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IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Recycling is a pointless activity, it is fraught with inefficiency. Governments need to develop policies to tackle waste and other issues at source. To what extent do you agree with this opinion? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experience.

Write at least 250 words.

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🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

Recycling is a pointless activity, it is fraught with inefficiency. Governments need to develop policies to tackle waste and other issues at source. To what extent do you agree with this opinion?

Recycling is often seen as an ineffective activity, as it involves a lot of inefficiencies. Some people believe that governments should focus on developing policies to address waste at its source. In my opinion, while recycling may have some inefficiencies, it still plays a crucial role in reducing waste and conserving resources.

Firstly, it is true that recycling processes can be inefficient and costly. For instance, transporting and sorting recyclable materials can consume a lot of energy and resources. However, this does not negate the fact that recycling helps in reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. By reusing materials, we can conserve natural resources and reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing new products.

Moreover, implementing policies to address waste at its source is important, but it should not undermine the significance of recycling. Governments should focus on promoting sustainable practices and reducing the generation of waste. For instance, they can encourage the use of biodegradable materials and promote the concept of a circular economy, where products are designed to be easily recycled or reused.

Furthermore, there are numerous successful examples of recycling initiatives around the world. Countries like Sweden and Germany have implemented efficient recycling systems, which have significantly reduced their waste output. By investing in advanced recycling technologies and educating the public about the importance of recycling, these countries have been able to minimize the environmental impact of waste.

In conclusion, while it is important for governments to tackle waste at its source, recycling should not be dismissed as a pointless activity. Efforts should be made to improve recycling processes and promote sustainable practices, as it plays a crucial role in reducing waste and conserving resources.

Model Essay #2:

Recycling is a pointless activity, it is fraught with inefficiency. Governments need to develop policies to tackle waste and other issues at source. To what extent do you agree with this opinion?

Some people argue that recycling is an inefficient activity and that governments should focus on addressing waste at its source. While I acknowledge that recycling processes can be inefficient, I believe that recycling still holds significant value in reducing waste and should not be overlooked.

It is undeniable that recycling can be plagued by inefficiencies. For example, the process of collecting, sorting, and processing recyclable materials can be energy-intensive and costly. However, despite these challenges, recycling remains an essential component of waste management and resource conservation.

In addition, while addressing waste at its source is crucial, it is equally important to recognize the positive impact of recycling. By reusing materials, we can significantly reduce the strain on natural resources and minimize the amount of waste ending up in landfills. Recycling also contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and helps mitigate the environmental impact of excessive resource extraction.

Furthermore, successful examples of recycling initiatives demonstrate its significance. Many countries have established efficient recycling systems and have seen a notable decrease in their overall waste output. For instance, the implementation of comprehensive recycling programs in countries like Japan and the Netherlands has resulted in significant reductions in landfill waste and has contributed to environmental sustainability.

In conclusion, while it is important to address waste at its source, it is essential to recognize the value of recycling in waste management and resource conservation. Efforts should be made to improve recycling processes and promote sustainable practices, as recycling plays a crucial role in minimizing waste and preserving the environment.

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