Full IELTS Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
People are living in a ‘throwaway society', using things for a short time and then throwing them away.
What are the causes of this? What problems does it lead to?
Write at least 250 words.
Introduce the 'throwaway society' concept and state that the essay will discuss its causes and problems.
Discuss the causes of the throwaway society. Point 1: Mass production making goods cheap and disposable. Point 2: Advertising promoting constant upgrading and disposability.
Discuss the problems caused by the throwaway society. Point 1: Environmental damage (pollution, waste, plastics example). Point 2: Social/economic inequality (some replace easily, others struggle, value on newness).
Summarize the main causes (mass production, advertising) and problems (environmental damage, inequality). Restate the need for more sustainable practices.
This essay discusses the 'throwaway society' we live in today, where items are used briefly and then thrown away. It explores the reasons behind this trend and the problems it creates.
One of the main reasons for our throwaway culture is mass production. The industrial revolution has allowed us to make goods in large quantities, making them cheaper and more available. This has led to a mindset where items are seen as disposable rather than valuable. Another factor is the impact of advertising. Companies often push the idea of constant upgrading, suggesting that newer is always better. This not only increases sales but also encourages a culture of disposability, where old items are quickly thrown away for the latest models.
Moving on to the problems this throwaway society causes, one of the most serious is environmental damage. The continuous production and disposal of goods lead to pollution and waste, putting pressure on our planet's resources. For example, single-use plastics, a typical symbol of our throwaway society, often end up in the sea, harming marine life. Another problem is the social and economic inequality this culture promotes. While some people can afford to constantly replace items, others struggle to meet basic needs. This inequality is made worse by a society that values newness and disposability over sustainability and durability.
In conclusion, our throwaway society is mainly caused by mass production and the impact of advertising, leading to a culture of disposability. This culture, in turn, leads to environmental damage and socio-economic inequality, underlining the need for a move towards more sustainable practices.
The current era is often characterized as a 'throwaway society', where items are utilized briefly before being discarded. This essay will delve into the causes of this phenomenon and the subsequent problems it engenders.
One of the primary causes of this throwaway culture is the advent of mass production. The industrial revolution has made it possible to produce goods on a large scale, making them cheaper and more accessible. This affordability, in turn, has led to a mindset where items are seen as replaceable rather than valuable. Another contributing factor is the influence of advertising. Companies often promote the idea of constant upgrading, implying that newer is always better. This marketing strategy not only boosts sales but also fosters a culture of disposability, where older items are quickly discarded in favor of the latest models.
Transitioning to the problems this throwaway society creates, one of the most significant is environmental degradation. The constant production and disposal of goods contribute to pollution and waste, putting a strain on our planet's resources. For instance, single-use plastics, a common symbol of our throwaway society, often end up in oceans, causing harm to marine life. Another issue is the social and economic inequality this culture perpetuates. While some people can afford to constantly replace items, others struggle to meet basic needs. This disparity is exacerbated by a society that values newness and disposability over sustainability and longevity.
In conclusion, our throwaway society is primarily driven by mass production and the influence of advertising, leading to a culture of disposability. This culture, in turn, leads to environmental degradation and socio-economic inequality, highlighting the need for a shift towards more sustainable practices.