Sustainable fashion and reducing environmental harm have become increasingly prevalent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and analysis of past exam questions, it’s highly likely that candidates will encounter this subject in future tests. The fashion industry’s impact on the environment is a pressing global concern, making it a relevant and thought-provoking topic for IELTS essays.

Let’s explore a sample question that closely resembles those seen in recent IELTS exams:

Some people believe that the fashion industry should be more heavily regulated to reduce its negative impact on the environment. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Analyzing the Question

This question requires candidates to consider the role of regulation in mitigating the fashion industry’s environmental impact. Key points to address include:

1. The current environmental issues caused by the fashion industry
2. The potential benefits and drawbacks of increased regulation
3. Alternative solutions to reduce the industry’s environmental impact
4. Your personal stance on the issue

Now, let’s examine three sample essays of varying quality, targeting different band scores.

Sample Essays

Band 8-9 Essay

The fashion industry’s environmental footprint has become a pressing concern in recent years, prompting debates about the need for stricter regulations. While I agree that some level of regulation is necessary, I believe that a combination of government oversight, industry innovation, and consumer education is the most effective approach to reducing the sector’s negative impact on the environment.

The fashion industry, particularly fast fashion, has been criticized for its substantial contribution to pollution, waste generation, and resource depletion. Overproduction, excessive water usage, and the use of harmful chemicals in textile manufacturing are just a few examples of the industry’s environmentally detrimental practices. In light of these issues, proponents of increased regulation argue that stringent rules could force companies to adopt more sustainable practices, such as using eco-friendly materials, implementing cleaner production processes, and reducing waste.

However, while regulation can play a crucial role in driving change, it is not a panacea. Overly restrictive regulations may stifle innovation and potentially drive up costs, making sustainable fashion less accessible to consumers. Moreover, the global nature of the fashion industry makes it challenging to implement and enforce uniform regulations across different countries.

Instead, I propose a multi-faceted approach that combines moderate regulation with industry-led initiatives and consumer education. Governments should establish baseline environmental standards and provide incentives for sustainable practices. Simultaneously, fashion companies should be encouraged to innovate and invest in sustainable technologies, such as recycled fabrics, water-efficient dyeing processes, and circular economy models. Crucially, consumers must be educated about the environmental impact of their fashion choices, empowering them to make more sustainable purchasing decisions.

In conclusion, while regulation has a role to play in reducing the fashion industry’s environmental impact, it should be part of a broader strategy. By fostering collaboration between governments, industry leaders, and consumers, we can create a more sustainable fashion ecosystem that balances environmental protection with economic viability and consumer needs.

(Word count: 308)

Band 6-7 Essay

The fashion industry has been criticized for its negative impact on the environment, and some people think it should be more heavily regulated. I partially agree with this idea, as regulations can help reduce environmental harm, but they are not the only solution.

One reason why regulations might be good is that they can force fashion companies to change their harmful practices. For example, rules about using less water or reducing chemical pollution could make companies find better ways to make clothes. This could help protect the environment and reduce waste. Also, regulations might encourage companies to use more sustainable materials, like organic cotton or recycled fabrics.

However, too many regulations might have some negative effects. It could make clothes more expensive, which would be bad for consumers. Some small fashion businesses might struggle to follow all the rules and might have to close down. This could lead to less competition and fewer choices for shoppers.

Sustainable Fashion Production

I think that instead of just relying on regulations, we should also focus on other ways to make fashion more sustainable. Education is very important. If consumers learn about the environmental impact of their clothing choices, they might choose to buy more sustainable products. Fashion companies could also be encouraged to innovate and find new, eco-friendly ways of making clothes without being forced by strict rules.

In conclusion, while some regulations are necessary to reduce the fashion industry’s environmental impact, they should be balanced with other approaches. A combination of reasonable regulations, consumer education, and industry innovation is likely to be more effective in creating a sustainable fashion industry.

(Word count: 261)

Band 5-6 Essay

Nowadays, many people think that the fashion industry is bad for the environment and should have more rules. I agree with this idea because the fashion industry causes a lot of problems for the environment.

Firstly, the fashion industry uses a lot of water and chemicals to make clothes. This is very bad for the environment. If there were more rules, companies would have to find better ways to make clothes that don’t harm the environment so much. For example, they could use less water or find safer chemicals.

Secondly, fast fashion creates a lot of waste. People buy cheap clothes and throw them away quickly. If there were rules about how long clothes should last, maybe companies would make better quality clothes that people keep for longer.

However, some people might say that more rules will make clothes more expensive. This is true, but I think it’s worth it to protect the environment. Maybe if clothes cost more, people will buy less and be more careful about what they buy.

In conclusion, I think more rules for the fashion industry are a good idea. It will help protect the environment, which is very important for everyone’s future. Even if it makes clothes more expensive, it’s better for the planet in the long run.

(Word count: 203)

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with a nuanced approach that considers multiple perspectives.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout the essay. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.

3. Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Key terms related to the topic are used accurately.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and accuracy. The essay is error-free.

5. Development of Ideas: Each main point is extended and supported with relevant examples and explanations.

Band 6-7 Essay Analysis

This essay shows competent writing skills but lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band essay:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task and presents a clear position, but the ideas are less fully developed.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some paragraphs are better linked than others.

3. Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used appropriately, but it lacks the precision and sophistication of the band 8-9 essay.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used, with generally good control, though there are occasional errors.

5. Development of Ideas: Main ideas are relevant, but some points lack full elaboration or supporting details.

Band 5-6 Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates a modest attempt at addressing the task:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the task in a general way but lacks depth in its approach.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: There is a basic organizational structure, but paragraphs are not always well-linked.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task but limited in range and sometimes repetitive.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Sentence structures are simple and repetitive, with some errors that occasionally impede understanding.

5. Development of Ideas: Basic ideas are presented but lack full development and supporting examples.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – capable of being maintained at a steady level without exhausting natural resources or causing severe ecological damage

2. Regulation (noun) /ˌreɡjʊˈleɪʃn/ – a rule or directive made and maintained by an authority

3. Environmental impact (noun phrase) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈɪmpækt/ – the effect of human activities on the natural world

4. Fast fashion (noun phrase) /fɑːst ˈfæʃn/ – inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers in response to the latest trends

5. Innovation (noun) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/ – the action or process of innovating; a new method, idea, product, etc.

6. Eco-friendly (adjective) /ˈiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/ – not harmful to the environment

7. Circular economy (noun phrase) /ˈsɜːkjʊlər iˈkɒnəmi/ – an economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources

8. Overproduction (noun) /ˌəʊvəprəˈdʌkʃn/ – the production of more of something than is wanted or needed

9. Stringent (adjective) /ˈstrɪndʒənt/ – (of regulations, requirements, or conditions) strict, precise, and exacting

10. Textile (noun) /ˈtekstaɪl/ – a type of cloth or woven fabric

Conclusion

The topic of sustainable fashion and reducing environmental harm in the fashion industry is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

• The role of consumers in promoting sustainable fashion
• The impact of fast fashion on local economies and traditional craftsmanship
• Balancing affordability and sustainability in the fashion industry
• The potential of technological innovations in creating a more sustainable fashion industry

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below for feedback and further improvement. Happy writing!