Cambridge IELTS 11 Test 2 Writing Task 2: Sample Answer

It is true that households throw away far more recyclable material than they should, but I only partly agree that legislation is the sole answer. Laws can certainly help, yet they work best when combined with convenience and education.

There is a strong case for compulsion. In many countries, voluntary schemes have produced disappointing results because recycling requires effort and offers no immediate reward. When Germany introduced deposit charges on drinks bottles and fines for sorting waste incorrectly, return rates rose sharply. A legal requirement sends a clear message that separating rubbish is a civic duty rather than an optional favour, and it forces councils to provide the necessary bins and collection services.

However, laws on their own rarely change behaviour for long. Penalties are costly to enforce, since officials cannot inspect every household, and residents who feel threatened may resent the policy or simply dispose of waste illegally. A far more effective approach is to make recycling easy. Colour-coded bins, regular kerbside collection and clear labelling remove the excuses that many people give for throwing everything into one bag.

Education matters just as much. Children who learn at school how landfill sites pollute water and soil often persuade their parents to change their habits. Similarly, public campaigns that show what happens to sorted plastic and paper can build a sense of shared responsibility that no fine could create, and this pride often lasts far longer than fear of a penalty.

In conclusion, legal measures are a useful tool, particularly for the most stubborn problems, but they are not the only way to raise recycling rates. The best results come from a balanced strategy that combines sensible regulation, convenient facilities and long-term public awareness.