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IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Nowadays, people always throw the old things away when they buy new things, some people claim that the broken things should be repaired and used again. What factors cause this phenomenon? What effects the phenomenon leads to? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

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🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

Nowadays, people always throw the old things away when they buy new things, some people claim that the broken things should be repaired and used again. What factors cause this phenomenon?

In today's consumer society, the practice of discarding old items in favor of new ones has become increasingly common. Some individuals argue that instead of throwing away broken items, they should be repaired and reused. This phenomenon can be attributed to several factors, and it has various effects on both the environment and people's behavior.

One factor contributing to this trend is the widespread availability of affordable and easily accessible new products. With the rapid advancement of technology and production methods, buying new items has become more convenient and cost-effective than repairing old ones. Additionally, the rise of disposable and single-use products has led to a culture of convenience, where people prioritize the ease of acquiring new items over the effort required to repair broken ones.

Moreover, advertising and marketing strategies play a significant role in promoting the replacement of old items with new ones. Companies often encourage consumers to upgrade to the latest models or versions of products through persuasive advertising, creating a desire for novelty and modernity. As a result, people are more inclined to discard old items and embrace the latest trends, contributing to the cycle of consumption and waste.

The phenomenon of discarding old items and replacing them with new ones has detrimental effects on the environment, leading to increased waste generation and resource depletion. Additionally, it perpetuates a culture of materialism and instant gratification, where people prioritize the acquisition of new possessions over sustainable and mindful consumption.

In conclusion, the prevalence of discarding old items and purchasing new ones can be attributed to factors such as the availability of affordable products, convenience, and persuasive marketing. However, this trend has negative consequences for the environment and promotes a culture of excessive consumption. It is essential for individuals to consider repairing and reusing broken items as a more sustainable and responsible approach to consumption.

Model Essay #2:

Nowadays, people always throw the old things away when they buy new things, some people claim that the broken things should be repaired and used again. What factors cause this phenomenon?

In the modern era, the practice of replacing old items with new ones has become a common phenomenon. While some argue for the repair and reuse of broken items, there are factors that contribute to the prevalent trend of discarding old possessions and acquiring new ones. This phenomenon has both positive and negative effects on individuals and society as a whole.

One of the key factors driving this behavior is the rapid pace of technological advancements. As new and improved products enter the market at a frequent rate, individuals are often enticed to upgrade to the latest versions. The allure of enhanced features and functionalities in new items leads people to opt for replacement rather than repair, as they seek to keep up with the pace of innovation and technological progress.

Furthermore, the increasing affordability of new products plays a significant role in the inclination towards discarding old items. With competitive pricing and easy access to a wide range of consumer goods, individuals find it more convenient to purchase new items rather than investing time and resources in repairing old ones. This accessibility to new products fosters a culture of convenience and instant gratification, driving the trend of discarding old possessions.

The phenomenon of replacing old items with new ones has various effects on consumer behavior and the economy. On one hand, it stimulates economic growth by driving consumer spending and supporting industries that produce new goods. However, it also leads to the generation of waste and contributes to environmental degradation. Additionally, the constant pursuit of new possessions may foster a mindset of materialism and overconsumption, impacting individuals' financial well-being and overall satisfaction.

In conclusion, the prevalent practice of discarding old items and acquiring new ones can be attributed to factors such as technological advancements and the affordability of new products. While it contributes to economic growth, it also has implications for consumer behavior and the environment. It is crucial for individuals to consider the long-term consequences of their consumption habits and strive for a balance between embracing innovation and adopting sustainable practices.

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