IELTS Writing Task 2: Fast Fashion — Band 7.0 Sample with Full Breakdown

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Prompt

> Some people believe that fast fashion provides affordable clothing and stimulates economic growth, while others argue that it promotes waste and exploits workers. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sample Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 6.0 - Presents a position but with limited development; some relevant ideas but lacks depth
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Ideas are logically organized but with some repetition and awkward transitions
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Uses some less common vocabulary but with some inaccuracies
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms but with frequent errors

Answer:

Fast fashion is a big thing now. Some people like it because it is cheap and there is always new stuff to buy. This helps the economy because people spend money. Also, it creates jobs in factories. But others say it is bad. They say it makes too much trash and the workers are not treated well. They work long hours for little money. I think the bad things are worse than the good things. We should buy less and take care of our clothes longer. The environment is more important than having lots of clothes.

Band 7.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with some development; presents, extends, and supports ideas but with some limitations
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively but with some redundancy
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey ideas with some flexibility and precision
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms but with some errors

Answer:

The fast fashion industry has become a global phenomenon, offering affordable clothing and driving economic growth. Proponents argue that it makes trendy clothing accessible to a broader audience, stimulating retail sales and creating employment opportunities. However, critics highlight the environmental and ethical implications. The rapid turnover of clothing contributes significantly to textile waste, with many garments ending up in landfills. Additionally, the industry is often criticized for exploiting workers in developing countries, who frequently face poor working conditions and low wages. In my view, the negative impacts outweigh the benefits. Governments and consumers should prioritize sustainability by supporting ethical brands and reducing consumption. Educating consumers about the true cost of fast fashion is crucial for fostering long-term change.

Band 8.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with thorough development; presents, extends, and supports ideas effectively
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively to manage a clear progression of ideas
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey ideas with flexibility and precision
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences

Answer:

The proliferation of fast fashion has sparked a contentious debate regarding its economic benefits versus its environmental and ethical drawbacks. Advocates contend that fast fashion democratizes style, making the latest trends affordable and accessible to a wider demographic. This industry sector fuels economic growth through increased retail sales and job creation, particularly in manufacturing hubs. Conversely, detractors point to the alarming environmental consequences, as the disposable nature of fast fashion contributes to staggering levels of textile waste. Furthermore, the industry's reliance on cheap labor often leads to exploitative practices, with workers subjected to substandard conditions and meager compensation. From my perspective, the detrimental effects far outweigh the advantages. To mitigate these issues, policymakers should enact stricter regulations on labor practices and environmental impact. Simultaneously, consumers must adopt more mindful shopping habits, favoring quality over quantity and supporting sustainable brands. Only through collective action can we transition towards a more responsible fashion industry.

Band 9.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear position with thorough development; presents, extends, and supports ideas effectively with relevant examples
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively to manage a clear progression of ideas with a logical flow
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with precision and sophistication
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences

Answer:

The ascendancy of fast fashion has catalyzed a polarized discourse, with proponents lauding its economic advantages and critics decrying its ecological and ethical ramifications. Proponents argue that fast fashion has revolutionized the retail landscape by rendering sartorial trends accessible to a broader consumer base at a fraction of the cost. This industry sector is a significant contributor to global GDP, generating millions of jobs along the supply chain. However, the environmental toll is stark, with the fashion industry accounting for approximately 10% of global carbon emissions and a substantial portion of textile waste. The ethical implications are equally grim, as the pursuit of cheap labor often results in the exploitation of vulnerable workers, particularly in developing nations. I firmly believe that the societal and environmental costs of fast fashion outweigh its economic benefits. To engender meaningful change, a multi-pronged approach is essential. Governments must enact and enforce stringent labor and environmental regulations, while consumers should embrace sustainable alternatives and advocate for greater corporate accountability. Educational initiatives can also play a pivotal role in fostering a cultural shift towards mindful consumption. By addressing these issues holistically, we can steer the fashion industry towards a more equitable and sustainable future.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Proliferation: rapid increase in the number or amount of something

• Example: The proliferation of fast fashion has led to increased textile waste.

1. Contentious: causing or likely to cause an argument

• Example: The issue of fast fashion is contentious among environmentalists.

1. Democratizes: makes something accessible to everyone

• Example: Fast fashion democratizes style by making trends affordable.

1. Exploitative: treating someone unfairly to gain an advantage

• Example: The fast fashion industry is often criticized for exploitative labor practices.

1. Staggering: extremely surprising or shocking

• Example: The fashion industry contributes to staggering levels of textile waste.

1. Meager: lacking in quantity or quality

• Example: Workers in the fast fashion industry often receive meager compensation.

1. Enact: to make a law or rule official

• Example: Policymakers should enact stricter regulations on labor practices.

1. Mitigate: to make something less severe or serious

• Example: To mitigate these issues, consumers must adopt more mindful shopping habits.

1. Ascendancy: the period of time when something is most powerful or successful

• Example: The ascendancy of fast fashion has sparked a contentious debate.

1. Sartorial: relating to clothes or tailoring

• Example: Fast fashion has revolutionized the sartorial landscape.

1. Ecological: relating to the relationship between living things and their environment

• Example: The ecological impact of fast fashion is a major concern.

1. Ramifications: the consequences of an action or decision

• Example: The ethical ramifications of fast fashion are significant.

1. Enforce: to make sure that people obey a law or rule

• Example: Governments must enforce regulations on labor practices.

1. Holistically: considering something as a whole rather than its parts

• Example: A holistic approach is needed to address the issues in the fashion industry.

1. Equitable: fair and just

• Example: We need to steer the fashion industry towards a more equitable future.

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of Clear Position: Many students fail to present a clear opinion, resulting in a lower Task Response score.

1. Insufficient Development: Some responses present ideas but do not develop them fully, leading to limited analysis.

1. Repetition: Repeating the same ideas or vocabulary can negatively impact Coherence and Cohesion.

1. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical mistakes can lower the Grammatical Range and Accuracy score.

1. Inappropriate Vocabulary: Using informal or incorrect vocabulary can affect the Lexical Resource score.

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