Plastic packaging has become a significant environmental concern in recent years, and questions about its use and potential bans are increasingly appearing in IELTS Writing Task 2 prompts. Based on past exam trends and current global discussions, we can expect this topic to remain relevant in future IELTS tests. Let’s examine a specific question that has appeared in recent exams:
Some people think that plastic packaging should be banned worldwide. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to express their opinion on a global ban of plastic packaging. Key points to consider:
- The scope is worldwide, not limited to a specific country or region.
- It asks for your level of agreement, allowing for a nuanced response.
- You should discuss both the benefits and drawbacks of banning plastic packaging.
- Consider environmental, economic, and practical implications of such a ban.
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9
In recent years, the detrimental impact of plastic packaging on our environment has sparked a global debate, with some advocating for a complete worldwide ban. While I acknowledge the urgent need to address this issue, I believe that an outright ban is too simplistic and potentially counterproductive. Instead, I propose a more nuanced approach that combines regulation, innovation, and education.
Undoubtedly, plastic packaging poses severe environmental threats. It contributes significantly to pollution, harms wildlife, and takes centuries to decompose. The accumulation of plastic waste in our oceans and landfills is a testament to the scale of this problem. A ban would immediately reduce the production of new plastic packaging, potentially alleviating these issues.
However, a complete ban overlooks the complexities of our modern economy and the current lack of viable alternatives for many applications. Plastic packaging plays a crucial role in food preservation, medical supply protection, and reducing transportation costs and emissions. An abrupt ban could lead to unintended consequences such as increased food waste, higher product costs, and potentially greater carbon emissions from alternative packaging materials.
Instead of an outright ban, I propose a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, governments should implement stricter regulations on plastic production and usage, including higher taxes on non-recyclable plastics and incentives for eco-friendly alternatives. Secondly, significant investment in research and development is needed to create sustainable, biodegradable packaging solutions that can match the performance of plastic in various applications.
Moreover, education and awareness campaigns are essential to change consumer behavior and promote responsible consumption. Encouraging reuse, proper recycling, and choosing products with minimal packaging can significantly reduce plastic waste without the need for a complete ban.
In conclusion, while the intention behind banning plastic packaging worldwide is commendable, I believe a more balanced and pragmatic approach is necessary. By combining regulatory measures, technological innovation, and public education, we can address the plastic crisis more effectively and sustainably than a blanket ban would allow.
(Word count: 309)
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7
Plastic packaging has become a major problem for our environment, and some people think it should be banned all over the world. I partly agree with this idea, but I also think there are some challenges we need to consider.
On one hand, banning plastic packaging could have many benefits. Firstly, it would reduce pollution in our oceans and on land. Many animals die each year because they eat or get trapped in plastic waste. If we stop using plastic packaging, this problem would decrease. Secondly, it would force companies to find more eco-friendly alternatives. This could lead to new innovations in packaging that are better for the environment.
However, there are also some problems with a complete ban. One issue is that plastic packaging is very useful in some situations. For example, it helps keep food fresh for longer, which reduces food waste. It’s also important for medical supplies to stay clean and safe. Another problem is that some alternatives to plastic might actually be worse for the environment in other ways, like using more energy to produce or transport.
I think a better solution would be to reduce plastic packaging gradually and find good alternatives. Governments could make laws to limit plastic use and encourage recycling. Companies should invest in developing new packaging materials that are biodegradable. People also need to be educated about using less plastic and recycling properly.
In conclusion, while banning plastic packaging worldwide could help the environment, it’s not a simple solution. We need a balanced approach that reduces plastic use over time while developing better alternatives and changing people’s habits.
(Word count: 269)
Sample Essay 3: Band 5-6
Plastic packaging is a big problem for the environment today. Some people think we should ban it everywhere in the world. I think this is a good idea, but it might be hard to do.
There are good reasons to ban plastic packaging. First, it’s very bad for animals and nature. We see pictures of animals stuck in plastic or eating it, which is very sad. Second, plastic takes a very long time to break down. This means it stays in the environment for many years, causing pollution.
But banning all plastic packaging might cause some problems too. Many things we buy use plastic packaging to stay fresh or safe. If we ban it, we need to find other ways to keep food good and protect things we buy. This might be hard and expensive.
I think we should try to use less plastic, but not ban it completely right away. We can make rules to use less plastic and recycle more. Companies should try to make packaging that is better for the environment. People should also learn about using less plastic and recycling properly.
In conclusion, plastic packaging is bad for the environment, but banning it completely might be too difficult. We should work on using less plastic and finding better options slowly.
(Word count: 204)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates:
- Clear position with a nuanced approach
- Well-developed ideas with specific examples
- Excellent use of cohesive devices and paragraph structure
- Wide range of vocabulary used accurately
- Complex sentence structures with good control
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows:
- Clear overall position
- Relevant main ideas, though less fully developed
- Adequate paragraph organization and use of linking words
- Sufficient vocabulary for the task, with some attempts at less common words
- Mix of simple and complex sentences, generally well-controlled
Band 5-6 Essay:
This essay exhibits:
- A basic position on the topic
- Some relevant ideas, but limited development
- Basic paragraph structure with simple linking words
- Limited vocabulary, mostly common words
- Mostly simple sentences with some errors
Key Vocabulary
- Detrimental (adjective) /ˌdetrɪˈmentl/: Causing harm or damage
- Counterproductive (adjective) /ˌkaʊntərprəˈdʌktɪv/: Having the opposite of the desired effect
- Viable (adjective) /ˈvaɪəbl/: Capable of working successfully; feasible
- Abrupt (adjective) /əˈbrʌpt/: Sudden and unexpected
- Multi-faceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/: Having many different aspects or features
- Biodegradable (adjective) /ˌbaɪəʊdɪˈɡreɪdəbl/: Capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms
- Pragmatic (adjective) /præɡˈmætɪk/: Dealing with things sensibly and realistically
- Eco-friendly (adjective) /ˈiːkəʊ ˌfrendli/: Not harmful to the environment
- Gradual (adjective) /ˈɡrædʒuəl/: Taking place or progressing slowly or by degrees
- Innovative (adjective) /ˈɪnəvətɪv/: Featuring new methods; advanced and original
Conclusion
The topic of banning plastic packaging worldwide is a complex and relevant issue for IELTS Writing Task 2. It requires candidates to consider environmental, economic, and practical aspects of such a policy. To prepare for similar questions, practice writing essays that:
- Clearly state your position
- Discuss both advantages and disadvantages
- Provide specific examples and solutions
- Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of government vs. individual responsibility in reducing plastic waste
- The impact of plastic alternatives on the economy and environment
- Strategies for promoting sustainable packaging in developing countries
We encourage you to write your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your IELTS Writing skills and prepare for the exam.