Plastic bag bans have become an increasingly common topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Based on recent exam trends, this environmental issue has appeared frequently and is likely to continue being a popular subject in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that mirrors those seen in actual IELTS exams:

Some people think that there should be a complete ban on plastic bags. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

This question requires candidates to express their opinion on a total prohibition of plastic bags and provide reasoning to support their stance. Let’s analyze the question and explore sample essays for different band scores.

Question Analysis

The key elements of this task are:

• Topic: Banning plastic bags
• Task: Agree/disagree and explain your position
• Focus: Environmental policy and personal opinions

Successful essays will need to:

• Clearly state the writer’s position
• Provide logical reasons and examples to support the argument
• Consider potential counterarguments
• Use appropriate vocabulary related to environmental issues

Now, let’s examine sample essays for different band scores.

Band 8-9 Sample Essay

Environmental concerns have led many to advocate for a complete ban on plastic bags. While I acknowledge the detrimental effects of plastic waste, I believe that a total prohibition is too extreme and that more nuanced approaches would be more effective.

Undoubtedly, plastic bags pose significant environmental challenges. They contribute to pollution, harm wildlife, and take centuries to decompose. A ban would undeniably reduce these issues. Moreover, it would force consumers and businesses to adopt more sustainable alternatives, potentially catalyzing broader environmental awareness and action.

However, a complete ban overlooks the complexity of the situation. Plastic bags do serve important purposes in certain contexts, such as maintaining food hygiene or providing waterproof packaging. A blanket prohibition could create unforeseen difficulties in these areas. Additionally, the production of alternative materials like paper or cloth bags also has environmental impacts, which must be considered.

Instead of an outright ban, I propose a multi-faceted approach. This could include heavy taxes on plastic bags to discourage their use, incentives for eco-friendly alternatives, and improved recycling infrastructure. Public education campaigns could also play a crucial role in changing consumer behavior. These measures would gradually reduce plastic bag usage while allowing time for the development of sustainable alternatives and the adaptation of industries and consumers.

In conclusion, while the intention behind a complete plastic bag ban is commendable, I believe a more balanced and gradual approach would be more effective and realistic. By combining economic incentives, technological innovation, and public awareness, we can address the plastic bag problem without causing undue disruption.

(Word count: 275)

Should single-use plastics be banned globally? This is another common question that test-takers may encounter in IELTS Writing Task 2. The approach to answering would be similar, focusing on the pros and cons of such a ban and providing a well-reasoned argument.

Essay Analysis

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

1. Clear position: The writer disagrees with a complete ban but proposes alternative solutions.
2. Coherent structure: Each paragraph focuses on a specific point, with a clear introduction and conclusion.
3. Developed ideas: Arguments are explained and supported with examples.
4. Balanced view: Both sides of the argument are considered.
5. Sophisticated vocabulary: Words like “detrimental,” “catalyzing,” and “multi-faceted” are used accurately.
6. Complex sentences: Various sentence structures are employed, showing advanced grammatical control.

Band 6-7 Sample Essay

In recent years, there has been a growing debate about banning plastic bags completely. While I understand the reasons behind this proposal, I partially agree with it because I think there are both advantages and disadvantages to consider.

On one hand, a total ban on plastic bags would have significant environmental benefits. Plastic pollution is a major problem in our oceans and on land, harming wildlife and damaging ecosystems. By banning plastic bags, we could greatly reduce this pollution and protect animals from ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic. Additionally, it would encourage people to use more environmentally friendly alternatives like reusable cloth bags, which is a positive change in behavior.

However, there are some drawbacks to a complete ban. Plastic bags are convenient and serve important purposes in some situations, such as keeping food fresh or carrying wet items. A sudden ban could cause difficulties for both businesses and consumers who rely on these bags. Moreover, producing alternative bags, such as paper ones, also requires resources and energy, which might have its own environmental impact.

I believe a better approach would be to gradually reduce plastic bag usage through a combination of methods. This could include charging for plastic bags, offering incentives for using reusable bags, and improving recycling programs. Governments and businesses should also invest in developing more sustainable materials that can replace plastic bags in the long term.

In conclusion, while banning plastic bags could have positive effects on the environment, I think a more balanced approach that considers both the benefits and challenges would be more effective and realistic.

(Word count: 269)

Essay Analysis

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

1. Clear position: The writer partially agrees with the ban, showing a nuanced understanding.
2. Logical structure: The essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs discussing pros and cons, and a conclusion.
3. Relevant ideas: Points are relevant to the topic and supported with some explanation.
4. Adequate vocabulary: Appropriate words are used to discuss environmental issues.
5. Mix of simple and complex sentences: The essay shows some variety in sentence structure.
6. Some errors: There might be occasional mistakes in grammar or vocabulary, but they do not impede understanding.

The main differences between this and the Band 8-9 essay are:

• Less sophisticated vocabulary and sentence structures
• Ideas are developed, but not as fully as in the higher band essay
• The alternative solution proposed is less detailed and innovative

Should supermarkets reduce plastic packaging? This is a related topic that candidates might encounter, requiring a similar approach of weighing pros and cons and proposing solutions.

Band 5-6 Sample Essay

Nowadays, many people think we should stop using plastic bags completely. This is a difficult question because there are good and bad points to consider. In my opinion, I agree that we should reduce plastic bags but not ban them totally.

Firstly, plastic bags are very bad for the environment. They make a lot of pollution in the sea and on land. Many animals eat plastic bags by mistake and die. Also, plastic bags take many years to break down. If we stop using them, it will help to make the Earth cleaner.

However, plastic bags are also useful for many things. We use them to carry food from shops and to keep things dry. If we ban them completely, it might be difficult for people and shops. Some other types of bags, like paper bags, are not as strong or waterproof.

I think a better idea is to make people pay for plastic bags in shops. This will make people use less plastic bags and bring their own bags instead. Also, we should teach people about recycling and how to use less plastic. The government can also help companies to make bags that are better for the environment.

In conclusion, while plastic bags are bad for nature, I don’t think we should ban them completely. Instead, we should try to use less plastic bags and find better alternatives.

(Word count: 228)

Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates characteristics of a Band 5-6 score:

1. Position stated: The writer’s opinion is clear, agreeing partially with reducing but not banning plastic bags.
2. Basic structure: The essay has an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
3. Simple ideas: Points are relevant but not fully developed or explained in detail.
4. Limited vocabulary: Basic words are used to discuss the topic, with some repetition.
5. Simple sentences: Most sentences are simple or compound, with limited use of complex structures.
6. Errors: There are some grammatical mistakes, but the meaning is still clear.

The main differences from higher band essays:

• Less sophisticated vocabulary and grammar
• Ideas are presented but not fully explained or supported
• The alternative solution is basic and not elaborated upon
• The overall argument is less nuanced and detailed

Should there be a ban on plastic packaging globally? This is another potential question that follows a similar theme, requiring candidates to consider global environmental policies.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Environmental impact (noun) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈɪmpækt/ – The effect of human activities on the natural world
2. Biodegradable (adjective) – /ˌbaɪəʊdɪˈɡreɪdəbl/ – Capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms
3. Ecosystem (noun) – /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment
4. Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – The ability to maintain at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources
5. Pollution (noun) – /pəˈluːʃn/ – The presence or introduction into the environment of a substance which has harmful or poisonous effects
6. Incentive (noun) – /ɪnˈsentɪv/ – A thing that motivates or encourages someone to do something
7. Legislation (noun) – /ˌledʒɪsˈleɪʃn/ – Laws, considered collectively
8. Recycling (noun) – /riːˈsaɪklɪŋ/ – The action or process of converting waste into reusable material
9. Consumer behavior (noun phrase) – /kənˈsjuːmə bɪˈheɪvjə/ – The study of individuals, groups, or organizations and the processes they use to select, secure, use, and dispose of products, services, experiences, or ideas
10. Eco-friendly (adjective) – /ˌiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/ – Not harmful to the environment

Eco-friendly Alternatives to Plastic Bags

Conclusion

The topic of plastic bag bans is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays due to its global environmental significance. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

1. The role of government in reducing plastic waste
2. The effectiveness of recycling programs versus bans
3. The impact of plastic alternatives on the environment
4. The responsibility of businesses in reducing plastic usage

Remember to structure your essay clearly, support your arguments with relevant examples, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your target band score. Practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners.

Should governments offer incentives for recycling? This is another related topic that you might want to explore to broaden your understanding of environmental policies and their potential impacts.