IELTS 16 General Training Test 1 Sample Essay

• January 24th, 2023
• Sample Writing Task
• By

Plastic bags, plastic bottles and plastic packaging are bad for the environment. What damage does the plastic do to the environment? What can be done by governments and individuals to solve this problem?

Plastic bags, bottles, and packaging are a major contributor to environmental damage. Plastic is not biodegradable, meaning it does not break down naturally in the environment. Instead, it can take hundreds of years to degrade, releasing harmful chemicals into the soil and water. Plastic also poses a significant threat to marine life, as it often ends up in oceans and rivers, where animals mistake it for food and ingest it, leading to injury or death.

One of the most visible effects of plastic pollution is the accumulation of plastic waste in landfills and natural habitats. Plastic bags, bottles, and packaging can be seen littering beaches, parks, and streets. This not only harms the aesthetic of the environment, but it can also cause damage to ecosystems and wildlife habitats. Plastic debris can also contribute to the spread of invasive species, as small organisms can attach themselves to plastic and be transported to new areas, disrupting the balance of local ecosystems.

To address this problem, governments and individuals can take a number of actions. Governments can implement policies to reduce the use of plastic, such as banning single-use plastic bags and encouraging the use of reusable bags and containers. They can also invest in recycling infrastructure to make it easier for people to recycle plastic waste and reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills and the environment.

Individuals can also take steps to reduce their own use of plastic by using reusable bags, containers, and water bottles, and properly disposing of plastic waste by recycling or properly disposing of it in designated areas. They can also choose products that use less plastic packaging, or that are packaged in more sustainable materials. Additionally, individuals can also support and advocate for policies and initiatives that reduce the use of plastic.

In conclusion, plastic bags, bottles, and packaging are a major contributor to environmental damage. Governments and individuals can take steps to reduce the use of plastic, such as implementing policies and investing in recycling infrastructure and individuals can take steps to reduce their own use of plastic, support and advocate for policies and initiatives that reduce the use of plastic. Addressing this problem will help preserve the environment for future generations.