʊt/ – a gradual stopping of a process or activity
7. Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
8. Commendable (adjective) /kəˈmendəbl/ – deserving praise

Conclusion

The topic of banning plastic packaging globally is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare for this and similar questions, practice writing essays that consider both the environmental benefits and potential economic challenges of such policies. Remember to clearly state your position, support your arguments with specific examples, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures.

For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:

1. The role of government policies in reducing plastic waste
2. The effectiveness of global initiatives to ban single-use plastics
3. The impact of plastic waste on marine ecosystems
4. The challenges and opportunities in developing biodegradable packaging materials

We encourage you to write your own essay on the topic provided in this article and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you improve your writing skills and receive feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam.