IELTS Writing Task 2: Fast Fashion - Band 6-9 Samples

IELTS Writing Task 2 Fast Fashion Prompt

Task: Write about the following topic:

Many people believe that fast fashion is harming the environment and society. Others argue that it is a necessary part of modern life. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Task Type: Discursive Essay (Opinion) Word Count: 250-280 words

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: 5.0 - Presents a position but with limitations in development.
• Coherence and Cohesion: 6.0 - Uses cohesive devices but sometimes inappropriately or mechanically.
• Lexical Resource: 6.0 - Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary but with some errors in word choice and collocation.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 6.0 - Makes frequent grammatical errors that can obstruct meaning.

Answer:

Fast fashion is a popular trend in today's world. Some people think it is bad for the environment and society. Others believe it is a necessary part of modern life. I think both views have some truth.

On one hand, fast fashion is harmful. It produces a lot of waste. Many clothes are thrown away quickly. This causes pollution. Also, fast fashion uses a lot of water and chemicals. This can hurt the environment. Additionally, fast fashion can exploit workers. Many workers are paid low wages. They work in bad conditions. This is not fair.

On the other hand, fast fashion is popular. People like to buy new clothes. It is cheap and trendy. Also, fast fashion allows people to express themselves. They can wear different styles. This is important for young people.

In conclusion, fast fashion has both good and bad points. We should find a balance. We need to protect the environment. But we also need to enjoy fashion.

Band 7.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: 7.0 - Presents a clear position throughout the response but with some limitations in development.
• Coherence and Cohesion: 7.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively but there may be some flaws in organization.
• Lexical Resource: 7.0 - Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary but with some less precise word choices.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 7.0 - Makes occasional grammatical errors but they do not obstruct meaning.

Answer:

The fast fashion industry has grown rapidly in recent years. While some argue that it is detrimental to the environment and society, others contend that it is an integral part of contemporary life. I believe that although fast fashion has some benefits, its negative impacts are more significant.

Proponents of fast fashion argue that it offers affordable and trendy clothing. This allows consumers to keep up with the latest fashion trends without spending a lot of money. Additionally, the industry provides jobs for many people, contributing to economic growth. However, the environmental and social costs of fast fashion are considerable. The production of cheap clothing often involves the use of harmful chemicals and excessive water consumption, leading to environmental degradation. Furthermore, the disposal of these clothes contributes to the growing problem of textile waste.

From a social perspective, fast fashion can promote a culture of overconsumption and waste. It encourages people to buy more clothes than they need, leading to a throwaway culture. Moreover, the industry is often criticized for its poor labor practices, including low wages and unsafe working conditions.

In conclusion, while fast fashion has some advantages, its negative impacts on the environment and society are more pronounced. It is crucial to adopt more sustainable practices in the fashion industry to mitigate these issues.

Band 8.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: 8.0 - Presents a clear position throughout the response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion: 8.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively to manage a clear and logical progression of ideas.
• Lexical Resource: 8.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items and some flexibility and precision in word choice.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with occasional errors in complex structures.

Answer:

The fast fashion industry has become a contentious issue in recent years, with proponents and critics offering divergent views. While some people argue that it is a vital part of modern life, others contend that it poses significant threats to the environment and society. I firmly believe that the drawbacks of fast fashion far outweigh its benefits.

Advocates of fast fashion point out that it offers affordable and stylish clothing, enabling consumers to keep up with the latest trends without breaking the bank. Moreover, the industry creates numerous job opportunities, thereby stimulating economic growth. However, the environmental and social repercussions of fast fashion are alarming. The production of cheap clothing often involves the use of hazardous chemicals and excessive water, contributing to environmental pollution and resource depletion. Additionally, the disposal of these clothes exacerbates the problem of textile waste, with millions of tons of clothing ending up in landfills each year.

From a societal standpoint, fast fashion fosters a culture of excess and wastefulness. It encourages consumers to purchase more clothes than they need, leading to a throwaway culture. Furthermore, the industry is frequently criticized for its exploitative labor practices, including low wages, long working hours, and unsafe working conditions. These practices not only violate human rights but also perpetuate poverty and inequality.

In conclusion, while fast fashion may have some advantages, its negative impacts on the environment and society are profound. It is imperative that we promote sustainable and ethical practices in the fashion industry to address these issues effectively.

Band 9.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: 9.0 - Presents a clear position throughout the response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion: 9.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively to manage a clear and logical progression of ideas.
• Lexical Resource: 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with sophisticated and precise word choices.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 9.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent error-free complex structures.

Answer:

The fast fashion industry has sparked intense debate in recent years, with proponents lauding its economic benefits and critics highlighting its environmental and social costs. While some argue that it is an indispensable part of modern life, I contend that its detrimental effects outweigh its advantages.

Proponents of fast fashion assert that it offers affordable and fashionable clothing, enabling consumers to stay trendy without overspending. Additionally, the industry generates substantial revenue and employment opportunities, contributing to economic growth. However, the environmental and social consequences of fast fashion are dire. The production of cheap clothing often involves the use of toxic chemicals and excessive water, leading to environmental degradation and resource scarcity. Moreover, the disposal of these clothes contributes significantly to the growing problem of textile waste, with millions of tons of clothing being discarded annually.

From a societal perspective, fast fashion promotes a culture of conspicuous consumption and wastefulness. It encourages consumers to purchase more clothes than they need, fostering a disposable culture. Furthermore, the industry is notorious for its exploitative labor practices, including low wages, long working hours, and hazardous working conditions. These practices not only infringe upon human rights but also perpetuate cycles of poverty and inequality.

In conclusion, while fast fashion may offer some economic benefits, its environmental and social costs are profound. It is crucial that we advocate for sustainable and ethical practices in the fashion industry to mitigate these issues and create a more equitable and environmentally conscious society.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Contentious (adjective): Controversial; likely to cause disagreement or argument.

• Example: The issue of fast fashion is highly contentious.

1. Divergent (adjective): Differing from one another; opposed.

• Example: Proponents and critics offer divergent views on fast fashion.

1. Repercussions (noun): Consequences; results of an action.

• Example: The environmental repercussions of fast fashion are alarming.

1. Exacerbate (verb): To make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse.

• Example: The disposal of fast fashion clothes exacerbates the problem of textile waste.

1. Exploitative (adjective): Treating someone unfairly in order to benefit from them.

• Example: The industry is frequently criticized for its exploitative labor practices.

1. Stimulate (verb): To encourage something to grow, develop, or become more active.

• Example: The fast fashion industry stimulates economic growth.

1. Depletion (noun): The reduction or exhaustion of something.

• Example: The use of excessive water in fast fashion leads to resource depletion.

1. Conspicuous (adjective): Clearly visible; obvious.

• Example: Fast fashion promotes a culture of conspicuous consumption.

1. Notorious (adjective): Known widely and for bad reasons.

• Example: The fast fashion industry is notorious for its exploitative labor practices.

1. Advocate (verb): To support or recommend something publicly.

• Example: We should advocate for sustainable and ethical practices in the fashion industry.

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

• Example: It is crucial to mitigate the negative impacts of fast fashion.

1. Imperative (adjective): Of vital importance; crucial.

• Example: It is imperative that we address the issues related to fast fashion.

1. Ethical (adjective): Relating to moral principles or the science of morals.

• Example: We need to promote ethical practices in the fashion industry.

1. Sustainable (adjective): Able to be maintained at a certain level or rate without depleting natural resources.

• Example: Sustainable practices are essential in the fashion industry.

1. Equitable (adjective): Fair and impartial.

• Example: We should strive for a more equitable and environmentally conscious society.

1. Discard (verb): To throw away something no longer useful or wanted.

• Example: Millions of tons of fast fashion clothes are discarded annually.

1. Hazardous (adjective): Dangerous; causing harm or damage.

• Example: The working conditions in fast fashion are often hazardous.

1. Perpetuate (verb): To make something continue indefinitely; to prolong.

• Example: Exploitative labor practices perpetuate cycles of poverty and inequality.

1. Scarcity (noun): The state of being scarce or in short supply; shortage.

• Example: The use of excessive water in fast fashion leads to resource scarcity.

1. Foster (verb): To encourage the development of something, especially something desirable.

• Example: Fast fashion fosters a culture of wastefulness.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Lack of Clear Position: Many students fail to present a clear position in their essays. It is essential to state your opinion explicitly and support it with relevant arguments.

1. Poor Organization: Some students struggle with organizing their ideas coherently. Use paragraphs to separate different points and ensure a logical flow of ideas.

1. Limited Vocabulary: Students often use a limited range of vocabulary, which can make their essays repetitive and less engaging. Try to incorporate a variety of words and phrases to enhance your writing.

1. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can obstruct meaning and lower your score. Proofread your essay carefully to minimize errors.

1. Insufficient Development: Some students provide only brief points without developing them adequately. Ensure that each point is supported with relevant examples and explanations.

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