Below is a model IELTS writing task 2 answer for an essay question reported in the IELTS test this month. The question was reported in the test on March 3rd.

You will also find on this page:

• a link to learn plastic bag facts
• useful vocabulary for this topic

IELTS Essay Question March 2018

In many countries plastic shopping bags  are the main source of rubbish, causing pollution on land and in the water, so people think they should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

IELTS Model Essay March 2018

Some people think that plastic shopping bags should be prohibited because they are one of the major pollutants of both land and water around the world. I completely agree, but I think there are other measures that can be taken before putting a complete ban in place.

The reason that plastic bags should be banned in the near future is because they do not biodegrade and continue to pollute the environment for hundreds of years after being discarded. Plastic bags are often used only once, and end up clogging the land and polluting the water, causing about 100,000 marine animal deaths each year. Even when plastic does start to break down, it fragments into micro plastic which causes even more damage to all life on Earth. The only way to prevent throw-away plastic, such as plastic shopping bags, from seriously and irreversibly damaging our planet is to prohibit it.

However, it is best to try to change consumer behaviour before completely banning plastic bags. Plastic bags are not a vitally, necessary plastic product, only a convenience and customers should learn to replace them by using bags from home. Another step to deterring people from using so many plastic bags is by putting a high price on them  which will encourage people to reuse them.  Finally, having recycle bins by which customers can get cash back for depositing used plastic bags will also help. By altering consumer behaviour, it is a good way of raising awareness of plastic pollution as a whole and this can lead to more action on other unnecessary plastic products in the future.

In conclusion, an eventual total ban on plastic bags is crucial to preserve life on this planet and protect it from the effects of throw away non-biodegradable products.

Word count – 295

Plastic Bag Facts

Learn 7 amazing facts about plastic bags on this page: Plastic Bag Facts

Useful language List

• ban / prohibit
• discard
• biodegradable / non-biodegradable
• fragment
• micro plastic
• throw away products
• marine life / marine animal
• irreversibly damage
• pollutant
• consumer behaviour
• deter
• recycle bins
• cash back
• preserve life

It is also possible to agree with one side only. See other essays posted by students for this essay question – Other Student Essays

Hi guys,

Below is an IELTS essay question which was used this month, March 3rd, in writing task 2. The essay question below is one of a few questions that were used on March, 3rd. You can see other essay questions from March 3rd on my Recent Exam Questions page.

Post your essay by writing it in the comments box below. This is a chance for you to compare your essay with other students. This is not an offer of free marking – it is a chance for you to practise and compare. I’ll post a model answer tomorrow.

IELTS Essay Question March 2018

In many countries plastic shopping bags  are the main source of rubbish, causing pollution on land and in the water, so people think they should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

I will post a model answer tomorrow.

All the best

Liz

Below are two essay questions with model answers that were reported in IELTS writing task 2 in January.

Model IELTS Essays Jan 2018

Essay Question 1: Some people consider price as most important thing to think about when buying product (such as cell phone) or service (e.g. medical treatment). Do you agree or disagree?

It is thought by some people that the price of a product or service is essential to consider before deciding to purchase something. While I agree that people need to consider carefully before spending large amounts of money in order to avoid debt, the necessity of the purchase must play a role in the decision to buy.

It is essential that people take time to reflect on how much money they should spend on an item or service, and whether or not they can actually afford it within their available budget. Over the last few decades, the rise in personal debt has escalated as people are tempted to buy goods and services due to pressure from advertising and the increasingly easy access of credit cards. For this reason, any purchase that is costly and is bought using credit ought to be well thought through, particularly when the item is a luxury item that is not actually essential.

On the other hand, there are circumstances when the cost of a service or item becomes an irrelevant consideration. A typical example of this would be when someone’s life depends on a product or service, such as a new treatment for a disease not offered through normal channels. In such a case, a person’s budget becomes redundant and the expense should not deter someone from proceeding with the purchase. However, these situations are rare and in most circumstances price ought to be considered so that excessive spending is planned and budgeted to avoid serious debt problems.

In conclusion, people should deliberate carefully before spending large sums of money on goods and services, except in cases of dire necessity.

• Words 275
• You do not need to write the word count at the end of your essay.  I am stating it here for your benefit.

Essay Question 2: In many cities, many people are living in large apartment blocks. Does this accommodation have more advantages or disadvantages.

An increasing number of people are choosing to live in high rise apartment blocks. In my opinion, although these blocks of flats are often cheaper, they offer cramped living space and can present serious fire risks.

One obvious advantage to living in a multi-story apartment block is that it offers people affordable accommodation in urban areas. With the growth of urban populations, land is becoming increasingly expensive and, as a result, many people are no longer able to afford their own house. Large apartment blocks require a small area of land but can provide a lot of flats which enable people on low incomes to continue living near city centers and near their jobs.

However, high rise apartment blocks usually offer small apartments with no outdoor areas. For families, this can be a problem as each individual member of the family has little personal space which can result in a build up of tension as relationships can become strained. Another problem is that such restricted living quarters offer no space for exercise which is a vital requirement for healthy living.

Finally, one of the worst problems of living in a high rise block of flats is the fire risk that it presents. If a fire should break out in one of the flats, the number of floors in the building means that people can become easily trapped on the top floors, unable to escape the fire. This was unfortunately illustrated by the Grenfell Tower block fire that claimed  71 lives in London in 2017. The speed with which the fire spread through the 24 floors, made it impossible for everyone to escape.

In conclusion, while large blocks of flats may be a cheaper living option, they are lower quality accommodation with serious fire risks.

Words 297

IELTS Writing. Is it ok to delete words in IELTS writing? Read recommendations about this below.

Many students ask me:

1. Is it ok to delete words and make corectons corrections to your writing?
2. Can I write news words above using the “∨” sign to insert the new word?
3. If your writing is messy, will you get a lower score?

Answers

Deleting Words

It is completely fine to delete words in your IELTS writing. Is it natural that might want to change a word when you proof read your writing or when you have made a mistake. Many students put a line through the word they want to delete – make sure it is a strong thick line so it is easy to see. You want the examiner to be able to see clearly that the word has been deleted.

Adding Words using “∧”

It is fine to add new words into your sentences. However, make sure it is easy to read. You should not need to do this often if you plan your essay properly. You should not start writing your essay until you have a very clear plan with all ideas and supporting points planned.

Messy Writing

If the examiner can’t read your writing, then the words or sentences that can’t be read will not be counted. This means it could have a serious impact on your score. So, make sure your deleted words are clear, new words are easy to read and that your handwriting is legible. It might help to practise handwriting your essays before the test.

All the best

Liz

Answers to improving sentences.

Below you will find different ways sentences could be improved to get a higher band score in IELTS writing task 2.

International charities have large funds. Local charities have small funds.

1. International charities have large funds, while local charities have small funds.
2. Larger funds are available to international charities compared to local charities which have relatively smaller funds.

Some natural disasters affect thousands of people. These situations require the aid of international charities.

1. Some natural disasters affect thousands of people and, therefore, require the aid of international charities.
2. Natural disasters, such as earthquakes and tsunamis, can have disastrous consequences for thousands of people and for this reason the amount of aid required can only be provided by international charitable organisations.

Local charities know the needs of local people. Local charities can support both individuals and small groups.

1. As local charities know the needs of local people, they are able to support both individuals and small groups.
2. Local charities are able to support both individuals and small groups because they understand the needs of local people.

Local charities do not have big financial resources. They are still vital to the welfare of people within local communities.

1. Even though local charities do not have big financial resources, they are still vital to the welfare of people within local communities.
2. Despite local charities having limited funding and resources, they still play a vital role in providing support and caring for the welfare of people within local communities.

All charities need donations. International charities can draw donations from many wealthy countries. International charities have the money needed to promote their organisation. Local charities are less known but still require donations. Local charities must rely mainly on fund raising events.

1. It is clear that all charities need donations in order to do their work effectively and offer aid when needed. International charities are able to draw donations from many wealthy countries through their capacity to promote their cause on a global scale. This is not the case with local charities who are not as well known and rely on receiving money through fund raising in local communities.
2. It is clear that all charities need donations in order to do their work effectively and offer aid when needed. While international charities are able to draw donations from many wealthy countries through their capacity to promote their cause on a global scale, local charities are not as well known and rely on receiving money through fund raising in local communities. (This last sentence is very long. Do not try this unless you are excellent in English)

Let me know if this lesson was useful to you. 

Thanks

Liz

Below are some sentences about the topic of international aid organisation.

How can you improve the sentences below?

Write them again by linking sentences together. You can also alter words and change the order of information if you need to. Question 5 does not need to be written as one sentence, it might be written as two or three.

1. International charities have large funds. Local charities have small funds.
2. Some natural disasters affect thousands of people. These situations require the aid of international charities.
3. Local charities know the needs of local people. Local charities can support both individuals and small groups.
4. Local charities do not have big financial resources. They are still vital to the welfare of people within local communities.
5. All charities need donations. International charities can draw donations from many wealthy countries. International charities have the money needed to promote their organisation. Local charities are less known but still require donations. Local charities must rely mainly on fund raising events.

Answers

the answers and model sentences are now available to view.

Click here: Answers to improving sentences