Plastic packaging has become a hot topic in recent IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. This issue frequently appears in various forms, reflecting growing global concerns about environmental sustainability. Based on past exam trends and current environmental discussions, 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. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Analyzing the Question
This question asks for your opinion on banning plastic packaging. Key points to consider:
- The main topic is plastic packaging
- The proposed action is a complete ban
- You need to state your level of agreement or disagreement
- You should provide reasons and examples to support your stance
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
In recent years, the proliferation of plastic packaging has become a significant environmental concern, leading some to advocate for its complete prohibition. While I acknowledge the severe ecological impact of plastic waste, I believe that an outright ban on plastic packaging is too extreme and potentially counterproductive. Instead, I propose a more nuanced approach that combines gradual reduction, improved recycling, and development of sustainable alternatives.
Firstly, plastic packaging serves crucial functions in modern society that cannot be easily replicated by other materials. In the food industry, for instance, plastic packaging helps extend the shelf life of perishables, reducing food waste and ensuring food safety. Similarly, in healthcare, sterile plastic packaging is essential for maintaining the integrity of medical supplies. An immediate ban would disrupt these critical sectors and potentially lead to unintended negative consequences.
However, the environmental damage caused by plastic pollution cannot be ignored. Microplastics contaminating our oceans and entering the food chain pose serious threats to marine ecosystems and human health. To address this, I believe a multifaceted approach is necessary. Governments should implement stricter regulations on single-use plastics, incentivize the use of recycled plastics, and invest in research and development of biodegradable alternatives. Simultaneously, public awareness campaigns should educate consumers about responsible plastic use and disposal.
Furthermore, the focus should be on creating a circular economy for plastics. This involves improving recycling infrastructure, developing more efficient recycling technologies, and encouraging manufacturers to design products with recyclability in mind. By keeping plastics in use for longer and ensuring they are properly recycled at the end of their life cycle, we can significantly reduce plastic waste without resorting to an outright ban.
In conclusion, while the intention behind banning plastic packaging is commendable, I believe a more balanced and pragmatic approach is needed. By combining gradual reduction, improved recycling, and innovation in sustainable materials, we can address the plastic pollution crisis effectively without causing undue disruption to essential industries and everyday life.
(Word count: 309)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates characteristics of a Band 8-9 response:
-
Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with a nuanced approach rather than full agreement or disagreement.
-
Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression. Paragraphs are well-linked using cohesive devices (e.g., “Firstly”, “However”, “Furthermore”).
-
Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately (e.g., “proliferation”, “counterproductive”, “multifaceted approach”, “circular economy”).
-
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a variety of complex structures used accurately (e.g., “While I acknowledge…”, “By keeping plastics in use for longer…”).
-
Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with explanations and examples, showing depth of critical thinking.
Band 6-7 Essay
Plastic packaging has become a major environmental issue in recent years. While some people argue for a complete ban on its use, I partially agree with this opinion. I believe that we should significantly reduce plastic packaging, but a total ban might be impractical at present.
On one hand, banning plastic packaging would have significant environmental benefits. Plastic waste is a major pollutant, harming wildlife and contaminating our oceans and landfills. By banning plastic packaging, we could greatly reduce this pollution. For example, many marine animals die each year from ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic waste. A ban would help protect these creatures and preserve our ecosystems.
However, plastic packaging also serves important purposes in our modern society. It helps keep food fresh for longer periods, reducing food waste. It’s also lightweight, which can reduce transportation costs and emissions. In some cases, like medical supplies, plastic packaging is crucial for maintaining sterility. Therefore, a complete ban could lead to other problems.
Instead of a total ban, I believe we should focus on reducing plastic use and improving recycling. Governments could introduce taxes on plastic packaging to discourage its use and encourage alternatives. Companies should be required to use more recyclable or biodegradable materials. At the same time, we need better recycling systems to handle the plastic we do use. Public education is also important to help people understand the impact of plastic waste and how to reduce their personal plastic consumption.
In conclusion, while banning plastic packaging could have environmental benefits, it’s not a practical solution right now. A more balanced approach of reduction, improved recycling, and development of alternatives would be more effective in addressing the plastic pollution problem.
(Word count: 283)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates characteristics of a Band 6-7 response:
-
Task Achievement: The essay addresses the task, presenting a clear position of partial agreement. However, it could benefit from more specific examples or data.
-
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear paragraphing. Some cohesive devices are used (e.g., “On one hand”, “However”), but could be more varied.
-
Lexical Resource: A good range of vocabulary is used appropriately (e.g., “impractical”, “contaminating”, “biodegradable”), but lacks the sophistication of a Band 8-9 essay.
-
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences generally accurately, but lacks the variety and consistent accuracy of a higher band score.
-
Development of Ideas: Main points are developed with some explanation, but could benefit from more specific examples or deeper analysis.
Band 5-6 Essay
Nowadays, plastic packaging is a big problem for the environment. Some people think we should stop using it completely. I agree with this idea because plastic is very bad for nature.
First, plastic packaging causes a lot of pollution. When we throw away plastic, it doesn’t disappear. It stays in the environment for many years and hurts animals. For example, many sea animals eat plastic by mistake and die. If we stop using plastic packaging, we can save these animals.
Also, plastic packaging is made from oil, which is not good for the environment. Making plastic uses a lot of energy and creates pollution. If we ban plastic packaging, we can save energy and reduce pollution.
But some people say we need plastic packaging. They say it’s good for keeping food fresh and it’s cheap. This is true, but I think we can find other ways to do these things. We can use paper or glass instead of plastic. These materials are better for the environment.
If we ban plastic packaging, companies will have to find new ways to package their products. This might be difficult at first, but it will be better for the environment in the long run. The government can help by making laws to stop plastic packaging and helping companies find new solutions.
In conclusion, I think banning plastic packaging is a good idea. It will help protect the environment and animals. We might have some problems at first, but we can solve them. It’s important to think about the future of our planet.
(Word count: 253)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates characteristics of a Band 5-6 response:
-
Task Achievement: The essay addresses the task and presents a clear position, but lacks nuance and depth in its arguments.
-
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a basic structure with some paragraphing, but the ideas could be better organized and linked.
-
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is simple and repetitive. There are attempts to use topic-specific words, but the range is limited.
-
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Mostly simple sentence structures are used with some attempts at complex sentences. There are some grammatical errors, but they don’t impede communication.
-
Development of Ideas: Ideas are present but not fully developed. Examples are basic and could be more specific or detailed.
Key Vocabulary
- Proliferation (noun) /prəˌlɪfəˈreɪʃən/ – rapid increase in the number or amount of something
- Counterproductive (adjective) /ˌkaʊntərprəˈdʌktɪv/ – having the opposite of the desired effect
- Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
- Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
- Circular economy (noun phrase) /ˈsɜːkjələr iˈkɒnəmi/ – an economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources
- Biodegradable (adjective) /ˌbaɪəʊdɪˈɡreɪdəbl/ – capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms
- Perishables (noun) /ˈperɪʃəblz/ – things, especially foodstuffs, likely to decay or go bad quickly
- Incentivize (verb) /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ – motivate or encourage (someone) to do something
- Pragmatic (adjective) /præɡˈmætɪk/ – dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations
- Entangled (adjective) /ɪnˈtæŋɡld/ – caught in or as if in a tangle
Conclusion
The issue of banning plastic packaging is a complex and nuanced topic that requires careful consideration of various factors. As demonstrated in the sample essays, there are valid arguments both for and against a complete ban. Future IELTS Writing Task 2 questions might explore related themes such as:
- The role of government regulations in reducing plastic waste
- The effectiveness of recycling programs versus outright bans
- The economic impact of transitioning away from plastic packaging
- The development and implementation of sustainable packaging alternatives
To improve your IELTS Writing skills, try writing your own essay on this topic or one of the suggested themes. Practice articulating your ideas clearly and supporting them with relevant examples. Feel free to share your essay in the comments section for feedback and discussion. Remember, consistent practice is key to improving your writing skills and achieving a higher band score in IELTS.