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IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - The role of consumerism in driving environmental degradation

IELTS.WORK Free Online Writing Practice # 1712440772

Topic: The role of consumerism in driving environmental degradation

Question: In what ways does consumerism contribute to environmental degradation, and how can societies address this issue?

Model Answer:

Consumerism has become an increasingly influential force in modern society, driving a rapid increase in demand for goods and services. While it has brought about economic growth, development, and improved living standards, it has also played a significant role in environmental degradation. In this essay, we will examine the ways in which consumerism contributes to the degradation of the environment and propose potential solutions to mitigate its impact on the planet.

Firstly, consumerism leads to overconsumption, as individuals tend to purchase more goods than they need or can use efficiently. This results in a higher demand for resources, such as raw materials, water, and energy, which are extracted and consumed at an unprecedented rate. The extraction of these resources often involves deforestation, mining, and drilling, causing habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, and pollution. Moreover, the manufacturing process requires vast amounts of energy, contributing to air and water pollution, as well as greenhouse gas emissions that exacerbate climate change.

Secondly, consumerism promotes a throwaway culture, where products are designed to be disposable and replaced frequently. This "planned obsolescence" not only leads to waste but also encourages the production of goods with shorter lifespans, contributing to a cycle of consumption that is unsustainable in the long term. Electronic waste, for instance, has become one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally due to the rapid advancement of technology and the subsequent disposal of outdated devices.

To address these issues, societies must adopt sustainable practices that focus on reducing consumption and promoting recycling, reusing, and upcycling. Governments should implement policies and regulations that encourage the production of eco-friendly products and reduce waste. Education is also crucial in raising awareness about the environmental impact of consumerism and promoting a shift towards more sustainable lifestyles. Additionally, individuals can make conscious choices to consume responsibly, such as by purchasing products with minimal packaging, supporting local businesses, and investing in high-quality, long-lasting items.

In conclusion, consumerism plays a significant role in driving environmental degradation through overconsumption and the promotion of a throwaway culture. To mitigate its impact on the planet, societies must adopt sustainable practices and shift towards more responsible consumption patterns. This will require collective efforts from governments, businesses, and individuals to ensure the preservation of the environment for future generations.

Overall Score: 9.0

Task Response: 9.0 (The response addresses all aspects of the question and provides a comprehensive analysis of the topic)
Coherence and Cohesion: 8.5 (The essay is well-structured, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion)
Lexical Resource: 8.5 (The language used is varied and appropriate for the topic)
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 9.0 (The grammar is accurate, and the essay is free from errors)

Note: The actual IELTS Writing Task 2 questions and model answers may vary in structure and content, as they are designed to test a wide range of topics and perspectives.

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