Recycling has become an increasingly important topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 over the past few years. Based on recent exam trends, questions related to mandatory recycling and environmental protection are appearing more frequently. This article will provide sample essays at different band levels to help you prepare for this common topic.
Recycling bins for different materials
Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this subject:
Some people believe that recycling should be made compulsory for everyone worldwide. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Analyzing the Question
This question asks for your opinion on whether recycling should be mandatory globally. Key points to consider:
- The main topic is recycling
- The focus is on making it compulsory worldwide
- You need to state your level of agreement/disagreement
- Explain your reasons and provide examples to support your view
Now let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Band 9 Sample Essay (290 words)
Recycling has become a crucial practice in our efforts to protect the environment, and I strongly agree that it should be made mandatory worldwide. This essay will discuss the reasons why compulsory recycling is necessary and the potential benefits it could bring to our planet.
Firstly, mandatory recycling would significantly reduce waste in landfills and oceans. With the increasing global population and consumerism, the amount of waste we produce has reached alarming levels. By making recycling compulsory, we can ensure that a large portion of this waste is repurposed rather than ending up in already overflowing landfills or polluting our oceans. This would help mitigate the devastating effects of pollution on wildlife and ecosystems.
Moreover, widespread recycling would conserve natural resources and energy. Many of the materials we use daily, such as paper, plastic, and metals, can be recycled and reused multiple times. By making this practice mandatory, we can significantly reduce the need for raw materials extraction, which often leads to deforestation and habitat destruction. Additionally, recycling generally requires less energy than producing new items from scratch, thus reducing our overall carbon footprint.
Lastly, enforcing recycling globally could drive innovation in sustainable technologies. When recycling becomes a universal requirement, it will likely spur research and development in more efficient recycling methods and eco-friendly materials. This could lead to the creation of new jobs in the green sector and foster a more sustainable global economy.
In conclusion, making recycling mandatory worldwide is a necessary step towards a more sustainable future. While implementation may pose challenges, the long-term benefits to our environment, resources, and economy far outweigh the initial difficulties. It is our collective responsibility to ensure the health of our planet for future generations.
Essay Analysis (Band 9)
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and fully addresses all parts of the task, warranting a Band 9 score. Here’s why:
- Task Response: The essay clearly states the writer’s position and fully addresses all parts of the task.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout the essay. Paragraphing is well-managed with effective use of cohesive devices.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with full flexibility and precision. Uncommon lexical items are used naturally and appropriately.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and accuracy. There are no errors.
Band 7 Sample Essay (269 words)
In recent years, recycling has become an important topic of discussion in many countries. While some argue that it should be made compulsory worldwide, I partially agree with this statement. This essay will explore the reasons for my position.
On one hand, making recycling mandatory could have significant benefits for the environment. If everyone was required to recycle, it would greatly reduce the amount of waste in landfills and oceans. This would help protect wildlife and reduce pollution. Furthermore, recycling conserves natural resources by reusing materials instead of constantly extracting new ones. This could slow down deforestation and other harmful practices.
However, enforcing mandatory recycling globally might face several challenges. Firstly, many developing countries lack the infrastructure and resources to implement effective recycling programs. It would be unfair to impose such a requirement without providing the necessary support. Additionally, some people might resist being forced to recycle, which could lead to non-compliance or improper recycling practices.
A more effective approach might be to focus on education and incentives rather than strict mandates. By raising awareness about the importance of recycling and providing economic incentives for recycling, we could encourage more people to participate voluntarily. This approach could be more sustainable in the long run and lead to genuine behavioral change.
In conclusion, while making recycling mandatory worldwide could have environmental benefits, it also presents significant challenges. A balanced approach that combines education, incentives, and gradual implementation of recycling programs might be more effective in achieving global participation in recycling efforts.
Essay Analysis (Band 7)
This essay demonstrates good writing skills and addresses the task well, justifying a Band 7 score. Here’s why:
- Task Response: The essay presents a clear position and addresses main ideas, though some aspects could be more fully developed.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, and paragraphing is generally well managed.
- Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used with some flexibility and precision. There are some less common lexical items.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A variety of complex structures are used with good control. There are no significant errors.
Band 6 Sample Essay (253 words)
Nowadays, recycling is becoming more important in many countries. Some people think it should be made compulsory for everyone in the world. I agree with this idea to some extent.
There are some good reasons to make recycling mandatory worldwide. Firstly, it can help to reduce pollution. When people recycle things like plastic and paper, less waste goes to landfills or the ocean. This is good for the environment and animals. Secondly, recycling saves natural resources. For example, when we recycle paper, we don’t need to cut down as many trees. This helps to protect forests.
However, there are also some problems with making recycling compulsory everywhere. One big issue is that some countries don’t have good systems for recycling. They might not have the money or technology to do it properly. Also, some people might not like being forced to recycle. They might try to avoid doing it or do it wrong.
I think a better way is to teach people about why recycling is important. If people understand the benefits, they might choose to recycle on their own. Governments could also give rewards to people who recycle, like money or prizes. This could encourage more people to do it.
In conclusion, while making recycling mandatory worldwide could help the environment, it might be difficult to do in all countries. I believe that education and encouragement are better ways to get more people to recycle.
Essay Analysis (Band 6)
This essay demonstrates an adequate attempt at addressing the task, warranting a Band 6 score. Here’s why:
- Task Response: The essay addresses the task and presents a relevant position, though the ideas are not always fully extended.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall structure, but cohesive devices are not always used effectively.
- Lexical Resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used for the task, though there is limited precision in word choice.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used, with some errors that do not impede communication.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Mandatory (adjective) /ˈmændətɔːri/ – required by law or rules
- Compulsory (adjective) /kəmˈpʌlsəri/ – required, obligatory
- Implementation (noun) /ˌɪmplɪmenˈteɪʃn/ – the process of putting a plan into effect
- Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/ – basic physical and organizational structures needed for operation
- Incentive (noun) /ɪnˈsentɪv/ – something that encourages a person to do something
- Conservation (noun) /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/ – prevention of wasteful use of a resource
- Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
- Compliance (noun) /kəmˈplaɪəns/ – the action of complying with a wish or command
- Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – make less severe, serious, or painful
- Eco-friendly (adjective) /ˈiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/ – not harmful to the environment
Conclusion
The topic of mandatory worldwide recycling is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of individuals vs. governments in environmental protection
- The economic impact of widespread recycling
- Balancing environmental concerns with economic development
Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and get feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam.