IELTS Writing Task 2: Sample Essays on Fast Food Advertising to Children (Band 6-9)

The topic of whether fast food advertising to children should be banned is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on past exam trends and current societal concerns, this issue is likely to appear in future tests. Let’s explore this topic with sample essays for different band scores, along with a detailed analysis to help you prepare effectively.

Some people think that fast food advertisements targeting children should be prohibited. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Analyzing the Question

This question requires you to discuss your stance on banning fast food advertisements aimed at children. Key points to consider:

• The main focus is on fast food advertising, not fast food itself
• The target audience is specifically children
• You need to express your level of agreement or disagreement
• Provide reasons and examples to support your position

Sample Essays

Band 8-9 Essay

Fast food advertising targeting children has become a contentious issue in recent years, with many arguing for its prohibition. I strongly agree that such advertisements should be banned, as they can have detrimental effects on children’s health and well-being.

Firstly, children are highly susceptible to advertising messages and lack the critical thinking skills to evaluate them objectively. Fast food companies exploit this vulnerability by using colorful characters, catchy jingles, and enticing toys to create positive associations with their products. This manipulation can lead to unhealthy eating habits that may persist into adulthood, contributing to the growing obesity epidemic and related health issues.

Moreover, these advertisements often misrepresent the nutritional value of fast food, portraying it as a normal or even desirable part of a child’s diet. This can undermine parents’ efforts to instill healthy eating habits in their children and create conflicts within families. By banning such advertisements, we can create a more supportive environment for parents to make informed decisions about their children’s nutrition.

However, it is important to note that banning advertisements alone is not a panacea for childhood obesity. A comprehensive approach that includes education, promoting physical activity, and improving access to healthy food options is necessary to address this complex issue. Nevertheless, prohibiting fast food advertising to children would be a significant step in the right direction.

In conclusion, the potential harm caused by fast food advertisements targeting children far outweighs any benefits. By implementing a ban, we can protect vulnerable young minds from manipulative marketing tactics and support efforts to improve children’s overall health and well-being.

(Word count: 273)

Fast food advertising targeting children

Band 6-7 Essay

The issue of banning fast food advertisements aimed at children is a controversial topic. In my opinion, I partly agree that these ads should be prohibited, but I also think there are other factors to consider.

On one hand, fast food ads targeting kids can be harmful. Children are easily influenced by commercials and may not understand that these foods are unhealthy if eaten too often. The ads often show happy kids enjoying tasty meals with toys, which can make children want to eat more fast food. This can lead to health problems like obesity and diabetes.

However, completely banning these ads might not be the best solution. Parents have the responsibility to teach their children about healthy eating habits and to control what their kids eat. Also, fast food companies argue that they have the right to advertise their products, and some have started to include healthier options in their menus.

I believe a better approach would be to have stricter regulations on fast food advertising to children. For example, ads could be required to show the nutritional information of the food clearly. There could also be limits on when and where these ads can be shown, like not allowing them during children’s TV programs.

In conclusion, while fast food ads targeting children can be problematic, a complete ban may not be necessary. A combination of stricter regulations, parental guidance, and education about healthy eating would be more effective in addressing this issue.

(Word count: 246)

Band 5-6 Essay

Fast food advertising to children is a big problem today. Some people think it should be stopped completely. I agree with this idea because it can be bad for kids’ health.

First, children like to watch TV and see these ads. The ads make fast food look very good and fun to eat. Kids want to eat more fast food because of this. But fast food is not healthy if eaten too much. It can make children fat and sick.

Also, these ads make it hard for parents. Children ask for fast food a lot after seeing the ads. Parents may feel pressure to buy it even if they don’t want to. This can cause problems in families.

However, some people might say that it’s not fair to stop all fast food ads. Companies should be able to tell people about their food. Maybe instead of stopping all ads, we can make rules to make them better. For example, ads could show more healthy options.

In conclusion, I think fast food ads for children are not good and should be stopped. But if we can’t stop them completely, we should at least make them show more true information about the food.

(Word count: 195)

Writing Tips

1. Vocabulary: Use a range of vocabulary related to advertising, health, and children. For higher band scores, incorporate more sophisticated terms and phrases.

2. Grammar: Ensure you use a variety of sentence structures. For Band 8-9, include complex sentences and advanced grammatical structures.

3. Cohesion and Coherence: Use linking words and phrases to connect ideas smoothly. Ensure each paragraph has a clear main idea.

4. Task Response: Address all parts of the question and provide a clear position throughout the essay.

5. Examples: Use specific examples to support your arguments. For higher bands, these should be more detailed and relevant.

Key Vocabulary

1. Susceptible (adjective) /səˈsep.tə.bəl/: easily influenced or harmed by something

2. Detrimental (adjective) /ˌdet.rɪˈmen.təl/: causing harm or damage

3. Manipulative (adjective) /məˈnɪp.jə.lə.tɪv/: controlling someone or something to your own advantage

4. Nutritional (adjective) /njuːˈtrɪʃ.ən.əl/: relating to the food necessary for health and growth

5. Panacea (noun) /ˌpæn.əˈsiː.ə/: something that will solve all problems

6. Obesity (noun) /əʊˈbiː.sə.ti/: the state of being very fat in a way that is dangerous for health

7. Controversial (adjective) /ˌkɒn.trəˈvɜː.ʃəl/: causing disagreement or discussion

8. Regulation (noun) /ˌreɡ.jəˈleɪ.ʃən/: an official rule that controls how something is done

Conclusion

The topic of banning fast food advertising to children is a complex and relevant issue for IELTS Writing Task 2. By practicing with these sample essays and analyzing the key components, you can improve your writing skills and prepare for similar questions in the exam. Remember to adapt your language and arguments to match your target band score.

For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:

• The impact of advertising on society
• Government regulations on unhealthy food products
• The role of parents in children’s nutrition
• Media literacy education for children

Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you refine your writing skills and receive feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam.