IELTS HUBIELTS Positive-Negative Essay on Nature & Work & Health
Full IELTS Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
In many countries, plastic containers have become more common than ever and are used by many food and drink companies.
Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Write at least 250 words.
Introduction
Paraphrase topic (plastic containers common in food/drink). State opinion: disadvantages are much greater than advantages.
Body Paragraph 1 View 1
Discuss advantages: cost-effective (lightweight reduces shipping, strength reduces loss/damage), and convenient (easy to handle/store).
Body Paragraph 2 View 2
Discuss disadvantages: major environmental impact (doesn't break down, causes pollution/harm to wildlife like sea creatures), production causes greenhouse gases (burning fossil fuels).
Conclusion
Summarize main points (cost-effective/convenient vs. environmental harm). Restate opinion: environmental harm is more serious, making plastic a less favorable long-term choice.
Band 9 Sample Answer:
Plastic containers are widely used in the food and drink industry worldwide, and their use has grown considerably in recent times. Even though these containers have some benefits, I believe their drawbacks are much greater.
The main benefit of plastic containers is that they are cost-effective. Being lightweight, plastic reduces shipping costs, which can lead to lower prices for customers. Also, plastic's strength and resistance to breaking make it a cost-saving option for businesses, as it lessens the chance of losing products due to damaged packaging. Another benefit is their convenience. Plastic containers are easy to handle and store, making them popular with consumers who appreciate practicality and ease of use.
However, the environmental impact of using plastic is a major disadvantage. Plastic doesn't break down naturally and takes centuries to decompose, causing serious pollution and harm to wildlife. For example, sea creatures often confuse plastic waste for food, which can lead to their death. Also, the production of plastic containers leads to the release of damaging greenhouse gases. The manufacturing process involves burning fossil fuels, which emits carbon dioxide into the air, worsening global warming.
In conclusion, while plastic containers may be cost-effective and convenient, the environmental harm they cause is much more serious. Their contribution to pollution and climate change makes them a less favorable choice in the long term.
Band 7 Sample Answer:
The ubiquity of plastic containers in the food and beverage industry is a global phenomenon that has seen a significant surge in recent years. While these containers offer certain conveniences, I believe the disadvantages far outweigh the benefits.
The primary advantage of plastic containers lies in their cost-effectiveness. As a lightweight material, plastic reduces transportation costs, which can translate into lower prices for consumers. Moreover, plastic's durability and resistance to breakage make it an economical choice for companies, reducing the risk of product loss due to damaged packaging. Another advantage is the convenience it offers. Plastic containers are easy to handle and store, making them a preferred choice for consumers who value practicality and ease of use.
However, the environmental implications of plastic use present a significant downside. Plastic is non-biodegradable and takes hundreds of years to decompose, leading to severe pollution and harm to wildlife. For instance, marine creatures often mistake plastic debris for food, resulting in fatalities. Additionally, the production of plastic containers contributes to the emission of harmful greenhouse gases. The manufacturing process involves the burning of fossil fuels, which releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, exacerbating the issue of global warming.
In conclusion, while plastic containers may offer cost-effectiveness and convenience, the environmental damage they cause is far more significant. The pollution they cause and their contribution to climate change make them a less desirable option in the long run.