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IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Some people claim that not enough of the waste from homes is recycled. They say that the only way to increase recycling is for governments to make it a legal requirement. To what extent do you think laws are needed to make people recycle more of their waste? 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:

Some people claim that not enough of the waste from homes is recycled. They say that the only way to increase recycling is for governments to make it a legal requirement. To what extent do you think laws are needed to make people recycle more of their waste?

In today's world, there is a growing concern about the amount of waste produced by households and the lack of recycling. Some individuals argue that the most effective way to boost recycling rates is by implementing laws that make it mandatory for people to recycle their waste. I believe that while laws can play a role in promoting recycling, there are other factors that should also be considered.

Firstly, implementing laws can create a sense of obligation among the population to recycle their waste. For instance, in many countries, there are strict laws in place regarding the disposal of electronic waste, which has led to an increase in electronic recycling. This demonstrates that legal requirements can be effective in influencing recycling behavior.

However, simply relying on laws may not be sufficient to address the issue. It is essential to also focus on raising awareness and educating people about the importance of recycling. For example, educational campaigns in schools and communities have proven to be successful in encouraging recycling without solely relying on legal enforcement.

Moreover, there should be convenient and accessible recycling facilities to support people in their recycling efforts. If recycling bins are readily available and waste collection systems are efficient, individuals are more likely to participate in recycling without the need for strict laws.

In conclusion, while laws can be instrumental in promoting recycling, they should be complemented by educational initiatives and improved infrastructure. By adopting a multi-faceted approach, governments can effectively increase recycling rates and contribute to a more sustainable environment.

Model Essay #2:

Some people claim that not enough of the waste from homes is recycled. They say that the only way to increase recycling is for governments to make it a legal requirement. To what extent do you think laws are needed to make people recycle more of their waste?

Some individuals argue that the only way to boost recycling rates is by making it a legal requirement enforced by the government. However, I believe that while laws can certainly encourage recycling, there are alternative approaches that can also be effective in promoting a culture of recycling.

To begin with, implementing laws to mandate recycling may lead to resistance and non-compliance among the population. For instance, if people feel forced to recycle, they may not fully embrace the concept and could engage in superficial compliance, which may not be beneficial in the long run.

Furthermore, relying solely on laws may not address the root causes of low recycling rates. It is crucial to address the lack of awareness and understanding about the impact of recycling on the environment. Educational initiatives and public awareness campaigns can be powerful tools in promoting voluntary recycling and fostering a sense of environmental responsibility among the population.

In addition, the government should focus on providing incentives and making recycling more convenient for individuals. By offering rewards or benefits for recycling, such as tax incentives or discounts on goods and services, people may be more motivated to participate in recycling efforts without the need for strict legal enforcement.

In conclusion, while laws can play a role in promoting recycling, there are other approaches that should be considered. It is essential to focus on education, awareness, and providing incentives to encourage voluntary recycling behavior. By adopting a holistic strategy, governments can effectively increase recycling rates and contribute to a more sustainable environment.

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