IELTS Writing Task 2: Should Governments Tax Unhealthy Foods? (Sample Essays for Band 6-7 and 8-9)

The topic of whether governments should impose taxes on unhealthy foods has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on analysis of past exam questions and current global health trends, it’s likely that this topic will continue to appear in future tests. Let’s examine a specific question related to this theme that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:

Some people think that governments should tax unhealthy foods to encourage people to eat a healthy diet. Others think there are better ways to promote healthy eating. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Analyzing the Question

This question requires candidates to:

1. Discuss the view that governments should tax unhealthy foods
2. Explore alternative ways to promote healthy eating
3. Present their own opinion on the matter

It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score.

Sample Essay (Band 8-9)

In recent years, the debate over government intervention in public health has intensified, with some advocating for taxes on unhealthy foods as a means to promote better dietary habits. While this approach has its merits, others argue that there are more effective ways to encourage healthy eating. In my opinion, a combination of strategies, including taxation, is necessary to address this complex issue.

Proponents of taxing unhealthy foods argue that financial disincentives can be a powerful tool in shaping consumer behavior. By increasing the price of items high in sugar, salt, or unhealthy fats, governments can discourage their consumption and simultaneously generate revenue that could be directed towards health initiatives. For instance, Mexico’s sugar tax on soft drinks led to a significant decrease in their consumption, demonstrating the potential effectiveness of this approach.

However, critics contend that there are better ways to promote healthy eating. They suggest that education and awareness campaigns can have a more lasting impact on dietary choices. By teaching people about nutrition and the long-term consequences of poor diet, individuals can make informed decisions about their food intake. Additionally, improving access to affordable, healthy options in underserved areas can make it easier for people to choose nutritious foods.

In my view, a multifaceted approach is necessary to tackle the complex issue of dietary health. While taxation can serve as an immediate deterrent, it should be complemented by comprehensive education programs and initiatives to increase the availability of healthy foods. Furthermore, governments could consider subsidizing nutritious options to make them more affordable and attractive to consumers.

In conclusion, while taxing unhealthy foods can be an effective short-term measure, it should be part of a broader strategy that includes education and improved access to healthy alternatives. By combining these approaches, governments can create a more holistic and sustainable solution to promoting better dietary habits among their citizens.

(Word count: 298)

Sample Essay (Band 6-7)

There is a debate about whether governments should tax unhealthy foods to make people eat healthier. Some people think this is a good idea, but others believe there are better ways to encourage healthy eating. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.

Those who support taxing unhealthy foods say it can help people make better food choices. If junk food becomes more expensive, people might buy less of it and choose healthier options instead. The money from these taxes could also be used to fund health programs. For example, some countries have already put taxes on sugary drinks, and this has helped reduce their consumption.

On the other hand, some people argue that there are better ways to promote healthy eating. They believe that education is more important than taxation. If people understand why healthy eating is important and learn how to cook nutritious meals, they are more likely to make good food choices. Also, making healthy food more available and affordable could be more effective than making unhealthy food more expensive.

In my opinion, both approaches have their merits, but I think a combination of methods would work best. Taxing unhealthy foods can be a quick way to change behavior, but it needs to be supported by education and better access to healthy options. Governments could use the money from taxes to fund cooking classes or subsidize healthy foods in schools and communities.

To conclude, while taxing unhealthy foods can be part of the solution, it should not be the only strategy. A mix of taxation, education, and improving access to healthy food is likely to be more effective in promoting better eating habits among the population.

(Word count: 270)

Healthy food education

Key Points to Remember When Writing

1. Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing different views, and a conclusion. The band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced argument.

2. Vocabulary: The band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and phrases like “financial disincentives,” “simultaneously generate revenue,” and “multifaceted approach.” The band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still effectively communicates the main ideas.

3. Grammar: The higher band essay demonstrates a wider range of complex sentence structures, while the band 6-7 essay uses mostly simple and compound sentences.

4. Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the band 8-9 essay provides more detailed examples and a more developed personal opinion.

5. Coherence and Cohesion: The band 8-9 essay has better paragraph links and a more logical flow of ideas, while the band 6-7 essay is still coherent but with less sophisticated connections.

Useful Vocabulary

1. Intervention (noun) /ˌɪntərˈvenʃən/ – the action of becoming involved in a situation to improve it
2. Disincentive (noun) /ˌdɪsɪnˈsentɪv/ – something that discourages a particular action or behavior
3. Subsidize (verb) /ˈsʌbsɪdaɪz/ – to support financially
4. Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
5. Holistic (adjective) /həʊˈlɪstɪk/ – characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected
6. Deterrent (noun) /dɪˈterənt/ – something that discourages or is intended to discourage someone from doing something
7. Consumption (noun) /kənˈsʌmpʃən/ – the action of using up a resource
8. Initiative (noun) /ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/ – an act or strategy intended to resolve a difficulty or improve a situation

In conclusion, the topic of taxing unhealthy foods to promote healthy eating is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related topics such as government intervention in public health, strategies to combat obesity, or the role of education in promoting healthy lifestyles. Remember to always analyze the question carefully, address all parts, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your target band score. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further improvement.