The topic of sustainable fashion and environmental responsibility in the clothing industry has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. Based on analysis of past papers and current trends, questions related to sustainable fashion industry appear approximately every 3-4 months in actual tests. Let’s examine a common question type and analyze model responses across different band scores.
Question Analysis
Some people believe that the fashion industry should focus more on sustainability and environmental protection rather than just making profits. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
This question requires candidates to express their opinion about the balance between profitability and sustainable fashion practices for the environment. It’s crucial to maintain a clear position throughout the essay while supporting arguments with relevant examples.
Understanding sustainable fashion industry and environmental impact
Band 8 Model Essay
In recent years, there has been growing concern about the environmental impact of the fashion industry, and I strongly agree that sustainability should take precedence over profit maximization. This essay will explore the reasons behind this position and discuss potential solutions.
The fashion industry’s current profit-driven model has devastating environmental consequences. Fast fashion companies produce enormous quantities of clothing using harmful manufacturing processes that release toxic chemicals into water systems and contribute significantly to global carbon emissions. For example, producing one cotton t-shirt requires approximately 2,700 liters of water, equivalent to one person’s drinking water for 2.5 years. Moreover, sustainable fashion and reducing environmental harm should be prioritized because the current system generates excessive waste, with millions of garments ending up in landfills annually.
Furthermore, implementing sustainable practices can actually enhance long-term profitability. Companies that invest in eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing processes often build stronger brand loyalty among increasingly environmentally conscious consumers. For instance, Patagonia’s commitment to sustainability has not only reduced their environmental impact but has also led to consistent revenue growth and customer satisfaction.
In conclusion, the fashion industry must prioritize sustainability over short-term profits to ensure both environmental protection and long-term business viability. Should governments regulate the fashion industry to promote sustainability, this transition could be accelerated significantly.
Band 6.5 Model Essay
I agree that the fashion industry needs to focus more on protecting the environment instead of just making money. This essay will discuss the main reasons for this opinion.
Firstly, the fashion industry causes many environmental problems. Many companies make too many clothes using cheap materials that harm the environment. They use lots of water and chemicals that pollute rivers and soil. Also, when people throw away old clothes, these clothes stay in landfills for many years and damage the environment more.
Secondly, making sustainable clothes can also be good for business. Many customers today want to buy clothes that don’t harm the environment. When companies make eco-friendly clothes, they can sell them for higher prices and get more loyal customers. Some companies are already doing this successfully.
However, changing to sustainable fashion is not easy. It costs more money to use better materials and cleaner production methods. Small companies might find it hard to make these changes while staying in business.
In conclusion, I believe the fashion industry should try harder to protect the environment while making profits. Both goals are important and can work together.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “devastating environmental consequences,” “prioritize,” “enhance”
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear position maintained throughout
- Relevant examples and specific data
- Coherent paragraphing and smooth transitions
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Basic but clear vocabulary
- Simple sentence structures with some errors
- Position is clear but arguments less developed
- Basic examples without specific data
- Basic paragraph organization
Key Vocabulary
- Sustainability (n) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – ability to maintain at a certain level without depleting resources
- Environmental impact (n) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈɪmpækt/ – effect on the natural world
- Fast fashion (n) /fɑːst ˈfæʃən/ – inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers
- Eco-friendly (adj) /ˈiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/ – not harmful to the environment
- Manufacturing processes (n) /ˌmænjuˈfæktʃərɪŋ ˈprəʊsesɪz/ – methods of making products
Consider practicing with these similar topics:
- The role of consumers in promoting sustainable fashion
- Benefits and drawbacks of implementing strict environmental regulations in the fashion industry
- How technology can contribute to sustainable fashion practices
Feel free to write your own essay on this topic in the comments section for practice and feedback.
