Plastic packaging has become a hot topic in recent years due to its environmental impact. This issue frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays, reflecting its global significance. Based on past exam trends and the current environmental focus, we can expect questions related to banning plastic packaging to continue appearing in future IELTS tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent exams:

Some people think that the use of plastic packaging should be banned worldwide. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

This question directly addresses the controversial topic of plastic packaging, requiring test-takers to present a well-reasoned argument. Let’s analyze the question and provide sample essays for different band scores.

Question Analysis

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

1. It’s an agree/disagree question, so you need to clearly state your position.
2. The term “worldwide” implies you should consider global implications.
3. “To what extent” allows for a nuanced response – you can partially agree/disagree.
4. You should discuss both pros and cons of banning plastic packaging.

Sample Essay for Band 8-9

Here’s a high-scoring sample essay that demonstrates excellent language use and coherent arguments:

Plastic packaging has become ubiquitous in our modern world, but its environmental impact has raised serious concerns. While I agree that reducing plastic usage is crucial, I believe a complete worldwide ban on plastic packaging is impractical and potentially counterproductive. Instead, I advocate for a more nuanced approach that combines gradual reduction, improved recycling, and development of sustainable alternatives.

Undoubtedly, plastic packaging poses significant environmental challenges. It contributes to pollution, harms wildlife, and takes centuries to decompose. Moreover, the production of plastic packaging relies heavily on fossil fuels, exacerbating climate change. These factors make a compelling case for drastic action, and a global ban seems like an appealing solution at first glance.

However, an outright ban on plastic packaging worldwide would likely create numerous unintended consequences. Plastic packaging plays a crucial role in food preservation, reducing waste and extending shelf life. In many developing countries with limited refrigeration infrastructure, plastic packaging is essential for food safety and distribution. Additionally, certain medical supplies and sterile equipment rely on plastic packaging to maintain their integrity. A sudden, complete ban could lead to increased food waste, compromised medical safety, and economic disruptions in various industries.

Instead of a blanket ban, I propose a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, governments should implement stringent regulations to reduce unnecessary plastic packaging and incentivize the use of eco-friendly alternatives. Secondly, substantial investment in recycling infrastructure and technology is necessary to improve plastic recovery rates and create a more circular economy. Thirdly, research and development of biodegradable materials should be prioritized to provide viable alternatives to traditional plastics.

In conclusion, while the environmental concerns surrounding plastic packaging are valid, a worldwide ban is not the most effective solution. A more balanced approach that gradually reduces plastic use, improves recycling, and promotes innovation in sustainable materials will likely yield better long-term results without causing undue disruption to essential industries and developing economies.

(308 words)

Environmental impact of plastic packaging

Sample Essay for Band 6-7

Here’s a sample essay that demonstrates good language use but with some limitations in vocabulary and argument development:

Plastic packaging is a big problem for our environment, and some people think it should be banned everywhere. I partly agree with this idea, but I also think there are some problems with a complete ban.

Banning plastic packaging would have many benefits for the environment. Plastic takes a very long time to break down and often ends up in our oceans, harming sea animals. Also, making plastic uses a lot of oil, which is bad for climate change. If we stop using plastic packaging, we could reduce pollution and help protect nature.

However, there are some reasons why a total ban might not work well. Plastic packaging is important for keeping food fresh and safe, especially in poor countries where people don’t have good refrigerators. It’s also necessary for some medical supplies. If we ban all plastic packaging suddenly, it could cause problems with food safety and healthcare.

I think a better solution is to slowly reduce plastic use and find other materials to replace it. Governments should make rules to use less plastic and encourage companies to use eco-friendly packaging. We should also improve recycling systems so that more plastic can be reused instead of thrown away. Scientists should work on creating new materials that are safe for the environment but still good for packaging.

In conclusion, while banning plastic packaging could help the environment, it’s not a perfect solution. We need to find a balance between protecting nature and meeting important needs. By reducing plastic use gradually and developing better alternatives, we can address the problem without causing too many difficulties.

(261 words)

Sample Essay for Band 5-6

This sample essay demonstrates basic language use with limited vocabulary and simple sentence structures:

Plastic packaging is very bad for our world. Some people want to stop using it everywhere. I think this is a good idea, but it might be difficult to do.

Plastic packaging causes many problems. It makes a lot of trash that hurts animals and makes places dirty. Also, making plastic is not good for the earth. If we stop using plastic packaging, we can help make the world cleaner and safer for animals.

But stopping all plastic packaging might cause some problems too. We need plastic to keep food fresh and to keep some medicines safe. If we don’t use any plastic, some food might go bad quickly, and some medicines might not work well. This could be very bad for people, especially in poor countries.

I think we should try to use less plastic, but not stop it all at once. We can make rules to use less plastic and try to find better materials to use instead. We should also teach people how to recycle plastic better. If we do these things, we can help the earth without causing too many problems for people.

In conclusion, I think using less plastic packaging is important, but we need to be careful how we do it. We should work together to find good ways to protect the earth and still keep our food and medicines safe.

(218 words)

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay:

This essay demonstrates excellent command of English and meets all the task requirements:

• Clear position with a nuanced argument
• Well-developed ideas with specific examples
• Coherent structure with clear progression
• Wide range of vocabulary used accurately (e.g., ubiquitous, counterproductive, exacerbating)
• Variety of complex sentence structures
• Minimal errors in grammar and spelling

Band 6-7 Essay:

This essay shows a good grasp of English but with some limitations:

• Clear position with some development of ideas
• Some relevant examples, but less specific than the Band 8-9 essay
• Generally coherent structure
• Adequate range of vocabulary, but less sophisticated than Band 8-9
• Mix of simple and complex sentences, but less variety
• Some errors in grammar and vocabulary, but meaning remains clear

Band 5-6 Essay:

This essay demonstrates basic competence in English:

• Position is stated, but ideas are not fully developed
• Limited use of examples
• Basic structure, but less coherent than higher band essays
• Simple vocabulary with some repetition
• Mostly simple sentences with limited complexity
• More frequent errors in grammar and vocabulary, occasionally impeding communication

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Ubiquitous (adjective) /juːˈbɪkwɪtəs/ – present, appearing, or found everywhere
2. Counterproductive (adjective) /ˌkaʊntəprəˈdʌktɪv/ – having the opposite of the desired effect
3. Exacerbate (verb) /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ – make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse
4. Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
5. Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/ – the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise
6. Incentivize (verb) /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ – motivate or encourage (someone) to do something
7. Biodegradable (adjective) /ˌbaɪəʊdɪˈɡreɪdəbl/ – capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms
8. Circular economy (noun phrase) /ˈsɜːkjələr iˈkɒnəmi/ – an economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources

Circular economy concept for plastic recycling

The effects of climate change on global agriculture are closely related to the issue of plastic packaging, as both topics deal with environmental sustainability. Understanding these interconnected issues can help you develop more comprehensive arguments in your IELTS essays.

Conclusion

The topic of banning plastic packaging worldwide is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays due to its global significance. To prepare for such questions, practice writing essays that consider both the environmental benefits and potential challenges of implementing a ban. Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary, and support your arguments with specific examples.

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

1. The role of individuals vs. governments in reducing plastic waste
2. The economic impact of transitioning away from plastic packaging
3. The effectiveness of plastic recycling programs

You can also explore the role of international organizations in addressing climate change to gain insights into global environmental initiatives, which can be relevant when discussing worldwide bans or regulations.

We encourage you to write your own essay on the topic of banning plastic packaging 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.