Fast fashion and its effects on global supply chains have become increasingly prevalent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. This trend reflects the growing concern about sustainability and ethical practices in the fashion industry. Based on recent exam patterns, we can expect to see more questions related to this theme in future tests. Let’s explore a sample question and analyze how to craft high-scoring responses.
Some people think that the fast fashion industry has had a negative impact on global supply chains and the environment. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to express their opinion on the impact of fast fashion on global supply chains and the environment. Key points to consider:
- The term “fast fashion” and its definition
- The concept of global supply chains
- Environmental impacts of the fashion industry
- Potential positive and negative effects
- Personal stance on the issue
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The rapid rise of fast fashion has undeniably transformed the global apparel industry, with far-reaching consequences for supply chains and the environment. While some argue that this business model has democratized fashion and boosted economic growth, I strongly agree that its negative impacts far outweigh any perceived benefits.
Firstly, the fast fashion industry has put immense pressure on global supply chains, often at the expense of ethical labor practices. In the quest for ever-lower prices and quicker turnaround times, many fashion brands have outsourced production to developing countries with lax labor laws. This has led to widespread exploitation of workers, who are often forced to work long hours in hazardous conditions for meager wages. The effects of fast fashion on labor markets are particularly concerning, as they perpetuate cycles of poverty and undermine efforts to improve working conditions globally.
Moreover, the environmental toll of fast fashion is staggering. The industry’s reliance on cheap, synthetic materials and rapid production cycles has resulted in massive amounts of textile waste, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, the production of a single cotton t-shirt requires thousands of liters of water, while synthetic fibers release microplastics into waterways with every wash. The short lifespan of trendy, low-quality garments exacerbates this problem, as millions of tons of clothing end up in landfills each year.
Furthermore, the fast fashion model has disrupted traditional supply chains and local economies. By prioritizing speed and low costs, this industry has undermined local textile traditions and craftsmanship. Small-scale producers and artisans struggle to compete with mass-produced, cheap clothing, leading to the loss of cultural heritage and diverse fashion ecosystems.
In conclusion, while fast fashion has made trendy clothing more accessible, its detrimental effects on global supply chains and the environment are undeniable. To address these issues, it is crucial that governments should regulate fast fashion industries more stringently and consumers should be educated about the true cost of their clothing choices. Only through a concerted effort to promote sustainable fashion practices for the environment can we hope to mitigate the damage caused by this unsustainable industry.
(Word count: 381)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
In recent years, fast fashion has become a big topic of discussion. Many people think it has had bad effects on global supply chains and the environment. I mostly agree with this statement because I believe fast fashion has caused more problems than benefits.
One of the main issues with fast fashion is how it affects workers in poor countries. Big fashion companies often choose to make their clothes in places where labor is cheap. This means workers are paid very little and sometimes have to work in dangerous conditions. This is not fair to the people making our clothes and shows how fast fashion can harm global supply chains.
Another problem is the damage fast fashion does to the environment. The industry uses a lot of water and chemicals to make clothes quickly and cheaply. This pollutes rivers and soil. Also, because fast fashion clothes are not made to last, people throw them away quickly, which creates a lot of waste. This waste often ends up in landfills or is burned, causing more pollution.
However, some people might say that fast fashion has made stylish clothes more available to everyone, not just rich people. This is true, but I think the cost to the environment and workers is too high. We need to find a better way to make affordable clothes without hurting people or the planet.
In conclusion, I strongly agree that fast fashion has had a negative impact on global supply chains and the environment. While it has made fashion more accessible, the problems it causes are too serious to ignore. We should look for ways to make the fashion industry more sustainable and fair to workers.
(Word count: 309)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic:
- Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed argument with relevant examples.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms like “global supply chains,” “textile waste,” and “microplastics.”
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a variety of complex structures accurately, with only rare minor errors.
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows a good understanding of the task but with some limitations:
- Task Achievement: The main ideas are relevant, but some aspects are underdeveloped.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some paragraphs could be better linked.
- Lexical Resource: Vocabulary is adequate but less sophisticated than the Band 8-9 essay. Some attempts at less common words are made.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentences is used, with some errors that do not impede communication.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Fast fashion (noun): Inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers in response to the latest trends.
- Global supply chain (noun): The network of organizations, people, activities, information, and resources involved in supplying a product or service to a consumer.
- Sustainability (noun): The ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time.
- Ethical (adjective): Morally correct and acceptable.
- Exploitation (noun): The action of treating someone unfairly in order to benefit from their work.
- Textile waste (noun): Discarded materials from the textile and garment industry.
- Microplastics (noun): Extremely small pieces of plastic debris in the environment resulting from the disposal and breakdown of consumer products.
- Artisan (noun): A worker in a skilled trade, especially one that involves making things by hand.
- Democratize (verb): To make something accessible to everyone.
- Eco-friendly (adjective): Not harmful to the environment.
In conclusion, the topic of fast fashion’s impact on global supply chains is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays that explore various aspects of this issue, such as labor conditions, environmental impacts, and potential solutions. Consider addressing questions like “How can consumers reduce the environmental impact of consumer goods?” or “What measures can be taken to promote sustainability in fashion?”
We encourage you to write your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you refine your writing skills and gain valuable feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam.