Sustainable fashion and the future of the industry is a topic that has been gaining significant attention in recent years. As environmental concerns continue to grow, this subject has become increasingly relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. Based on current trends and past exam patterns, it’s highly likely that questions related to sustainable fashion will appear in future IELTS tests. Let’s explore this topic through a detailed analysis and sample essays for different band scores.
Analyzing the Question
Some people think that the fashion industry has a negative impact on people’s lives and society, while others disagree. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
This question addresses the controversial aspects of the fashion industry, asking candidates to consider both positive and negative impacts on individuals and society. It’s a classic example of a discussion essay where you need to present both sides of the argument before giving your own opinion.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Fashion, an integral part of human culture, has long been a subject of debate regarding its impact on society and individuals. While some argue that the fashion industry exerts a negative influence, others contend that it brings more benefits than drawbacks. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Those who criticize the fashion industry often point to its detrimental effects on self-esteem and body image. The constant bombardment of idealized body types and beauty standards in fashion media can lead to widespread insecurity, particularly among young people. Moreover, the fast fashion phenomenon has been linked to environmental degradation and exploitative labor practices in developing countries, raising ethical concerns about the industry’s global impact.
On the other hand, proponents of the fashion industry argue that it serves as a powerful form of self-expression and creativity. Fashion allows individuals to communicate their identity and culture through clothing, fostering diversity and personal empowerment. Furthermore, the industry is a significant economic driver, providing employment for millions worldwide and contributing substantially to many countries’ GDPs.
In my opinion, while the fashion industry does have its shortcomings, its positive potential outweighs the negatives when approached responsibly. The key lies in promoting sustainable and ethical practices within the industry. By embracing eco-friendly materials, fair labor standards, and body-positive messaging, the fashion world can mitigate its negative impacts while amplifying its benefits to society.
In conclusion, the fashion industry, like any influential sector, has the power to shape society for better or worse. By acknowledging its flaws and actively working to address them, we can harness fashion’s creative and economic potential while minimizing its detrimental effects on individuals and the environment.
(Word count: 292)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that justify a high band score:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly presenting a personal opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices.
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Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms like “fast fashion” and “body-positive messaging”.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex structures used accurately, with only minimal errors.
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Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
The fashion industry is a big part of our lives today. Some people think it has a bad effect on people and society, but others disagree. This essay will look at both sides of this argument.
On the negative side, the fashion industry can make people feel bad about themselves. Many fashion ads show very thin models, which can make regular people feel like they’re not good enough. Also, fast fashion is bad for the environment because it creates a lot of waste. Many cheap clothes are made in poor countries where workers are not treated well.
However, there are also good things about the fashion industry. It gives many people jobs, from designers to shop workers. Fashion also lets people express themselves through their clothes. It can be a form of art and creativity.
In my opinion, the fashion industry has both good and bad points. I think we need to focus on making fashion more sustainable and ethical. This means using materials that don’t harm the environment and making sure workers are paid fairly. We should also promote more diverse body types in fashion ads.
To conclude, while the fashion industry does have some negative impacts, it also has many positives. The key is to make changes so that fashion can be good for people and the planet.
(Word count: 234)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates good qualities that align with a Band 6-7 score:
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Task Response: The essay addresses the task, presenting both views and offering a personal opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, though the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated than in the Band 8-9 essay.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, with some attempt at using less common words like “sustainable” and “ethical”.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, with some errors that do not impede communication.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are presented clearly, though with less depth and nuance compared to the higher band essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
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Ethical (adjective) /ˈeθɪkl/: Morally correct or acceptable.
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Fast fashion (noun phrase) /fɑːst ˈfæʃn/: Inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers in response to the latest trends.
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Biodegradable (adjective) /ˌbaɪəʊdɪˈɡreɪdəbl/: Capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms.
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Circular economy (noun phrase) /ˈsɜːkjələr iˈkɒnəmi/: An economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources.
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Upcycling (noun) /ˈʌpˌsaɪklɪŋ/: The process of transforming by-products, waste materials, or unwanted products into new materials or products of better quality or environmental value.
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Greenwashing (noun) /ˈɡriːnwɒʃɪŋ/: The practice of making misleading claims about the environmental benefits of a product, service, or company policy.
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Supply chain transparency (noun phrase) /səˈplaɪ tʃeɪn trænsˈpærənsi/: The extent to which information about the companies, suppliers, and sourcing locations involved in producing a product is readily available to end consumers.
Conclusion
The topic of sustainable fashion and its impact on society is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of consumers in promoting sustainable fashion
- Government regulations to ensure ethical practices in the fashion industry
- The impact of social media on fashion trends and consumption patterns
- Balancing affordability and sustainability in clothing production
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is to fully address the question, organize your ideas coherently, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and develop your arguments with relevant examples. Practice writing essays on this topic and share them in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare you for success in your IELTS exam.