IELTS VocabMaster

Describe a law on environmental protection.

Describe a law on environmental protection. You should say: - what the law is - how you know about it - what effects it has had - and explain whether you think it is a good law

Part 2 model answer

The environmental law I'd like to talk about is the ban on polythene shopping bags in Bangladesh. It was introduced back in 2002, which actually made Bangladesh one of the first countries in the world to ban thin plastic bags.

I first learned about it in school, in our social science class, when our teacher explained why the government had taken this step. Later, I also read some articles online about it. The main reason behind the law was flooding. In 1988 and 1998, Dhaka suffered from terrible floods, and one of the major causes was that plastic bags had clogged the city's drainage system, so rainwater couldn't flow away properly.

When the law first came into effect, it had a really positive impact. Shops switched to paper bags and jute bags, and people started carrying cloth bags to the market. It also gave a boost to our jute industry, which is a traditional product of Bangladesh.

However, to be honest, the law isn't being followed very strictly nowadays. If you go to any local market, you'll still see plenty of polythene bags being used, because they're cheap and convenient, and enforcement is quite weak.

Overall, I think it's definitely a good law. The idea behind it is excellent, because plastic takes hundreds of years to break down and causes serious damage to rivers, soil, and wildlife. But a law is only effective if it's properly enforced. So, in my opinion, the government needs to monitor markets more strictly, and also make eco-friendly alternatives cheaper, so that people actually have a practical choice.

Part 3 discussion

Why are environmental laws important?

Environmental laws are important because many people and businesses won't protect nature voluntarily, especially if it costs them money. Laws set clear limits on pollution, deforestation, and waste. They also protect public health, since polluted air and water can cause serious diseases. Without such laws, the damage to the environment would be much worse.

Why do some people break environmental laws?

Mostly because following the law is more expensive or less convenient. For example, factories may dump waste into rivers to avoid the cost of treating it. Many people also don't fully understand the harm they're causing. And when enforcement is weak and fines are small, people simply don't take the law seriously.

Who is more responsible for protecting the environment, the government or individuals?

I think both share responsibility. The government has the power to make laws, control industries, and invest in green projects, so it plays the biggest role. However, individuals also need to change their habits, like reducing plastic use and saving energy. Real progress only happens when both work together.

Should companies be fined heavily for polluting the environment?

Yes, absolutely. If the fines are too small, large companies will simply pay them and continue polluting. Heavy fines force businesses to take the issue seriously and invest in cleaner technology. At the same time, the government could reward companies that adopt eco-friendly practices, which would encourage positive change.

How can people be encouraged to protect the environment?

Education is the key, starting from schools, so that children grow up caring about nature. Awareness campaigns on TV and social media can also be effective. Offering incentives, like discounts for bringing your own bag, can change behaviour too. Most importantly, people need to see that small actions, when done by millions, really make a difference.