IELTS Writing Task 2: Fast Fashion (Two Part Question) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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The Prompt

IELTS Writing Task 2 (Academic & General Training) - Fast Fashion Two-Part Question

Some people believe that fast fashion is a harmful trend, while others see it as a positive development. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

The fast fashion is a popular trend in the world today. Some people think it is bad, but others think it is good. I think it is bad.

Firstly, fast fashion is bad because it is not good for the environment. The clothes are made quickly and cheaply, so they are not good quality. People throw them away after a short time, and this creates a lot of waste. Also, the factories that make the clothes pollute the air and water. This is bad for the planet.

Secondly, some people think fast fashion is good because it is cheap and trendy. They can buy new clothes often and follow the latest styles. This makes them happy, and they feel good about themselves. Also, fast fashion creates jobs in poor countries, so it helps the economy.

In conclusion, I think fast fashion is bad. The environmental problems are too serious, and the benefits are not enough to make up for the harm it causes.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a clear position but lacks development.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Ideas are logically organized but lack clear progression.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Uses some appropriate vocabulary but with frequent errors.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Attempts complex sentences but with frequent errors.

Band 7.0 Answer

The fast fashion industry has grown rapidly in recent years, with proponents and critics offering differing perspectives. While some argue that it brings economic benefits and accessibility to trendy clothing, others contend that its environmental and social costs outweigh these advantages.

On one hand, fast fashion provides affordable clothing options that allow consumers to stay up-to-date with the latest trends without breaking the bank. This accessibility is particularly beneficial for young people and those with limited budgets. Additionally, the industry creates jobs in developing countries, contributing to economic growth and poverty alleviation.

On the other hand, the environmental impact of fast fashion is undeniable. The production of cheap, low-quality clothing leads to excessive waste, as garments are discarded after only a few wears. Furthermore, the manufacturing process often involves harmful chemicals and excessive water usage, contributing to pollution and resource depletion. The social costs are also significant, as workers in the industry often face poor working conditions and low wages.

In my opinion, the negative aspects of fast fashion outweigh the positive ones. While it may offer economic benefits and accessibility, the environmental and social costs are too high. Governments and consumers must take action to promote sustainable fashion practices and reduce the demand for fast fashion.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position and develops ideas with some examples.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a mix of appropriate vocabulary with some less common lexical items.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors.

Band 8.0 Answer

The phenomenon of fast fashion has sparked intense debate, with proponents highlighting its economic benefits and critics emphasizing its environmental and social repercussions. This essay will explore both perspectives before advocating for a more sustainable approach to fashion.

Proponents of fast fashion argue that it democratizes trendy clothing, making it accessible to a broader audience. By offering affordable, stylish garments, fast fashion brands enable consumers to express their individuality and stay current with the latest trends. Moreover, the industry generates employment opportunities in developing countries, contributing to economic growth and poverty reduction. For instance, countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam have seen significant economic improvements due to the fast fashion industry.

However, the environmental and social costs of fast fashion are substantial. The production of cheap, low-quality clothing results in a staggering amount of textile waste, with millions of garments ending up in landfills each year. Additionally, the manufacturing process often involves hazardous chemicals and excessive water usage, leading to pollution and resource depletion. The social implications are equally concerning, as workers in the industry frequently endure poor working conditions and meager wages.

In conclusion, while fast fashion offers economic benefits and accessibility, its environmental and social costs are too high. Governments, consumers, and the fashion industry must collaborate to promote sustainable practices and reduce the demand for fast fashion. By embracing slow fashion and supporting ethical brands, we can create a more sustainable and equitable fashion industry.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position and develops ideas with relevant, extended examples.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with flexibility and precision.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with minimal errors.

Band 9.0 Answer

The rapid rise of fast fashion has ignited a contentious debate, with proponents extolling its economic advantages and critics decrying its environmental and social ramifications. This discourse will delineate both viewpoints before advocating for a paradigm shift towards sustainable fashion.

Advocates of fast fashion posit that it has revolutionized the fashion industry by making trendy clothing accessible to the masses. By offering affordable, stylish garments, fast fashion brands have empowered consumers to express their individuality and keep pace with the ever-evolving fashion landscape. Furthermore, the industry has catalyzed economic growth in developing countries, generating employment opportunities and alleviating poverty. For example, the ready-made garment sector in Bangladesh accounts for over 80% of the country's exports, underscoring the industry's economic significance.

Conversely, the environmental and social costs of fast fashion are alarming. The production of cheap, low-quality clothing has led to a staggering increase in textile waste, with an estimated 92 million tons of garments discarded annually. The manufacturing process is equally detrimental, involving hazardous chemicals and excessive water usage that contribute to pollution and resource depletion. The social implications are no less grave, as workers in the industry often face exploitative working conditions and substandard wages.

In my view, the negative aspects of fast fashion far outweigh the positive ones. While it has undoubtedly brought economic benefits and accessibility, the environmental and social costs are too high. To mitigate these issues, governments must implement stringent regulations on the fashion industry, consumers must adopt more sustainable shopping habits, and the industry itself must embrace ethical and eco-friendly practices. By transitioning to slow fashion and supporting ethical brands, we can foster a more sustainable and equitable fashion ecosystem.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear position and develops ideas with relevant, extended, and supported examples.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with flexibility and precision, including less common lexical items.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with minimal errors and a high degree of grammatical accuracy.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Phenomenon (noun) - A fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen, especially one whose cause or explanation is in question.

• Example: The phenomenon of fast fashion has sparked intense debate.

1. Proponents (noun) - A person who puts forward an idea or a plan for consideration by others.

• Example: Proponents of fast fashion argue that it democratizes trendy clothing.

1. Repercussions (noun) - An unintended consequence of an event or action, especially a negative one.

• Example: Critics emphasize its environmental and social repercussions.

1. Democratizes (verb) - To make something accessible to the general public.

• Example: By offering affordable, stylish garments, fast fashion brands have democratized trendy clothing.

1. Staggering (adjective) - Shockingly large or impressive.

• Example: The production of cheap, low-quality clothing results in a staggering amount of textile waste.

1. Ramifications (noun) - A consequence of some action or event, especially when extensive or long-term.

• Example: The environmental and social ramifications of fast fashion are substantial.

1. Catalyzed (verb) - To cause or accelerate a significant change or reaction.

• Example: The industry has catalyzed economic growth in developing countries.

1. Exploitative (adjective) - Treating someone unfairly in order to benefit from their work.

• Example: Workers in the industry often face exploitative working conditions.

1. Stringent (adjective) - Strict, precise, and exacting.

• Example: Governments must implement stringent regulations on the fashion industry.

1. Eco-friendly (adjective) - Not harmful to the environment.

• Example: The industry itself must embrace ethical and eco-friendly practices.

1. Ecosystem (noun) - A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

• Example: We can foster a more sustainable and equitable fashion ecosystem.

1. Paradigm (noun) - A typical example or pattern of something; a model.

• Example: This discourse will delineate both viewpoints before advocating for a paradigm shift towards sustainable fashion.

1. Extolling (verb) - To praise enthusiastically and publicly.

• Example: Advocates of fast fashion extoll its economic advantages.

1. Decrying (verb) - To criticize severely and publicly.

• Example: Critics decrying its environmental and social ramifications.

1. Delineate (verb) - To describe or portray something precisely.

• Example: This discourse will delineate both viewpoints before advocating for a paradigm shift towards sustainable fashion.

1. Allevating (verb) - To make something bad less severe.

• Example: The industry has catalyzed economic growth in developing countries, generating employment opportunities and alleviating poverty.

1. Substandard (adjective) - Below the acceptable level or quality.

• Example: Workers in the industry often face exploitative working conditions and substandard wages.

1. Mitigate (verb) - To make something less severe, serious, or painful.

• Example: To mitigate these issues, governments must implement stringent regulations on the fashion industry.

1. Transitioning (verb) - To make a change from one state or condition to another.

• Example: By transitioning to slow fashion and supporting ethical brands, we can foster a more sustainable and equitable fashion ecosystem.

1. Empowered (verb) - To give someone the authority or power to do something.

• Example: By offering affordable, stylish garments, fast fashion brands have empowered consumers to express their individuality.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Lack of Clear Position: Many students fail to present a clear position in their introduction, leading to a lower task response score.
2. Insufficient Development: Students often provide only one or two sentences to support their ideas, resulting in a lack of development and a lower score.
3. Poor Vocabulary Choices: Using basic vocabulary and repeating words can lead to a lower lexical resource score.
4. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can significantly lower the grammatical range and accuracy score.
5. Lack of Cohesion: Poor use of cohesive devices can make the essay difficult to follow, resulting in a lower coherence and cohesion score.
6. Plagiarism: Copying directly from sources without proper citation can lead to disqualification.
7. Irrelevant Information: Including information that is not relevant to the question can lead to a lower task response score.
8. Poor Time Management: Spending too much time on one part of the essay can lead to rushing the rest, resulting in a lower overall score.
9. Ignoring the Task: Not addressing both parts of the question can lead to a lower task response score.
10. Inconsistent Tense: Using inconsistent verb tenses can make the essay difficult to understand and lower the grammatical range and accuracy score.

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