The topic of “throwaway society” frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2, particularly in advantage/disadvantage and discussion essays. Based on recent exam reports and candidate feedback, this theme has emerged in various forms over the past few years, especially in countries facing rapid consumerism like China, India, and Vietnam.
Let’s analyze one common exam question that has appeared multiple times:
Many societies have become “throwaway societies” where people are used to throwing away goods rather than fixing them. Do you think the advantages of this development outweigh its disadvantages?
Analysis of the Question
- Topic: Throwaway culture in modern society
- Task: Evaluate whether benefits exceed drawbacks
- Key focus: Consumer behavior and its impacts
- Required approach: Clear position with supporting arguments
The growing problem of throwaway culture in modern consumer society
Band 8.0 Sample Essay
In recent decades, many societies have embraced a “throwaway” mentality where disposing of goods has become more common than repairing them. While this trend offers certain conveniences, I firmly believe that its disadvantages significantly outweigh any potential benefits.
The primary advantage of a throwaway culture is its apparent convenience. Consumers can quickly replace malfunctioning items without spending time and effort on repairs. Additionally, the constant replacement of goods helps drive technological innovation and economic growth, as manufacturers continuously develop new and improved products to meet consumer demands.
However, the drawbacks of this phenomenon are far more severe and long-lasting. The most critical concern is environmental degradation. The excessive production and disposal of goods lead to increased landfill waste, pollution, and depletion of natural resources. For instance, electronic waste has become a major environmental hazard in developing countries like India and China, where toxic materials from discarded devices contaminate soil and water sources.
Furthermore, the throwaway mentality has serious socioeconomic implications. It promotes unsustainable consumption patterns and creates financial strain on households that feel pressured to constantly upgrade their possessions. This behavior also diminishes traditional repair skills and craftsmanship, leading to job losses in repair industries and the erosion of valuable practical knowledge.
In conclusion, while throwaway societies may offer short-term convenience, the environmental and social costs far exceed these temporary benefits. Governments and individuals must prioritize sustainable consumption practices to ensure a better future for coming generations.
Environmental consequences of throwaway culture showing pollution
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
Nowadays, many people prefer to throw away old things and buy new ones instead of fixing them. While this habit has some benefits, I think the disadvantages are more significant.
One advantage of throwing away old items is that it saves time. People don’t need to spend hours trying to fix things or finding repair shops. Also, new products often work better than old ones and have more features. For example, new phones are faster and have better cameras than old ones.
However, there are bigger problems with this behavior. First, it creates too much waste. When people throw away things, they end up in landfills and harm the environment. Plastic waste is especially bad because it takes many years to break down. Second, always buying new things costs more money. Many families spend too much on new products when they could save money by repairing old ones.
This problem also affects society. Traditional repair skills are being lost because young people don’t learn how to fix things anymore. Also, some poor people cannot afford to keep buying new items, which creates inequality in society.
In conclusion, although throwing away old items might be easier, it causes more problems than benefits. We should try to repair things more often to protect the environment and save money.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8.0 Essay Analysis:
- Clear position and consistent argument
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Well-developed ideas with specific examples
- Excellent paragraph organization
- Natural cohesive devices
Band 6.5 Essay Analysis:
- Basic but clear position
- Simple but accurate vocabulary
- Some good examples but less developed
- Basic paragraph structure
- Simple linking words
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- throwaway society (n) /ˈθrəʊəweɪ səˈsaɪəti/ – a society that consumes and disposes excessively
- sustainable consumption (n) /səˈsteɪnəbl kənˈsʌmpʃn/ – responsible use of resources
- obsolescence (n) /ˌɒbsəˈlesns/ – the process of becoming outdated
- craftsmanship (n) /ˈkrɑːftsmənʃɪp/ – skill in a particular craft
- socioeconomic (adj) /ˌsəʊsioʊˌekəˈnɒmɪk/ – relating to social and economic factors
- environmental degradation (n) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃn/ – deterioration of the environment
- consumption patterns (n) /kənˈsʌmpʃn ˈpætənz/ – ways in which people consume goods
- landfill waste (n) /ˈlændfɪl weɪst/ – garbage disposed in designated dumping grounds
For practice, try writing your own essay about how throwaway culture affects your local community. Share your essay in the comments for feedback and discussion.
