(Revised by Chat GPT)

It's hard to practice writing because of limited time. I didn't finish writing on time.

However, I left the revised one for my reference. :(

Writing task:

In many countries, plastic shopping bags are the main source of litter and cause significant damage to the environment. Some people argue that they should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Answer:

The development of plastic has been relatively recent, spanning just over a century. Initially, plastic was hailed as an innovative invention of modern times due to its flexibility, durability, and lightweight nature. It quickly became an essential material for carrying items such as bottles, boxes, and shopping bags. At first, many people considered it a godsend, as it revolutionized the way we store and transport goods. However, over time, plastic has been reevaluated due to the enormous amount of waste it generates and the harmful effects of microplastics on the environment.

Some countries, including South Korea, have implemented restrictions on the use of plastic shopping bags and straws to protect the environment and living organisms. For instance, plastic straws have been replaced with alternatives made from corn starch or reusable materials like stainless steel. Similarly, plastic shopping bags have been substituted with paper bags or fabric reusable bags.

Before discussing a complete ban on plastic shopping bags, it is essential to consider the underlying problems and our goals. Currently, most packaging is made from plastic, and even reusable fabric bags often contain plastic materials like polyethylene. If our goal is to reduce the total amount of plastic usage, then plastic shopping bags are not the sole issue because reusable bags are also made from plastic. In this case, we could encourage the reuse of plastic shopping bags. On the other hand, if the shape and form of plastic bags are the problems, we could propose improvements in recycling, classification, and waste treatment systems to mitigate the negative impacts of improper disposal.

In conclusion, while I agree that there is a need to reduce the use of plastic shopping bags, I believe that a total ban might not be the most effective solution. Instead, we should consider a combination of strategies, including promoting the reuse of plastic bags and enhancing waste management systems, to address the environmental challenges posed by plastic.