The topic of banning plastic use globally has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and the growing environmental concerns worldwide, this question is likely to appear more frequently in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant essay question and provide sample responses for different band scores.
Global plastic pollution crisis
Analyzing the Essay Question
Some people think that the use of plastic should be banned globally. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
This question asks for your opinion on a global ban on plastic use. Key points to consider:
- The scope is global, not limited to a specific country or region.
- It’s asking about a complete ban, not just reduction or regulation.
- You need to state your level of agreement and support it with reasons and examples.
- Consider both sides of the argument before presenting your stance.
Sample Essays for Different Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Sample
Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time, leading some to advocate for a global ban on plastic use. While I understand the sentiment behind this drastic measure, I partially disagree with a complete ban and believe that a more nuanced approach is necessary to address this complex problem.
On one hand, the detrimental effects of plastic on our environment are undeniable. Plastic waste chokes our oceans, harms wildlife, and can take centuries to decompose. Microplastics have been found in the most remote parts of our planet and even in human bloodstreams, highlighting the pervasive nature of this pollution. A global ban on plastic could significantly reduce these harmful impacts and force industries to develop more sustainable alternatives.
However, an outright ban on all plastic use is impractical and potentially counterproductive. Plastic plays a crucial role in many sectors, including healthcare, food preservation, and technology. In medical settings, for instance, sterile plastic equipment is essential for preventing infections and saving lives. Additionally, plastic packaging can extend the shelf life of food products, reducing food waste and its associated environmental impact. A complete ban could lead to unintended consequences that may outweigh the environmental benefits.
Instead of a blanket ban, I propose a multifaceted approach to tackle plastic pollution. This strategy should include:
- Stricter regulations on single-use plastics, such as bans on plastic bags and straws.
- Investment in research and development of biodegradable alternatives.
- Improved waste management systems and recycling infrastructure.
- Education campaigns to raise awareness about responsible plastic use and disposal.
- Economic incentives for companies to reduce plastic use and adopt sustainable practices.
By implementing these measures, we can significantly reduce plastic pollution while maintaining the beneficial uses of plastic in critical areas. This balanced approach would be more feasible to implement globally and could lead to more sustainable long-term solutions.
In conclusion, while the intention behind a global plastic ban is commendable, a more nuanced and comprehensive strategy is needed to effectively address plastic pollution. By combining targeted regulations, technological innovation, and public awareness, we can work towards a future where plastic use is minimized and its environmental impact is substantially reduced.
(Word count: 368)
Band 6-7 Essay Sample
The issue of plastic pollution has become a major concern worldwide, leading some people to suggest a global ban on plastic use. While I agree that plastic pollution is a serious problem, I believe that a complete ban is not the best solution.
There are several reasons why banning all plastic use globally would be difficult and potentially harmful. First, plastic is used in many important industries, such as medicine and food packaging. In hospitals, plastic equipment helps prevent infections and save lives. In food packaging, plastic helps keep food fresh for longer, which reduces food waste. If we ban all plastic, these industries might face big problems.
However, it’s true that plastic pollution is causing a lot of damage to our environment. Plastic waste is filling up our oceans, harming animals, and even getting into our food chain. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed urgently. Some countries have already started banning certain types of plastic, like single-use plastic bags, and this has shown positive results.
I think a better approach would be to focus on reducing plastic use and improving recycling, rather than a complete ban. Here are some ideas:
- Ban certain types of plastic that are not necessary, like plastic straws and bags.
- Encourage companies to use less plastic packaging.
- Improve recycling systems so that more plastic can be reused.
- Educate people about the importance of reducing plastic use and recycling properly.
By doing these things, we can reduce plastic pollution without causing too many problems for important industries. It’s a more balanced approach that could work better in the long term.
In conclusion, while plastic pollution is a serious issue, a complete global ban on plastic use is not the best solution. Instead, we should focus on reducing unnecessary plastic use, improving recycling, and finding alternative materials. This way, we can protect the environment while still keeping the benefits of plastic in important areas.
(Word count: 309)
Band 5-6 Essay Sample
Plastic pollution is a big problem in the world today. Some people think we should ban all plastic use globally. I think this idea has both good and bad points.
Banning all plastic could help the environment. There is too much plastic waste in our oceans and on land. Animals are dying because they eat plastic. Also, plastic takes a very long time to break down. If we stop using plastic, these problems might get better.
But banning all plastic might also cause problems. We use plastic for many important things. In hospitals, they need plastic for medical equipment. Plastic is also used to keep food fresh. If we ban all plastic, it might be hard to do these things.
I think we should try to use less plastic, but not ban it completely. Here are some ideas:
- Stop using plastic bags and straws.
- Recycle more plastic.
- Find new materials to replace plastic.
- Teach people about the problems with plastic.
These ideas could help reduce plastic pollution without causing too many problems.
In conclusion, I think banning all plastic use globally is not the best idea. We should try to use less plastic and find better ways to deal with plastic waste. This way, we can help the environment without losing the good things about plastic.
(Word count: 218)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic:
- Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with a balanced view of both sides.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, including less common words and phrases like “pervasive nature” and “multifaceted approach”.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Complex sentence structures are used consistently and accurately. There’s a mix of simple and complex sentences, showing good control over grammar.
Band 6-7 Essay Analysis
This essay shows good writing skills but lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band essay:
- Task Response: The essay addresses the task and presents a clear position, but the ideas are less fully developed.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There’s a clear overall progression, but the cohesion between and within paragraphs is less sophisticated.
- Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used appropriately, but it lacks the precision and sophistication of the higher band essay.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: There’s a mix of simple and complex sentences, with generally good control over grammar, but it lacks the variety and consistency of the higher band essay.
Band 5-6 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates basic writing skills but has limitations in several areas:
- Task Response: The essay addresses the task in a basic way, presenting a position, but ideas are not fully developed.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There’s a basic structure, but paragraphing and linking could be improved.
- Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited but generally appropriate. There’s little evidence of less common vocabulary.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Sentences are mostly simple or compound. There are few complex structures, which limits the score in this area.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Pervasive (adjective) /pəˈveɪsɪv/ – spreading widely throughout an area or group of people
- Biodegradable (adjective) /ˌbaɪəʊdɪˈɡreɪdəbl/ – capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms
- Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
- Detrimental (adjective) /ˌdetrɪˈmentl/ – tending to cause harm
- Counterproductive (adjective) /ˌkaʊntəprəˈdʌktɪv/ – having the opposite of the desired effect
- Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
- Incentive (noun) /ɪnˈsentɪv/ – a thing that motivates or encourages someone to do something
- Feasible (adjective) /ˈfiːzəbl/ – possible to do easily or conveniently
In conclusion, the topic of banning plastic use globally is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related topics such as:
- The environmental impact of single-use plastics
- Government policies to reduce plastic waste
- The role of individuals in combating plastic pollution
- Alternatives to plastic in various industries
We encourage you to write your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help improve your writing skills and prepare you for the IELTS exam.
