IELTS Writing Test Task 2 Essay
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:Some people think that an effective method to reduce industrial pollution is to tax the companies which cause it. Others think that there are better ways to do combat the problem.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion. Include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample Essay Answer
Pollution, in general, is a big problem, but industrial pollution accounts for the majority of pollution caused worldwide. It is therefore essential to seek methods to reduce it to more sustainable levels.In many countries, governments implement restrictive taxation regulations. This is done in an attempt to encourage industries to consider less polluting methods of conducting their operations. This, however, does not tackle the essence of the problem. It simply makes the products produced more expensive for the consumer because most manufacturers pass on any increased costs to the end user, the consumer.
However, the driver of all industrial production is consumer demand. Therefore, if methods can be implemented to reduce demand, industrial pollution will, as a consequence, also reduce. Such a plan would require populations worldwide to change their consumption habits; consuming less than they currently do to reduce the supply of products by industries.
Technology can also help in reducing pollution because it can lead to more efficient and cleaner industrial processes, in which fewer raw materials are consumed and less pollution is emitted. The cost of such initiatives is usually borne by the end user, the consumer. It is rare that new technology results in a cost reduction for consumers.
However, the most sustainable solution is for the population of the world to consume less. This would lead to industries producing less and thus reducing the pollution associated with such industrial activity.