Cambridge IELTS 16, Academic and General Training Essay Samples

Plastic bags, plastic bottles and plastic packaging are bad for the environment.

What damage does plastic do the environment?

What can be done by governments and individuals to solve this problem?

Plastic is one of the most widely used materials in the world, but it is also one of the most harmful to the environment. Plastic bags, plastic bottles, and plastic packaging are particularly damaging, as they can take hundreds of years to decompose and often end up polluting the environment. In this essay, we will explore the environmental damage caused by plastic and discuss possible solutions for both governments and individuals.

Firstly, plastic is harmful to the environment because it is not biodegradable. This means that it does not decompose naturally and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. Plastic waste often ends up in the ocean, where it can harm marine life and accumulate in large garbage patches. Additionally, plastic production requires significant amounts of energy and releases greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.

Governments can take several measures to reduce the environmental damage caused by plastic. One approach is to impose taxes or bans on plastic bags and packaging. For example, countries such as Kenya, Rwanda, and Bangladesh have banned single-use plastic bags, while others have imposed taxes on their use. Governments can also invest in recycling infrastructure to ensure that plastic waste is collected and recycled. This can create jobs and reduce pollution in communities.

Individuals can also take action to reduce their plastic consumption. One simple step is to use reusable bags, bottles, and containers instead of single-use plastic ones. Many stores now offer reusable bags for purchase, and refillable water bottles can be used in place of plastic ones. Additionally, individuals can recycle plastic waste and dispose of it properly to prevent it from ending up in the environment.

However, there are also some challenges in implementing these solutions. For example, in areas with limited access to waste management infrastructure, plastic waste can accumulate and harm the environment. Furthermore, some industries rely heavily on plastic, making it challenging to switch to alternative materials.

In conclusion, plastic bags, plastic bottles, and plastic packaging are damaging to the environment. They contribute to pollution, harm marine life, and contribute to climate change. Governments and individuals can take steps to reduce plastic consumption and improve recycling infrastructure, but there are also challenges in implementing these solutions. Nonetheless, it is important for us to take action to reduce the environmental damage caused by plastic and find alternative solutions that are more sustainable.

Some people like to try new things, for example, places to visit and types of food. Other people prefer to keep doing things they are familiar with.

Discuss both these attitudes and give your own opinion.

When it comes to exploring new experiences, people tend to fall into two categories: those who enjoy trying new things and those who prefer to stick with what they know. Both attitudes have their benefits and drawbacks, and in this essay, we will explore both sides before giving our own opinion.

On the one hand, those who enjoy trying new things tend to be more open-minded and adventurous. They seek out new experiences, whether it’s trying a new type of cuisine or visiting a new place, and are always looking for ways to broaden their horizons. This attitude can lead to personal growth, as they are exposed to new cultures and ideas that challenge their existing beliefs.

On the other hand, those who prefer to stick with what they know tend to be more comfortable and secure in their routines. They find comfort in familiar experiences and may feel anxious or overwhelmed when presented with something new. However, this attitude can also lead to stability and a sense of safety, which can be beneficial for one’s mental health.

While both attitudes have their advantages, it’s important to strike a balance between them. Trying new things can be exciting and lead to personal growth, but it can also be stressful and overwhelming. Sticking with what we know can provide comfort and stability, but it can also lead to a sense of stagnation and boredom. It’s important to challenge ourselves and step outside our comfort zones from time to time, but we should also recognize when we need to slow down and take a break.

In conclusion, whether we enjoy trying new things or prefer to stick with what we know, it’s important to find a balance that works for us. Trying new experiences can lead to personal growth, while sticking with what we know can provide comfort and stability. Ultimately, the key is to be open to new experiences while also recognizing the value of familiarity and routine.

Some people spend most of their lives living close to where they were born.

What might be the reasons for this?

What are the advantages and disadvantages?

There are many reasons why some people choose to spend most of their lives living close to where they were born. In this essay, we will explore some of these reasons, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of this lifestyle.

One reason why people may choose to live close to their birthplace is a sense of familiarity and belonging. They may have deep roots in the community and feel a strong connection to the people, culture, and history of the area. For many, the idea of leaving behind their hometown and all that is familiar can be daunting and overwhelming.

Another reason why people may choose to stay close to their birthplace is family ties. They may have close relationships with their family members and feel a responsibility to stay nearby to help care for them or maintain the family business. Additionally, some people may feel a sense of duty to preserve their family’s legacy by staying in the same community.

However, there are also disadvantages to spending most of one’s life in the same place. One major disadvantage is a lack of exposure to different cultures and experiences. Staying in the same community can lead to a narrow-minded view of the world and a lack of personal growth. Additionally, the local economy may not provide the same opportunities for education, employment, or personal fulfillment that other areas may offer.

Furthermore, there is the risk of becoming stagnant and stuck in a rut. Living in the same place for too long can lead to a sense of complacency and an inability to adapt to change. It can also lead to a lack of motivation to explore new possibilities or take risks.

In conclusion, there are both advantages and disadvantages to spending most of one’s life living close to where they were born. While there may be a sense of familiarity, belonging, and family ties that keep people rooted in their hometown, there is also the risk of becoming stagnant and missing out on new experiences and personal growth. Ultimately, the decision to stay or leave should be based on individual circumstances and personal goals.

Some people say that now is the best time in history to be living.

What is your opinion about this?

What other time in history would be interesting to live in?

The idea that we are living in the best time in history is a contentious one. Some people argue that modern-day technology, healthcare, and education make life more comfortable and convenient than ever before. Others contend that there were other periods in history that were equally good, or even better. In this essay, I will examine both perspectives and offer my own opinion.

On the one hand, it is true that many aspects of modern life are better than they have ever been before. Medical advancements have significantly increased life expectancy, while technology has made communication and access to information more accessible. Many people today enjoy a higher standard of living, with access to better education, nutrition, and housing. Moreover, modern societies are more inclusive and diverse, with greater opportunities for women, minorities, and people of different cultures.

On the other hand, it is debatable whether modern life is better than the past. Many people believe that previous generations experienced greater human connection and community, which is missing in today’s society. Furthermore, there were periods in history that were particularly rich in art, culture, and intellectual achievement. For example, the Italian Renaissance was a time of great innovation, with advances in art, architecture, and science that have influenced the world ever since. Similarly, the ancient Greeks made significant contributions to philosophy, democracy, and literature, which continue to shape our worldviews today.

In my opinion, while there are certainly advantages to living in modern times, it is difficult to say definitively that we are living in the best time in history. Each period has its own unique challenges, opportunities, and innovations. However, I do believe that we can learn from the past and use it to inform our decisions and actions today. Additionally, I think that it would be fascinating to experience different periods in history, such as the Renaissance or the Enlightenment, to witness firsthand the innovations and ideas that shaped the world.

In conclusion, the question of whether we are living in the best time in history is a complex one. While modern life has many advantages, it is difficult to compare it to the past definitively. Nonetheless, I believe that we can learn from history and use it to inform our decisions and actions today. Ultimately, each period has its own unique contributions to make, and we can benefit from exploring them all.

In some countries, more people are becoming interested in finding out about the history of the house or building they live in.

What are the reasons for this?

How can people research this question?

The interest in discovering the history of the house or building that people live in has been on the rise in many countries. There are several reasons for this growing curiosity, ranging from personal to historical significance. Additionally, with the advancement of technology, people have more resources to research their homes’ history than ever before.

One of the primary reasons for people’s growing interest in discovering their homes’ history is the personal connection they feel towards their residence. For many, their homes are more than just a place to live; they are a significant investment of time and money. Learning about their house’s history allows them to feel more connected to their home and adds to the emotional value of the property. Moreover, understanding the history of a home can also provide valuable insight into its unique characteristics, such as architectural style, materials used, and design elements.

Another reason people are interested in their house’s history is the historical significance of the property. For example, some houses or buildings may have played a crucial role in local or national history, such as being the birthplace of a famous person or the site of a significant event. In these cases, understanding the history of a property can provide a deeper understanding of the community or country’s history.

With the advent of the internet and other technological advancements, researching a property’s history has become much more accessible than in the past. One of the most common ways people research their homes’ history is by searching public records such as deeds, property tax records, and building permits. Additionally, there are several online resources that provide detailed information about a property’s history, such as the year it was built, previous owners, and any notable events that occurred on the property.

Another useful tool for researching a property’s history is the local library or historical society. These organizations often maintain archives of historical documents, such as maps, photographs, and newspapers, that can provide valuable insights into a property’s history. Furthermore, speaking with long-time residents of the community or former owners of the property can also provide valuable information and personal anecdotes that may not be available through public records.

In conclusion, the growing interest in discovering the history of a house or building is driven by personal and historical significance, and the availability of technology and resources that make researching a property’s history more accessible than ever before. By utilizing a variety of resources, including public records, online databases, local libraries, and historical societies, homeowners can uncover a wealth of information about their homes’ unique history, adding to the emotional and historical value of their property.

In their advertising, businesses nowadays usually emphasise that their products are new in some way.

Why is this?

Do you think it is a positive or negative development?

In today’s consumer-driven world, businesses often emphasize that their products are new or innovative in their advertising. This strategy has become a popular trend among companies as they seek to grab consumers’ attention and stand out in a crowded marketplace. There are several reasons for this, and while it may have some drawbacks, I believe it is a positive development overall.

One of the primary reasons businesses emphasize their products’ newness is that it creates excitement among consumers. People are naturally drawn to things that are new, shiny, and innovative, and businesses know this. By emphasizing that their products are new, companies can generate buzz and excitement around their brand, which can lead to increased sales and a broader customer base.

Another reason businesses focus on the newness of their products is that it can create a perception of quality and value. In many cases, new products are associated with the latest technology or cutting-edge design, which can give consumers the impression that the product is of high quality and worth the price. This can be especially important for businesses that are entering a competitive marketplace, where they need to convince consumers that their product is worth trying over established brands.

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to this emphasis on newness. For one, it can create a culture of disposability, where consumers are always looking for the latest and greatest products and are quick to discard older ones. This can lead to an increase in waste and a negative impact on the environment. Additionally, this emphasis on newness can also lead to a lack of appreciation for traditional or established products and brands that have a proven track record of quality and reliability.

Overall, I believe that the emphasis on newness in advertising is a positive development for businesses and consumers. While it may have some drawbacks, the excitement and buzz generated by new products can create a more dynamic and competitive marketplace, driving innovation and improving quality overall. However, businesses should also be mindful of the potential negative impacts of this strategy, such as the disposability culture and the devaluation of established brands. By striking a balance between emphasizing newness and valuing quality and sustainability, businesses can create products that not only meet consumer demand but also contribute to a better, more sustainable world.

Many manufactured food and drink products contain high levels of sugar, which causes many health problems. Sugary products should be made more expensive to encourage people to consume less sugar.

Do you agree or disagree?

Sugar is a major component of many manufactured food and drink products, and excessive consumption of sugar has been linked to a variety of health problems, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. To address this issue, some people advocate for making sugary products more expensive, in the hope that it will encourage people to consume less sugar. While this approach may have some benefits, I disagree that it is the best solution to the problem of excessive sugar consumption.

One of the main arguments in favour of making sugary products more expensive is that it would encourage people to consume less sugar. The logic behind this argument is that if sugary products were more expensive, people would be less likely to purchase them, and as a result, they would consume less sugar overall. This could potentially lead to better health outcomes, as excessive sugar consumption is a major contributor to a range of health problems.

However, there are several reasons why I do not believe that making sugary products more expensive is the best solution to this issue. First, it could disproportionately impact lower-income individuals who may rely more heavily on cheaper, sugary products as a source of food. This could exacerbate existing health disparities and lead to further inequities in health outcomes.

Second, making sugary products more expensive may not necessarily lead to significant reductions in sugar consumption. People may still purchase these products, albeit in smaller quantities or less frequently, and may compensate for the reduction in sugar by consuming other types of unhealthy foods or drinks. Additionally, some people may choose to continue consuming sugary products regardless of their price, as they are highly addictive and can be difficult to give up.

Finally, making sugary products more expensive may not address the root causes of excessive sugar consumption, such as poor nutrition education, food marketing practices, and the availability of healthy food options. A more comprehensive approach to promoting healthy eating habits would require addressing these underlying factors and promoting the consumption of nutritious foods rather than solely relying on price-based interventions.

In conclusion, while the idea of making sugary products more expensive may seem like a simple and effective solution to the issue of excessive sugar consumption, I believe that it is not the best approach. Instead, a more comprehensive and nuanced approach that addresses the underlying causes of unhealthy eating habits is necessary to promote better health outcomes for all individuals. This could include efforts to improve nutrition education, food labelling practices, and the availability of healthy food options in communities.

In the future all cars, buses, and trucks will be driverless. The only people travelling inside these vehicles would be passengers.

Do you think the advantages of driverless vehicles outweigh the disadvantages?

The concept of driverless vehicles, where cars, buses, and trucks are operated by automated systems, is becoming increasingly popular in the modern world. While this technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we travel, there are also concerns about the potential drawbacks of a world where vehicles are entirely automated. In this essay, I will weigh the advantages and disadvantages of driverless vehicles and argue that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

One of the primary advantages of driverless vehicles is safety. Automated systems are less prone to human error and are designed to avoid accidents, which could lead to fewer injuries and fatalities on the roads. Additionally, driverless vehicles can operate in a more coordinated and efficient manner, reducing traffic congestion and improving overall traffic flow.

Another advantage of driverless vehicles is the potential for increased accessibility and mobility. People who are unable to drive due to age, disability, or other reasons would be able to travel more easily and independently. This could lead to increased social and economic opportunities for these individuals and greater overall mobility for society.

However, there are also potential drawbacks to a world where vehicles are entirely automated. One concern is the potential loss of jobs in the transportation industry, as human drivers would no longer be needed. Additionally, there are questions about the safety and reliability of automated systems, particularly in cases where unexpected events occur or the systems encounter complex situations.

Despite these concerns, I believe that the advantages of driverless vehicles outweigh the disadvantages. The potential for increased safety and efficiency on the roads, as well as greater accessibility and mobility for individuals who are unable to drive, are significant benefits that should not be overlooked. Additionally, as technology continues to advance, it is likely that the concerns about safety and reliability will be addressed through improved systems and protocols.

In conclusion, while there are potential drawbacks to a world where vehicles are entirely automated, I believe that the advantages of driverless vehicles outweigh the disadvantages. The potential for increased safety, efficiency, and accessibility make this technology an exciting prospect for the future of transportation. However, it will be important to continue to monitor and address concerns about the impact of this technology on the transportation industry and society as a whole.