Ambiguity of IELTS writing questions

Module: writing task 2 Date of the exam: 10-10-2009 Conducted by: The British Council Some people feel that supermarkets and manufacturers have the responsibility to reduce the amount packaging of goods. While others argue that customers should avoid buying goods with a lot of packaging. Discuss both views and give your opinion. The term “amount packaging of goods” and “a lot of packaging” are ambiguous terms which can mean many things. Different candidates can interpret them in different ways like ‘expensive packaging’, 'attractive packaging', ‘heavy packaging’ etc.. Hence, in order to avoid ambiguity, the question should specify what the term “amount packaging of goods” would mean. This can be mentioned in brackets. There is a possibility that candidates would be confused and score less in ‘Task Achievement’ if they deviate from the focus of the question. I believe that such ambiguity should be avoided. You are welcome to post your comments and suggestions...