IELTS Writing Task 2 with sample answer.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write at least 250 words.
Some people claim that not enough waste from homes is recycled and that the only way to increase recycling is for governments to make it a legal requirement
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Sample Answer:
The issue of waste disposal and recycling has been a major concern in recent years, and many are of the opinion that more waste from households should be recycled and this can only be achieved if governments legislate and make it a legal requirement. This essay will discuss both sides of this argument before arriving at a conclusion.
On the one hand, making the recycling of waste compulsory can lead to an increased rate of recycling. This is mainly due to the fact that people are more likely to do something when it is a requirement by law. For example, in some countries, it is a legal requirement to pay taxes and this invariably results in a high rate of tax compliance. This same logic can be applied to the recycling of waste, as people may be more inclined to recycle their waste if failure to do so has legal consequences.
On the other hand, it could be argued that the government should not be the one to force people to recycle their waste. This is because it is the responsibility of citizens to take care of their environment and protect it, and it should not be the government’s job to remind them to do this. Moreover, in some countries, there is already a financial incentive for people to recycle their waste, such as discounts on taxes or subsidies for recycling companies. This has been shown to be effective in increasing the rate of recycling, and as such, legislating for it may be unnecessary.
Having considered both sides of the argument, it can be seen that, although making it a legal requirement is one way of increasing recycling, it is not the only way. It is therefore important that other options, such as financial incentives, are also explored. Nevertheless, it is the responsibility of citizens to protect their environment, and if this means abiding by laws that require the recycling of waste, then it should be done. In conclusion, governments should explore other options to promote recycling, but if required, making it a legal requirement is an effective way of increasing the rate of recycling.