IELTS Writing Task 2: People Always Throw the Old Things Away When they Buy New Things
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Achieving proficiency in the Essay Writing section of the IELTS Writing module poses a difficulty for numerous test-takers. Hence, it is essential to enhance your essay writing abilities before undertaking the IELTS to ensure success.
The IELTS Writing Task 2 is a crucial part of both the General Training and Academic versions of the IELTS exam. It assesses your ability to write a well-structured and cohesive essay in response to a given topic.
This is a two-part question essay that presents two direct questions related to a specific topic or issue. You’re expected to address both questions in a well-structured and comprehensive essay, providing detailed explanations, supporting evidence, and relevant examples.
Mastering the IELTS Writing Task 2 requires diligent practice with a diverse range of sample essays. IELTSMaterial.com provides a rich collection of IELTS writing task 2 practice tests, meticulously designed to elevate your essay writing skills and pave the way for an excellent exam score.
Question
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Nowadays, people always throw old things away and buy new things, whereas in the past, old things were repaired and used again. What factors cause this phenomenon? What effects does the phenomenon lead to?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
You should write at least 250 words.
Structure Breakdown
Essay
Introduction
Body paragraph 1
Body paragraph 2
Conclusion
|
Band 7 Sample Answer
Introduction:
Recently, people have been more inclined to replace old household items instead of fixing them. This shift is influenced by economic prosperity, increased purchasing power, and advertisements promoting better product quality. The desire for the latest goods is fueled by these factors. In my opinion, this trend has negative consequences that go beyond individual choices, harming the environment with pollution, deforestation, and the buildup of non-recyclable waste.
Body Paragraph 1
Undoubtedly, economic prosperity has elevated people’s living standards, leading to increased consumerism. Higher incomes and reduced commodity prices significantly boost individuals’ buying capacity. Additionally, advertising plays a crucial role in shaping consumer behavior, enticing individuals with enticing promotions for modern and advanced products, thereby encouraging the disposal of older items. Furthermore, the lack of repair skills in the modern era contributes to the inclination to replace rather than fix possessions, leading to a preference for new acquisitions and the disposal of items deemed obsolete.
Body Paragraph 2:
The repercussions of this phenomenon are particularly concerning for both the environment and society. To meet escalating consumer demands, companies incessantly produce vast quantities of new products, resulting in the exploitation of natural resources and a reduction in product durability. Deforestation, de-vegetation, and environmental degradation become prevalent due to heightened consumerism. Moreover, the disposal of traditional items in favor of those with enhanced features contributes to the generation of non-recyclable waste.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the surge in consumerism, characterized by the replacement of old items with new ones, poses detrimental effects on both society and the environment. To mitigate these issues, it is imperative for governments and individuals to foster awareness regarding the benefits of fixing, reusing, and recycling household and technological items. Initiatives promoting sustainable practices can play a crucial role in addressing the negative impacts of excessive consumerism on our surroundings.
Band 7 Vocabulary
- Inclined:
Meaning: Having a tendency or preference.
Example: Recently, people have been more inclined to use digital payment methods instead of cash.
- Consumerism:
Meaning: The preoccupation with buying goods and services in large quantities.
Example: The holiday season often sees a spike in consumerism, with people buying gifts and decorations.
- Boost:
Meaning: To increase or enhance.
Example: The new marketing strategy helped boost sales for the company.
- Entice:
Meaning: To attract or tempt by offering something desirable.
Example: The store enticed customers with a limited-time discount on popular products.
- Dispose:
Meaning: To get rid of or throw away.
Example: Many people dispose of plastic bottles in recycling bins to help the environment.
- Obsolete:
Meaning: No longer in use or relevant.
Example: With the advent of digital technology, traditional film cameras have become obsolete.
- Repercussions:
Meaning: Unintended consequences or effects.
Example: The economic recession had repercussions on employment rates.
- Exploitation:
Meaning: The action of treating someone unfairly or taking advantage of them.
Example: The company was criticized for the exploitation of workers in its overseas factories.
- Prevalent:
Meaning: Widespread or commonly occurring.
Example: In many urban areas, air pollution is prevalent due to heavy traffic.
- Mitigate:
Meaning: To make it less severe or harmful.
Example: Planting more trees can help mitigate the impact of climate change.
Band 8 Sample Answer
Introduction:
Nowadays, it has become prevalent to witness individuals opting to purchase entirely new items rather than repairing slightly defective ones. This shift is primarily attributed to the increased affluence of people in contemporary society, coupled with the constant stream of innovations. The repercussions of this trend are notably observed in the escalating waste crisis and the widening gap between the affluent and the less privileged.
Body Paragraph 1:
One significant factor contributing to this phenomenon is the substantial rise in the percentage of affluent individuals over the last three to four decades. This demographic shift indicates that citizens in modern societies possess more valuable possessions compared to previous generations. Another driving force behind this trend is the proactive marketing strategies employed by companies targeting their wealthier customer base. Notably, highly populated countries like Japan and China showcase a preference for extravagant products, such as Prada handbags, while the younger generations predominantly constitute the user base for high-end gadgets like iPhones.
Body Paragraph 2:
The potential consequences of the aforementioned issues are poised to further exacerbate the existing challenges related to global waste and climate changes. The manufacturing industry, driven by profit motives, tends to focus on catering to the elite class, perpetuating a disposable, one-time-use mentality. This is evident in the creation of sophisticated and expensive inventories, acknowledging that a significant portion—approximately 80%—of the global population cannot afford such products. This stark disparity reflects the clear delineation between social classes, exemplified by countries like India, where a majority lives below the poverty line while a mere 5% belong to the world’s wealthiest population.
Conclusion:
To conclude, the increase in waste issues today is connected to wealthier individuals who are hesitant to fix or share their belongings. Manufacturers, driven by profit, frequently ignore the less privileged when creating products, continuing a cycle of harm to the environment and social unfairness. In my view, it’s crucial to work together to encourage a more inclusive approach in both how people consume and how products are made to tackle these issues.
Band 8 Vocabulary
- Prevalent:
Meaning: Common or widespread.
Example: The use of smartphones has become prevalent in modern society.
- Affluence:
Meaning: Wealth or abundance of possessions.
Example: The neighborhood’s affluence is evident in the large, luxurious houses.
- Repercussions:
Meaning: Unintended consequences or effects.
Example: The decision to cut down the trees had severe repercussions on the local ecosystem.
- Escalating:
Meaning: Increasing or intensifying.
Example: The escalating cost of living is a concern for many families.
- Demographic:
Meaning: Relating to the study of populations and their characteristics.
Example: Demographic data helps understand the age distribution in a given area.
- Proactive:
Meaning: Taking initiative or anticipating events.
Example: The company took a proactive approach by addressing customer concerns before they became major issues.
- Extravagant:
Meaning: Excessive, luxurious, or wasteful.
Example: The wedding featured extravagant decorations and a gourmet menu.
- Poised:
Meaning: Ready or positioned for a particular action or outcome.
Example: The athlete was poised to break the record in the upcoming competition.
- Delineation:
Meaning: The action of describing or portraying something precisely.
Example: The artist’s delineation of the landscape captured every detail with precision.
- Inclusive:
Meaning: Including all or open to everyone.
Example: The school promotes an inclusive environment where students of all backgrounds feel welcome.
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Band 9 Sample Answer
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Introduction
In today’s world, consumer behavior has undergone a significant transformation, marked by a growing tendency to discard old possessions and pursue new acquisitions. This trend diverges sharply from past practices, which prioritized repair and reuse. This shift raises concerns about the underlying causes and potential consequences of this phenomenon. In this essay, we will examine the factors driving this trend and investigate its multifaceted implications.
Body Paragraph 1
One big reason why people now prefer throwing things away instead of fixing them is because technology keeps advancing so quickly. For example, with phones, there are always new and better versions coming out, making the old ones seem outdated. So, it’s more common for people to choose buying new things rather than fixing the old ones. This quick turnover of products doesn’t just show that people like having the latest stuff; it also creates a lot of electronic waste, which is bad for the environment.
Body Paragraph 2
The effects of this habit of throwing things away go beyond just harming the environment; it also affects our economy and society. The constant throwing away of things, especially those that don’t break down easily, makes our waste problem worse. For instance, getting rid of old electronics can pollute the soil and water, causing problems for people and nature. Additionally, from an economic standpoint, although buying and throwing away things helps the economy grow, it also uses up a lot of resources and makes it hard to create a sustainable economy. Balancing economic growth with taking care of the environment is a tricky challenge that governments and businesses need to figure out for the long term.
Conclusion
In summary, the current shift towards replacing old belongings with new ones is driven by advancements in technology, consumer trends, and the influence of advertising. This shift has widespread consequences, leading to environmental harm and posing difficulties for economic sustainability. Although convenience and societal influences play a role in this trend, it is crucial for both individuals and policymakers to acknowledge the outcomes and work towards a more balanced way of consuming—one that values both innovation and taking care of the environment. The challenge lies in fostering a mindset that prioritizes long-term use and sustainability over short-lived convenience.
Band 9 Vocabulary
- Transformation:
Meaning: A significant change or alteration.
Example: The transformation of the old warehouse into a modern office space was remarkable.
- Discard:
Meaning: To get rid of or throw away.
Example: Many people choose to discard their old furniture when redecorating.
- Acquisitions:
Meaning: The act of acquiring or gaining possession of something.
Example: The company made several strategic acquisitions to expand its market share.
- Diverge:
Meaning: To move or extend in different directions.
Example: The opinions of the group began to diverge as they discussed the controversial topic.
- Multifaceted:
Meaning: Having many aspects or sides.
Example: The issue was complex and multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive approach to understanding it.
- Advancement:
Meaning: The process of moving forward or making progress.
Example: Scientific advancements have led to breakthroughs in medical research.
- Outdated:
Meaning: No longer in use or no longer considered current.
Example: The software became outdated, and users were encouraged to upgrade to the latest version.
- Consequence:
Meaning: A result or effect of an action or situation.
Example: The consequences of the decision were more significant than anticipated.
- Pollute:
Meaning: To contaminate or make impure, especially the environment.
Example: Factory emissions can pollute the air and harm the health of nearby residents.
- Sustainable:
Meaning: Capable of being maintained or continued over the long term without harming the environment.
Example: The company adopted sustainable practices to reduce its ecological footprint.
Connectors Used in the Above Sample Answers
Connectors, also known as connectives or transition words, are words or phrases that link ideas or parts of a sentence or paragraph together. Here are some of the connectors used in the above sample answers:
- In today’s world
- For example
- For instance
- Additionally
- In summary
- Recently
- Undoubtedly
- Additionally
- Furthermore
- The lack of repair skills
- Leading to
- Resulting in
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