Plastic Shopping Bags Are Used Widely And Cause Many Environmental Problems

IELTS Writing Task 2 with sample answer.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write at least 250 words.

Plastic shopping bags are used widely and cause many environmental problems Some people say they should be banned

To what extent do you agree or disagree?


Sample Answer:

Plastic shopping bags have been widely used for decades, but their environmental impact has raised a great deal of controversy over the years. While some argue that plastic shopping bags should be banned, I do not necessarily agree with this opinion.

On the one hand, it is true that plastic shopping bags cause a number of environmental problems. These bags are made of a non-biodegradable material, meaning they never break down naturally. This leads to their accumulation in landfills, which take up valuable space and emit toxic gases into the atmosphere. Furthermore, plastic shopping bags have been found to be a major source of ocean pollution, which can have a devastating effect on marine life.

On the other hand, banning plastic shopping bags could have unintended consequences and would involve considerable costs. For instance, replacing plastic bags with paper bags would be more expensive and could lead to a rise in consumer prices. Additionally, plastic shopping bags can be recycled, and some companies now offer the option of returning used bags to be recycled and reused. This helps to reduce the environmental impact of plastic shopping bags significantly.

In conclusion, although it is true that plastic bags cause environmental problems, I would not support a ban on them. Instead, I believe that the best solution is to implement regulations that promote the responsible use of plastic bags, as well as making it easier for consumers to recycle them. This would help to reduce the environmental impact of plastic shopping bags, while still allowing them to be used.