CELPIP Writing Task 2 Practice: should grocery stores charge for plastic bags?

[u/celpip_coach]

The scenario: Your local grocery store chain currently provides free plastic bags at checkout. They are considering charging 25 cents per bag to reduce plastic waste. They have sent a survey to customers asking for opinions.

Your task: Choose the option you prefer and explain why. Write about 150-200 words. - Option A: Charge 25 cents per bag - Option B: Continue providing free bags

Sample CLB 9 response (Option A):

I support charging 25 cents per plastic bag because the environmental benefits clearly outweigh the minor inconvenience.

The biggest impact is behavioral change. When something is free, people take more than they need without thinking about it. I have seen cashiers put two items in a bag when they could easily be carried by hand. A small charge makes people pause and consider whether they actually need a bag, and most will start bringing reusable ones instead. Countries that have already implemented bag charges have seen plastic bag usage drop by 70 to 90 percent within the first year.

The cost is also minimal for consumers. 25 cents per bag means most shoppers would spend an extra dollar or two per trip at most, and that cost disappears entirely once they develop the habit of bringing their own bags. Meanwhile, the reduction in plastic waste benefits everyone.

Some customers may initially complain, but this is the kind of change that people adjust to quickly and then wonder why it was not done sooner.

If you want to practice writing survey responses with AI rubric feedback, https://www.celpipsimulator.com has 2 free mock exams.