Some people think that banning plastic is the best solution to environmental problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree? | PAST EXAM IELTS WRITING TASK 2

 

IELTS Writing Task 2 – Banning Plastic for Environmental Protection

📝 Ideas with Explanation

✅ Arguments in Favor of Banning Plastic (Why It Is the Best Solution)

1️⃣ Reduces Land and Water Pollution – Plastic waste takes hundreds of years to decompose and pollutes the environment.
🔹 Example: Millions of marine animals die each year due to plastic pollution in oceans.

2️⃣ Minimizes Health Hazards – Microplastics enter the food chain, causing severe health risks to humans and animals.
🔹 Example: Research has found that plastic particles are present in drinking water and even human blood.

3️⃣ Encourages Sustainable Alternatives – A ban on plastic forces industries to develop eco-friendly packaging, reducing environmental damage.
🔹 Example: Many countries have switched to biodegradable packaging, reducing waste.

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✅ Arguments Against Banning Plastic (Why It May Not Be the Best Solution)

1️⃣ Practical Challenges & Economic Impact – Plastic is widely used in various industries, and an outright ban could affect businesses and jobs.
🔹 Example: The packaging and medical industries rely heavily on plastic materials.

2️⃣ Lack of Affordable Alternatives – Biodegradable substitutes are not yet cost-effective, making it difficult for businesses and consumers to transition.
🔹 Example: Paper and cloth bags are more expensive to produce than plastic bags.

3️⃣ Need for Better Waste Management Instead of a Ban – Instead of banning plastic, governments could invest in recycling programs and stricter regulations.
🔹 Example: Countries with efficient recycling systems, such as Germany, manage plastic waste effectively.

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📌 Sample Answer

Introduction (Paraphrased Using Passive Voice):

It can be observed that banning plastic is considered by some to be the most effective solution to environmental problems. While plastic waste significantly contributes to pollution, others argue that alternative measures such as improved waste management and recycling could be more practical. This essay will discuss both perspectives before presenting my opinion.

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Body Paragraph 1 – Why Banning Plastic Is an Effective Solution

Commencing with the reasons why plastic should be banned, one of the major benefits is the reduction of pollution. Plastic waste does not decompose easily and remains in landfills, rivers, and oceans for centuries, harming ecosystems. For example,  over one million marine animals die annually due to plastic pollution in the oceans. Moreover, banning plastic can help prevent serious health risks caused by microplastics entering the food chain. Thus, eliminating plastic use can significantly contribute to environmental protection.

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Body Paragraph 2 – Why a Ban May Not Be the Best Solution

On the other hand, banning plastic entirely may not be practical due to economic and logistical challenges. Many industries, including packaging and healthcare, rely on plastic for essential operations. For instance, medical supplies such as syringes and IV bags are made of plastic and cannot be easily replaced. Additionally, rather than imposing a ban, governments could focus on promoting recycling programs and sustainable waste management strategies. A clear example of this is Germany, where advanced recycling systems have successfully reduced plastic waste without banning it. Therefore, improving waste management could be a more viable alternative to a complete ban.

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Conclusion:

To conclude, although banning plastic can significantly reduce pollution and health hazards, it may not be the most feasible solution due to economic and industrial challenges. In my opinion, a combination of policies, including stricter recycling regulations and the development of sustainable alternatives, would be a more balanced approach to tackling environmental issues.

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📌 Vocabulary for a High Band Score 

✅ Environmental Vocabulary:

• Land and water pollution
• Biodegradable alternatives
• Sustainable waste management
• Microplastic contamination
• Ecological impact
• Renewable substitutes

✅ Advanced Linkers & Phrases:

• Commencing with the reasons why…
• On the other hand, banning plastic entirely may not be practical…
• A clear example of this is…
• Thus, eliminating plastic use can significantly contribute to…
• To conclude, although banning plastic can…

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