In recent years, the topic of sustainable fashion practices and their impact on the environment has gained significant attention in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. This trend reflects the growing global concern about the fashion industry’s environmental footprint. Based on an analysis of past IELTS exams and current environmental issues, we can expect this theme to continue appearing in future tests. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams and analyze sample essays for different band scores.

Analyzing the Question

Some people think that fashion items should be manufactured in large quantities and at low costs. Others believe that clothes should be produced in smaller amounts and at higher prices. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

This question touches on the core debate surrounding sustainable fashion practices. It requires candidates to discuss two contrasting approaches to clothing production and their potential environmental impacts. Let’s break down the key elements:

1. Mass production at low costs
2. Limited production at higher prices
3. The environmental implications of each approach

To answer this question effectively, candidates need to:

• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both viewpoints
• Provide relevant examples and explanations
• Express a clear personal opinion
• Use appropriate vocabulary related to fashion and environmental sustainability

Sample Essays

Band 8-9 Essay

In the fashion industry, there is an ongoing debate between mass production at low costs and limited production at higher prices. While both approaches have their merits, I believe that a shift towards smaller-scale, higher-quality production is more beneficial for the environment and society in the long run.

Proponents of mass production argue that it makes fashion more accessible to a wider range of consumers. By producing large quantities at low costs, clothing becomes affordable for people across various income levels. This democratization of fashion allows individuals to express themselves through their attire without breaking the bank. Additionally, economies of scale in mass production can lead to more efficient use of resources and potentially reduce waste in the manufacturing process.

However, the drawbacks of this approach are significant. Fast fashion, characterized by cheap, trendy clothing produced and consumed rapidly, has led to a throwaway culture that is environmentally unsustainable. The low quality of these garments often results in a short lifespan, contributing to the growing problem of textile waste. Moreover, the pressure to keep costs low can lead to poor working conditions and exploitation in developing countries where much of this production occurs.

On the other hand, producing clothes in smaller quantities at higher prices offers several advantages. This approach encourages consumers to invest in high-quality, durable pieces that last longer, reducing overall consumption and waste. It also allows for more ethical production practices, as higher prices can support better wages and working conditions for laborers. Furthermore, limited production often correlates with more sustainable manufacturing processes, such as using organic materials or implementing water-saving techniques.

The main criticism of this model is that it may exclude lower-income consumers from accessing fashionable clothing. However, this concern can be mitigated through innovative business models like clothing rental services or second-hand markets, which make higher-quality items more accessible.

In my opinion, the benefits of smaller-scale, higher-quality production outweigh those of mass production in terms of environmental sustainability and ethical considerations. While there is a place for affordable fashion, the industry should prioritize longevity and sustainability over disposable trends. A gradual shift towards this model could foster a more responsible consumer culture and mitigate the fashion industry’s environmental impact.

To achieve this, governments could implement policies that incentivize sustainable production methods and educate consumers about the environmental costs of fast fashion. Simultaneously, fashion brands should invest in innovative, eco-friendly materials and transparent supply chains to justify higher prices and build consumer trust.

In conclusion, while mass production has made fashion more accessible, the environmental costs are too high to ignore. By moving towards a model of smaller-scale, higher-quality production, we can create a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry that benefits both consumers and the planet.

(Word count: 446)

Band 6-7 Essay

The debate between mass-producing fashion items at low costs and producing clothes in smaller amounts at higher prices is an important one in today’s world. Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages, and I will discuss them before giving my opinion.

Mass production of fashion items at low costs has some benefits. It makes clothes affordable for many people, allowing them to buy new items more often. This is good for the economy because it creates jobs in factories and keeps businesses running. Also, when clothes are cheap, people from all income levels can follow fashion trends and express themselves through their clothing.

However, there are problems with this approach. Cheap clothes often don’t last long and end up in landfills, which is bad for the environment. The fast fashion industry, which produces a lot of cheap clothes quickly, is known for causing pollution and using up natural resources. Additionally, to keep costs low, some companies may not pay their workers fair wages or provide safe working conditions.

On the other hand, producing clothes in smaller amounts at higher prices has its own advantages. When clothes are more expensive, they are often better quality and last longer. This means people buy less often, which is better for the environment. Higher prices can also mean that workers are paid better wages and work in safer conditions. Moreover, smaller production runs can allow for more creativity and unique designs.

The main drawback of this approach is that not everyone can afford expensive clothes. This could create a divide between those who can buy high-quality, sustainable fashion and those who cannot. It might also lead to fewer jobs in the fashion industry if production decreases.

In my opinion, a balance between these two approaches is necessary. While we should move towards more sustainable and ethical production methods, we also need to ensure that clothing remains accessible to all. I believe that gradually shifting towards smaller production runs and slightly higher prices, while also improving the quality and durability of clothes, is the best way forward.

To achieve this, governments could introduce regulations that encourage sustainable production practices. Consumers could be educated about the benefits of buying fewer, higher-quality items. Fashion companies could invest in developing more eco-friendly materials and production methods that don’t significantly increase costs.

In conclusion, both mass production at low costs and limited production at higher prices have their place in the fashion industry. However, for the sake of the environment and ethical concerns, we should aim for a middle ground that promotes sustainability without excluding lower-income consumers.

(Word count: 399)

Band 5-6 Essay

There is a big discussion about how clothes should be made. Some people think we should make a lot of clothes for cheap prices, but others say we should make fewer clothes that cost more. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.

Making lots of cheap clothes has some good points. When clothes are cheap, more people can buy them. This is good because everyone can have new clothes and feel happy. Also, it helps the economy because more people are working in clothes factories.

But there are problems too. Cheap clothes often break quickly and people throw them away. This is bad for the environment because it makes a lot of rubbish. Also, sometimes the workers who make cheap clothes don’t get paid enough money.

Making fewer expensive clothes is different. When clothes cost more, they are usually better quality and last longer. This is good for the environment because people don’t throw away clothes so often. The workers might get paid more money too. But the problem is that not everyone can buy expensive clothes.

I think both ways of making clothes have good and bad points. In my opinion, we should try to find a way to make clothes that are not too expensive but still good quality. Maybe we can use better materials that don’t cost too much. We should also try to make sure workers get paid fairly.

It’s important that everyone can buy clothes, but we also need to think about the environment. Maybe people can buy fewer clothes but keep them for longer. Schools could teach children about why it’s important to take care of their clothes and not waste them.

In conclusion, I think we need to find a balance between cheap clothes and expensive clothes. We should try to make clothes that are good for people and good for the environment.

(Word count: 298)

Explaining the Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay Explanation

This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a comprehensive understanding of the topic, justifying a high band score:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and providing a clear personal opinion. It offers well-developed arguments and relevant examples.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. 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 fashion and sustainability are used accurately.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: It demonstrates a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. Complex sentences are used effectively, and there are no noticeable errors.

Band 6-7 Essay Explanation

This essay shows good writing skills but with some limitations, placing it in the Band 6-7 range:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task and presents a clear position. However, some ideas could be further developed.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some paragraphs could be better linked. Cohesive devices are used, but not always with full flexibility.

3. Lexical Resource: The essay uses a sufficient range of vocabulary, with some less common items. There are occasional errors in word choice, but they do not impede communication.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used. There are some errors, but they rarely reduce communication.

Band 5-6 Essay Explanation

This essay demonstrates basic writing skills, justifying a Band 5-6 score:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the task, but some points are underdeveloped. The writer’s position is discernible but not always clear.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: There is a basic structure, but ideas are not always well-linked. Paragraphing is present but not always logical.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited but adequate for basic communication. There are noticeable errors in word choice and formation.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Simple sentences are used accurately, but errors occur when more complex structures are attempted. These errors sometimes cause difficulty for the reader.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
2. Environmental footprint (noun) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈfʊtprɪnt/: The impact human activities have on the environment.
3. Fast fashion (noun) /fɑːst ˈfæʃən/: Inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers.
4. Ethical production (noun) /ˈeθɪkl prəˈdʌkʃn/: Manufacturing processes that take into account moral considerations.
5. Textile waste (noun) /ˈtekstaɪl weɪst/: Discarded fabric or clothing materials.
6. Supply chain (noun) /səˈplaɪ tʃeɪn/: The network between a company and its suppliers to produce and distribute a product.
7. Eco-friendly (adjective) /ˈiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/: Not harmful to the environment.
8. Throwaway culture (noun) /ˈθrəʊəweɪ ˈkʌltʃə/: A society that tends to use things once and then discard them.
9. Durability (noun) /ˌdjʊərəˈbɪləti/: The ability to last a long time without significant deterioration.
10. Innovative (adjective) /ˈɪnəvətɪv/: Introducing new ideas; original and creative in thinking.

Sustainable Fashion Practices

Conclusion

The topic of sustainable fashion practices for the environment is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

• The role of consumers in promoting sustainable fashion
• Government regulations to enforce sustainable practices in the fashion industry
• The impact of online shopping on fashion sustainability
• Technological innovations in sustainable fashion production

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary related to fashion and sustainability, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. We encourage you to practice writing an essay on the topic discussed in this article and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your IELTS Writing skills and prepare for the exam.

For more insights on related topics, you might find these articles helpful:

• Corporate Accountability for Environmental Sustainability
• Regulating Fast Fashion
• Sustainable Fashion and Reducing Environmental Harm