Scorify.uzThe question
In some countries, shops are no longer allowed to give free plastic bags to customers. Some people say a complete ban on plastic bags would be a better solution. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Write at least 250 words.
What the question asks
The statement proposes a complete ban, which is stronger than a charge. Decide whether a ban is better than other options, give reasons about behaviour and pollution, and mention what replaces the bags to avoid a one-sided argument.
Essay plan
- Introduction: Show you understand the difference between a charge and a ban, and state your view.
- Body 1: why a ban is better: Clear rule, immediate effect, fewer bags in rivers and seas; an example of a place where use dropped sharply.
- Body 2: weaknesses and conditions: Alternatives must be available; reusable bags have their own environmental cost; small shops need time to adapt.
- Conclusion: Restate your position and add a condition, such as a gradual start.
Band 7+ sample essay
Plastic bags are used for a few minutes but can last for hundreds of years in the environment. Some people believe that governments should therefore forbid them completely instead of simply charging for them. I agree with this view, as long as the ban is introduced carefully.
The main advantage of a ban is its simplicity. A small charge can be ignored by shoppers who do not mind paying a few cents, whereas a ban removes the choice altogether. Experience in several African and Asian countries suggests that use falls quickly once the rule is clear and enforced. Fewer bags also means less litter blocking drains and fewer animals harmed in rivers and seas.
Nevertheless, a ban is not a perfect answer by itself. If people simply switch to paper bags or thick plastic bags that are thrown away after one use, the environmental benefit may be smaller than expected, since these items need more energy to produce. Moreover, small market traders may struggle to afford alternatives immediately, so the authorities should give them time and support, for example by offering cheap cloth bags in the first months.
Education is also important. Customers who understand why the rule exists are more likely to bring their own bags, while those who see it as a nuisance may find ways around it. Clear signs in shops and short campaigns on television can make a real difference.
In conclusion, I believe a complete ban is more effective than a charge because it is clear and decisive, but it should be introduced gradually and supported by affordable reusable options.
265 words.
Why this essay scores well
- Task Response: every part of the question is answered and the position stays consistent from the introduction to the conclusion.
- Coherence and Cohesion: each paragraph has one clear idea, linked with natural connectors rather than a list of memorised phrases.
- Lexical Resource: topic vocabulary is precise and varied, without forcing rare words.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: a mix of simple and complex sentences, with conditionals and relative clauses used accurately.
Useful vocabulary
- enforce a rule — make sure people obey it
- litter — rubbish left in public places
- single-use — meant to be used once and thrown away
- reusable bag — a bag that can be used many times
- environmental benefit — a positive effect on nature
- market traders — people who sell goods at a market
- phase in — introduce slowly in stages
- a nuisance — something that causes small annoyance
Common mistakes on this question
- Describing plastic pollution at length without discussing whether a ban is better than a charge.
- Forgetting that the alternatives (paper, cloth) also have costs.
- Using very absolute language such as everybody will stop using plastic.
Study guides
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Frequently asked questions
What type of essay is this IELTS Task 2 question?
It is a opinion (agree/disagree) question. The statement proposes a complete ban, which is stronger than a charge. Decide whether a ban is better than other options, give reasons about behaviour and pollution, and mention what replaces the bags to avoid a one-sided argument.
How many words should the essay be?
Write at least 250 words. Most strong answers are 260–290 words, planned in about five minutes and completed in 40 minutes.
How many paragraphs should I write?
Four paragraphs work well: an introduction, two body paragraphs and a conclusion. Each body paragraph needs one main idea, an explanation and an example.