Writing Task 2 Plastic Bags

Here we take a look at a band 9 ielts writing task 2 sample about “In many countries, plastic shopping bags are the main type of rubbish. They cause water and land pollution, so they should be banned”. This sample then will be further analyzed for its vocabulary, grammar and format, so we see how it has qualified for such band score. We also suggest over 200 band 9 IELTS samples released in 2025.

Sample Essay (Band 9)

In many countries, plastic shopping bags are the main type of rubbish. They cause water and land pollution, so they should be banned.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Plastic shopping bags have become a pervasive environmental issue, contributing significantly to both land and water contamination. Given their detrimental impact on ecosystems and the availability of viable alternatives, I strongly agree that they should be prohibited.

One of the most pressing concerns associated with plastic bags is their contribution to environmental degradation. These bags are non-biodegradable, meaning they persist in nature for centuries, accumulating in landfills and oceans. As a result, they cause irreparable harm to marine life, as aquatic creatures often mistake them for food, leading to fatal consequences. Furthermore, plastic bags clog drainage systems, exacerbating urban flooding, which underscores their role in exacerbating environmental challenges.

Another compelling reason to impose a ban on plastic bags is the availability of eco-friendly substitutes. Many nations have successfully transitioned to reusable fabric bags or biodegradable alternatives, demonstrating that such a shift is both practical and beneficial. Notably, countries like Germany and Sweden have implemented strict regulations, which have significantly curtailed plastic waste and encouraged sustainable consumption habits. These examples illustrate that banning plastic bags is not only feasible but also conducive to a cleaner environment.

Opponents of such bans argue that plastic bags offer convenience and affordability, particularly for low-income groups. However, this reasoning overlooks the long-term costs associated with plastic pollution, including the economic burden of waste management and the adverse effects on public health. Governments could mitigate the impact on consumers by incentivizing the use of reusable bags through subsidies or awareness campaigns.

In conclusion, the continued use of plastic shopping bags poses a severe threat to the environment and human well-being. Given the availability of sustainable alternatives and the proven success of regulatory measures in various countries, banning plastic bags is a necessary step toward environmental preservation.

5 Academic Words in the sample for writing task 2 plastic bags

1. Pervasive (/pərˈveɪsɪv/)

   • Example: The influence of social media is pervasive, affecting nearly every aspect of modern life.

2. Detrimental (/ˌdɛtrɪˈmɛntl̩/)

   • Example: Excessive screen time can be detrimental to children’s cognitive development.

3. Viable (/ˈvaɪəbl̩/)

   • Example: Solar energy has become a viable alternative to fossil fuels due to technological advancements.

4. Exacerbate (/ɪɡˈzæsərbeɪt/)

   • Example: Air pollution can exacerbate respiratory illnesses, particularly among vulnerable populations.

5. Preservation (/ˌprɛzərˈveɪʃən/)

   • Example: The preservation of cultural heritage is essential for maintaining national identity.

5 Advanced Grammar Structures and How They Enhance the Essay

1. Complex Sentences with Non-Defining Relative Clauses

   • Example: “Notably, countries like Germany and Sweden have implemented strict regulations, which have significantly curtailed plastic waste and encouraged sustainable consumption habits.“
   • Why it helps: Enhances coherence and demonstrates a high level of grammatical control.

2. Cleft Sentence for Emphasis

   • Example: “It is the availability of sustainable alternatives that makes banning plastic bags a necessary step.“
   • Why it helps: Highlights key points effectively and adds sophistication to the argument.

3. Passive Voice for Formality

   • Example: “Plastic bags should be prohibited due to their environmental consequences.”
   • Why it helps: Makes the writing more formal and objective, which is ideal for academic essays.

4. Parallel Structure for Clarity and Impact

   • Example: “They persist in nature for centuries, accumulating in landfills and oceans, causing irreparable harm to marine life, and clogging drainage systems.“
   • Why it helps: Improves readability and strengthens arguments by making ideas clearer and more impactful.

5. Contrast Using “However” with a Counter-Argument

   • Example: “However, this reasoning overlooks the long-term costs associated with plastic pollution, including the economic burden of waste management and the adverse effects on public health.“
   • Why it helps: Demonstrates critical thinking by addressing opposing views logically and persuasively.

Free IELTS Sample Essays with Answers PDF

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Last But Not Least!

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