Here's the recycling question from last week, with my essay 'skeleton' below it.
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?
..........
Introduction
It is true that we do not recycle enough of our household waste. Although I accept that new legislation to force people to recycle could help this situation, I do not agree that a recycling law is the only measure that governments should take.
Topic sentence for first main paragraph
In my view, a new recycling law would be just one possible way to tackle the waste problem.
Topic sentence for second main paragraph
However, I believe that governments should do more than simply introduce a recycling law.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I disagree with the idea that making recycling a legal requirement is the only way to encourage people to recycle their household waste.
..........
The introduction, main paragraph topic sentences and conclusion should give you a clear and coherent outline of my answer. The only thing missing is the detailed explanation in each main body paragraph. We'll look at ideas for the main body next week.
It is argued that recycling waste is not taken seriously and that government intervention is necessary to force people to do so. While legalizing recycling can help, I believe it should be done out of a person’s own will.
Imposing recycling with laws would compel people to abide by it and this means legal consequences, such as fines or imprisonment, would be faced otherwise. Some people are just not aware of or do not mind at all how recycling rubbish can benefit societies. They have not realized how such activity can impact the next generations and the world on the whole. Having recycling mandatory for households would not give them an alternative not to involve into it. Furthermore, those violators would be deterred by the penalties and punishments that go with it if not followed. Thus, it somehow makes recycling possible.
However, while regulating recycling with regulations helps, in my opinion making people do it out of their own decision will create a long lasting impact. When a particular activity, in this case recycling, is done with willingness, people will responsibly do it even in the absence of monitoring authorities. Take for example what happened in the Philippines. People in the past did not understand why they were required to do it. At first, it was such a burden to them to recycle their waste, but the authorities made them do it. There was no willingness to involve in the activity. It went on for a period of time, but when the authorities were not strictly imposing it, people began to go back to their old ways of not recycling. At present, nonetheless, when people are informed and have understood the benefits of recycling, they cooperate with the government without being monitored.
In conclusion, while regulations may force people to recycle, willingness to involve in such activity made possible by proper education could be the right method to encourage people to willfully take part in it.
Any thoughts guys? Learning ideas apart from Simon is good as well. Thanks
Posted by: timothy | October 25, 2017 at 10:42
@Timothy
Do you really think it would be a good thing to put people in already overcrowded prisons with violent criminals, just for failing to recycle? Keeping people in prison is really expensive !
What about the manufacturers, making pots of money, and taking no responsibility at all for the rubbish problem they create?
Posted by: Andi | October 25, 2017 at 10:55
if an essay is more than 280 words.....total 300
is it going to effect band score?
i look forward to know ur opinion regarding this sir simon.
Posted by: jk | October 25, 2017 at 19:31
@jk
You may notice that when providing a model Task 2 essay Simon averages about 285 words.
The longest I've found was 322 words with the comment: "It's a bit longer than necessary, but I decided not to cut it down."
http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2016/09/ielts-writing-task-2-climate-change-essay.html#comments
The second longest was 296 words.
http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2016/12/ielts-writing-task-2-festivals-essay.html#comments
In the public band descriptors, there is nothing specific about over-length essays. The marking is about dealing with the question properly, being coherent, accurate, and having natural and appropriate vocabulary.
As in life, be concise, to the point, and accurate with the grammar; no-one wants to read drivel.
Posted by: bonzo | October 26, 2017 at 07:24
It is true that many people have no aware of recycling waste and the earth has faced with many problem duel to waste. Law markers could issue a lagistraion to force people to recycle could help this situation, I think it has some disadvantages if we have only this measure.
In my view people always avoid banning - bill. They have to obey the legistration. But some people just recyle waste because they affaid of banned. In some case, people easily think that, they can ignose recycling waste and they can pay for it.
With a good legistraion, state could use another way to tackle waste. School can educate children, show them many way of recycling and how a health earth play it important role. A new department of recycling could take responsibility of help citizen classify waste and how to duel with these types.
In conclusion, State can issue a legistraion as an only way to reduce waste, force people ro recycle waste. Children should educated soon, all people should give one hand to remain the earth green.
Posted by: Dang Nguyen | October 26, 2017 at 07:37
@bonzo
thankyou for kind information.
Posted by: jk | October 26, 2017 at 08:12
@Dang Nguyen
Some issues here:
no awareness
the earth
hasis faced with..they are afraid of
the state could use
the State can issue
a healthy earth plays
of helping citizens
"duel" is not the same as "deal with"
"give one hand" -> lend a hand
"to
remainkeep the earth green"Posted by: bonzo | October 26, 2017 at 09:55
hello to all friends
I need to all essay's Simon that he has wrtitten.If someones has such booklet. please send me. Becuase, Simon's writing much more help me.
Thank you
Posted by: Roja | October 26, 2017 at 13:25
I want to ask that shouldn't the topic indicates that we should talk about what extent do we think laws are needed to make people recycle more of their waste?
Please anyone can help me as soon as possible~~
Posted by: Nikki | October 26, 2017 at 14:52
It is commonly held that people do not reprocess the domestic waste. While I agree with the point that encouraging more people to recycle the household waste can remedy a situation,I also believe that other effective measures need to be taken into account. I'm a beginner
Posted by: utkirbek | October 26, 2017 at 15:48
question is related to agree and disagree..
is it necessory to right some sentence for disagree while, we agree with the question ?
i look forward to ur opinion sir Simon
Posted by: jk | October 26, 2017 at 19:59
Hi Simon,
I've always been wondering, in task 2 like this one, if I sacrifice, say Task Achievement a lot, maybe aiming for a band 4 in TA but concentrating on the rest to get say, band 7-8 then I'd get 6-7 overall which is decent. Is that a good strategy?
in effect, if i aim for 2-3 in one criteria and aim high for others, I can still get a decent score right?
Posted by: Nam Le | October 27, 2017 at 05:40
In my view, a new recycling law would be just one possible way to tackle the waste problem. In which are the authorities specifically make the new laws of recycling scheme in order to force the city dweller reuse or resell the household, if they to do it, the local government would be giving the bounty to count. such as the people are selling the 3-C electronic advices to a second-hand store.
moreover, the local government can ruin the campaign by advertisements which are clearly educating the people how to classify the trash well. For example, in my city, the local government has been helping the citizen recycling efficiency by setting the colour basket on the street corner for sort garbage collection
Posted by: jj | October 27, 2017 at 07:16
However, I believe that governments should do more than simply introduce a recycling lawwhen the people understand the environment friendly is an essential lesson for their offspring's future, therefore the citizen respects the new laws and take it in action alike. anticipated the terrible the household waste has stopped now. Even through it is an ideology. if we rethink the behind reasons is some of people are catching the fashion, causing they are become Shopaholic that is mean buying too much but didn't appropriately use it then throw it away.
Posted by: jj | October 27, 2017 at 08:17
Hi Simon
The questions asked that what extent do you think laws are needed to make people recycle more of their waste?.
However the conclusion telling that disagree with the idea that making recycling a legal requirement is the only way to encourage people to recycle their household waste.
Could we conclude like that while the question do not mention that law is the only way to encourage people to recycle more?
Posted by: dona | October 27, 2017 at 09:52
@ Nam Le
You might like to check Simon's comments in this area:
http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2017/07/ielts-writing-task-2-from-band-65-to-band-7.html
http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2017/03/ielts-writing-task-2-some-grammar-advice.html
My understanding is that to achieve a band seven overall in Task 2, you must get a total of at least 28 points.The band descriptor for Grammar level 8 says: "the majority of sentences are error-free ". "The majority of.. " is often used to mean about 80 percent.
https://www.google.com/search?tbm=bks&ei=E_TyWbL8K4W78QW3tI_QCw&q=the+majority+of+80+percent&oq=the+majority+of+80+percent&gs_l=psy-ab.12...46899.47810.0.52970.5.5.0.0.0.0.423.423.4-1.1.0....0...1.1.64.psy-ab..4.0.0....0.MAjtSYvFVhg
Given that Task 2 takes about 15 sentences, that would mean no more than three grammar mistakes to achieve level 8 in that area. So if these assumptions are correct, it would more realistic to go for a high score in Task Achievement.
Posted by: Kati | October 27, 2017 at 10:10
Can some one tell me about thesis statement? What it is?
Posted by: preet | October 27, 2017 at 15:48
How to make an impressive introduction and conclusion?
Apart from this,how many paragraphs should be there?
Lastly, how many ideas are needed to write in one paragraph?
Posted by: preet | October 27, 2017 at 15:51
@preet
http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2010/08/ielts-writing-task-2-how-to-write-an-introduction.html
Simon's previous comments on this topic:
"In this essay I will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of..." This is what many of my students think a thesis statement should look like.
However ... A good thesis statement should provide an overall answer to the question and state your position.
I put all of my reasons, supporting ideas etc. in the main body paragraphs (these are the key to a high score). In the introduction, I simply address the topic and give a very general answer to the question. In the conclusion I reaffirm my overall answer, but I don't repeat all of the reasons.
Remember that in any essay/assignment/project you do, the main body is the key part. In a typical university assignment of 3000 words (let's say 10 pages), the introduction would be around one page long (10% of the essay). It's the same with IELTS - too many students write introductions and conclusions that are as long or longer than the main body paragraphs. Don't do that! Writing a thesis statement and supporting ideas in the introduction is not "wrong", but I think it's a waste of time - time that could be spent doing great main body paragraphs.
Memorised phrases for any essay, original or difficult words, complex grammatical structures, a long introduction with background and thesis statement: these are NOT the keys to a high score!
The requirements of IELTS essays are completely different to those of college or university essays.
Posted by: M'ambo | October 27, 2017 at 16:40
@M'ambo
Thank you for your valuable guidance
But I am facing trials and tribulations in speaking too don't know what to do! Last time my academic scores were pretty good 7 7. 6. 6. Overall 6.5 this time I am going to do general ielts my speaking is going down due to lack of confidence and fear of grammatical errors. I went blank in speaking tell me what to do, any tutor( onliney can give me proper attention if yes please reply soon.
Thank you once again
Posted by: preet | October 27, 2017 at 19:01
@preet
http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2012/08/ielts-speaking-how-to-feel-more-confident.html
Posted by: M'ambo | October 27, 2017 at 20:21
Dear Simon,
I took my test on 28th Oct, the topic was an easy two part question... Somehow I missed on answering one part of the question which I realized after the test was over... What are the chances of me getting a good score?
Regards
Saumya
Posted by: Saumya malik | October 29, 2017 at 11:03
Hello Simon,
If the question says 'To what extent do you agree or disagree' do you give 2 key reasons why you agree or disagree?(ex. Paragraph 1-your reason why you agree, then, paragraph 2-2nd reason why you agree) or you should discuss both views?
Thx. very much. Would be deeply appreciated if you answer such burning question for me.
Posted by: Jab | October 29, 2017 at 11:27
It is true that we do not recycle our household waste and the only way to solve this problem is that government should impose law. I believe that only enacting new law is not enough to make people recycle their waste.
To begin with,government can take legal measure to reduce wast meaning that people shoulf be encouraged to recycle their waste as much as possible. To do this if needed authorities can enact new law such as penalty or fine according to their wast production.This means that the more one household produce waste the more one has to pay to the concerned authority,who collects them.This will help people to think twice before throwing something in the waste bin.And ultimately reduce the waste one produce.
Apart from this, government can teach people about the consequences of waste have to the earth and make people conscious about that. This may also help people to reduce their waste.And goverment can teach people also how to reuse a thing from thresh box.As some peole lack of knowledge about how a thing can be reused. Take for example, a youtube channel called " five minutes craft" this community group films about the way we can use something multiple times.if this kind of channel is encouraged by government waste problem will be no more in the future.
To conclude,government should impose not only new law but also can take a number of steps to make people recycle this waste as much as possible.
(246 words)
Posted by: mohammad imran | October 29, 2017 at 13:46
Please help me the writing above... my exam is on 11/11/2017.
Posted by: mohammad imran | October 29, 2017 at 13:48
@ mohammad imran
http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2011/11/ielts-advice-big-mistakes.html
thresh box: "dustbin" is commoner in UK Englishhttps://books.google.com/ngrams/graph?content=trash+can%2Crubbish+bin%2Cgarbage+bin%2Ctrash+bin%2Cdustbin%2Cgarbage+can&year_start=1900&year_end=2008&corpus=15&smoothing=3&share=&direct_url=t1%3B%2Ctrash%20can%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2Crubbish%20bin%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2Cgarbage%20bin%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2Ctrash%20bin%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2Cdustbin%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2Cgarbage%20can%3B%2Cc0
"waste bin" might refer to a "wastebasket" or "waste paper bin" in an office; or to an outdoor rubbish disposal container.
one household produces waste
such as a penalty or a fine
a thing -> an item
Posted by: Bungo | October 29, 2017 at 19:16
@ mohammad imran
Probably in IELTS essays we need "the government" or "governments".
https://books.google.com/ngrams/graph?content=*+government%2C+governments&year_start=1900&year_end=2008&corpus=15&smoothing=3&share=&direct_url=t2%3B%2C%2A%20government%3B%2Cc0%3B%2Cs0%3B%3Bthe%20government%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Bof%20government%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Ba%20government%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Bfederal%20government%3B%2Cc0%3B%3BThe%20government%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Blocal%20government%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Band%20government%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Bin%20government%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Bcentral%20government%3B%2Cc0%3B%3BBritish%20government%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2Cgovernments%3B%2Cc0
Simon mostly uses "governments":
http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2010/11/ielts-writing-task-2-governments.html
Check the usage notes here:
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/government
Posted by: Bungo | October 29, 2017 at 19:34
I would appreciate your feedback on the following essay.
It is often asserted that people do not recycle enough of their domestic waste. While imposing new regulations to oblige people to recycle more could certainly help, I believe that governments should also consider other approaches to address this problem.
In my view, introducing a new recycling law would not be a practical way to tackle the waste problem. As with any new regulation in the society, imposing a law and successfully enforcing it are two wholly different matters. Due to the nature of the waste produced in households, I doubt it would be possible to oblige families to recycle their waste if they did not wish to cooperate. For example, people could simply discard plastic bags down their toilets without any government official noticing it. Therefore, long before making recycling a legal requirement, governments should invest in raising people’s awareness on this issue.
I personally believe that besides introducing necessary laws, governments could implement several other more effective measures to encourage reusing and recycling in the society. Firstly, schools could educate young people about the negative consequences of household waste on the natural environment and wildlife. For example, teachers could teach children that a simple plastic bottle left in a street could be a potential threat to wildlife in that area. Secondly, to promote the practice of reusing and recycling in the society, lawmakers could subsidize industries that are using recyclable materials in their productions. Finally, rather than forcing people to recycle their domestic waste, it could be a good idea to offer them tax discounts based on the amount of waste that they could recycle annually.
In conclusion, I disagree with the idea that making recycling a legal requirement is the only way to encourage people to recycle their household waste.
Posted by: Adib | October 30, 2017 at 13:03
It is true that we do not recycle enough of our household waste. Although I accept that new legislation to force people to recycle could help this situation, I do not agree that a recycling law is the only measure that governments should take.
In my view, a new recycling law would be just one possible way to tackle the waste problem. With the introduction of new recycling rules the level and efficiency of waste disposal may increase. This is due to the fact that people are more responsible when it comes to law. In other words, residents will regularly recycle in order to avoid of facing penalty imposed by authorities. Even if home recycling requires a great amount of time, making it a legal requirement can increase national recycling rate.
However, I believe that governments should do more than simply introduce a recycling law. Firstly, related organizations can run environmental campaigns for households and define prizes for those who recycled the most. This type of arrangements can encourage households to sort their waste before throwing it out. Secondly, governments should arrange and sponsor information sessions to inform all generations how recycling is important. People should be convinced that recycle is a great way they can make a difference, both locally and globally. Finally, ...
In conclusion, I disagree with the idea that making recycling a legal requirement is the only way to encourage people to recycle their household waste.
TOUGH TOPIC
Posted by: Ilkin | October 30, 2017 at 13:42
@ Ilkin
"in order to avoid
offacing any penalty imposed by authorities."https://www.google.com/search?tbm=bks&q=%22organizations+could+run+%22
Either:
"Even though home recycling requires a great amount of time, making it a legal requirement could/would ..."
(that is, I acknowledge that it is true that it requires much time)
OR:
"Even if home recycling required a great amount of time, making it a legal requirement would... "
(Not sure if it takes a lot of time or not)
http://www.turkishlanguage.co.uk/conditional.htm
Posted by: Hue | October 31, 2017 at 00:29
@Adib
https://books.google.com/ngrams/graph?content=in+the+society%2C+in+society&year_start=1800&year_end=2000&corpus=15&smoothing=3&share=&direct_url=t1%3B%2Cin%20the%20society%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2Cin%20society%3B%2Cc0
Actually recycling is just not that simple, as one website argues:
Broadly speaking, so-called environmentally friendly plastics fall into three types:
a) Bioplastics made from natural materials such as corn starch
b) Biodegradable plastics made from traditional petrochemicals, which are engineered to break down more quickly
c) Eco/recycled plastics, which are simply plastics made from recycled plastic materials rather than raw petrochemicals.
Bioplastics and biodegradable plastics have long been controversial. Manufacturers like to portray them as a magic-bullet solution to the problem of plastics that won't go away. Bioplastics, for example, are touted as saving 30–80 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions you'd get from normal plastics and they can give food longer shelf-life in stores. But here are some of the drawbacks:
(i) When some biodegradable plastics decompose in landfills, they produce methane gas.
(ii) Biodegradable plastics and bioplastics don't always readily decompose. Some need relatively high temperatures and, in some conditions, can still take many years to break down. Even then, they may leave behind toxic residues.
Many people think terms like "bioplastic," "biodegradable," and "compostable" mean exactly the same thing. But there's a huge difference between a "biodegradable" plastic (one that might take decades or centuries to break down) and a truly "compostable" material (something that turns almost entirely into benign waste after a matter of months in a composter), while "bioplastic," as we've already seen, can also mean different things.
Posted by: Hue | October 31, 2017 at 01:38
It is true that we do not recycle enough of out household waster. Although accept that new legislation to force people to recycle could help this situation, I do not agree that a recycling law is the only measure that governments should take.
In my view, a new recycling law would be just one possible way to tackle the waste problem, there are other effective methods that governments should take rather than implementing law and order. For example, rewarding benefits might provide to these people who keen on recycling, they are more likely to do more and encourage their friends to do so. Moreover, governments should also enforce extra tax to some households which generate an excessive amount of waste materials. In Taipei, for instance, people pay money to buy rubbish bags in order to discard on household waste. As a result, people will aware of how much recycling material they could take out from bags.
However, I believe that governments should do more than simply introduce a recycling law such as educating the importance of recycling to inhabitants. Authorities could put this it into a compulsory course in the school education, while adults might also learn from community shools. This can raise the awareness of the public and lead to a better education in childhood.
In conclusion, I disagree with the idea that making recycling a legal requirement is the only way to encourage people to do recycle their household waste. On the other hand, there are plenty of measures that government should consider first.
Posted by: Kieran | October 31, 2017 at 02:00
@Jab
http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2017/04/ielts-writing-advice-the-big-mistake.html
http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2017/04/ielts-writing-task-2-agree-or-disagree-essay-structures.html
http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2011/08/ielts-writing-task-2-one-view-or-both-views.html
http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2017/04/ielts-writing-task-2-agree-or-disagree-essay-samples.html
Posted by: Hue | October 31, 2017 at 02:10
What we have to do in postitive or negative essay type go with one side or with both sides
Posted by: Ruby | November 01, 2017 at 05:10
It is true that we do not recycle enough of our household waste. Although I accept that new legislation to force people to recycle could help the situation, I do not agree that a recycling law is the only measure that governments should take.
In my view, a new recycling law would be just one possible way to tackle the waste issue. If governments impose punishment to those violating the law that household waste should be recycled, out of fear, we would strive to keep complying it to avoid any disadvantages. It could appear as a form of fine, high tax rate and whatever measure that threatens people including imprisonment. There is no one who willing to take those penalties just by committing violation of not recycling the waste from their homes.
However, I believe that governments should do more than simply introduce a recycling law. It is necessary that people recycle their household waste voluntarily as human beings easily lose their motivation under obligation. Government should offer the education programme to nationals about the value of environment reservation, so that they get motivated to recycle by themselves. Otherwise, people will try to find out the way to elude the law, and if so, there is no point for them in complying it as without obvious evidence, government cannot punish them for what they have done.
In conclusion, I disagree with the idea that making recycling a legal requirement is the only way to encourage people to recycle their household waste.
Posted by: TJ | November 05, 2017 at 13:16
Anyone here taking the ielts test ( academic ) on November 11 in New Zealand ?
Posted by: Lynn | November 08, 2017 at 19:28
Hi, Simon
Is this essay is balanced view or almost balanced view while favouring one site??
Posted by: Bai | November 11, 2017 at 12:04