The topic of government regulation on fast food advertising aimed at children is a frequent and contentious issue in IELTS Writing Task 2. This subject has appeared multiple times in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice due to its relevance in today’s society. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays and in-depth analysis to help you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2.
Analyzing the Question
Some people think that governments should ban harmful forms of advertising, such as fast food adverts aimed at children. Others believe that individuals should take responsibility for their own diet and lifestyle. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question presents two contrasting viewpoints:
- The government should ban harmful advertising, specifically fast food ads targeting children.
- Individuals should be responsible for their own diet and lifestyle choices.
The task requires you to discuss both perspectives and provide your personal opinion. Let’s examine three sample essays of varying quality to demonstrate how to approach this topic effectively.
Fast food advertising targeting children
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In today’s consumer-driven society, the debate over regulating fast food advertising, particularly when aimed at children, has become increasingly contentious. While some argue for government intervention to protect vulnerable young minds, others maintain that dietary choices should remain a matter of personal responsibility. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of government regulation argue that children are especially susceptible to advertising and lack the critical thinking skills to make informed decisions about their diet. They contend that the pervasive nature of fast food marketing, often featuring colorful characters and enticing promotions, can lead to poor eating habits and contribute to the growing obesity epidemic among youth. By implementing stricter controls on such advertising, advocates believe that children can be shielded from manipulative marketing tactics and guided towards healthier food choices.
On the other hand, those who oppose government intervention assert that dietary decisions should ultimately be the responsibility of individuals and, in the case of children, their parents or guardians. They argue that banning fast food advertisements infringes on free speech and corporate rights, and that such measures are an overreach of government authority. Furthermore, they contend that education about nutrition and promoting a balanced lifestyle are more effective long-term solutions than outright bans on advertising.
In my opinion, while personal responsibility plays a crucial role in dietary choices, the government has a duty to protect its most vulnerable citizens, particularly children. I believe a balanced approach that combines moderate regulation with comprehensive education programs would be most effective. For instance, restrictions could be placed on the timing and content of fast food advertisements targeting children, while simultaneously implementing robust nutrition education in schools and communities. This would empower individuals to make informed decisions while also mitigating the impact of potentially harmful marketing practices.
In conclusion, the issue of regulating fast food advertising to children is complex and multifaceted. While personal responsibility is important, I believe that some level of government intervention is necessary to safeguard children’s health and well-being. A nuanced approach that balances regulation with education can help create a healthier future for younger generations without completely stifling commercial interests.
(Word count: 345)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that would likely earn it a Band 8 or 9 score:
Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly stating the writer’s opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices (e.g., “On the other hand,” “Furthermore,” “In conclusion”).
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is sophisticated and precise (e.g., “contentious,” “pervasive,” “manipulative,” “infringes”).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay employs a wide range of complex structures accurately (e.g., “While some argue for…,” “They contend that…,” “By implementing stricter controls…”).
Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with clear reasoning and examples.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The question of whether governments should ban harmful advertising like fast food ads for children is a hot topic these days. Some people think it’s necessary, while others believe it’s up to individuals to make their own choices. This essay will look at both sides and give my opinion.
Those who support government bans on fast food advertising to children say that kids are easily influenced by ads. They think that colorful commercials with cartoon characters can make unhealthy food seem attractive to children. This can lead to poor eating habits and health problems like obesity. They argue that the government should step in to protect children from these harmful influences.
On the other hand, people against government intervention believe that it’s not the government’s job to control what people eat. They say that parents should be responsible for teaching their children about healthy eating. They also think that banning ads goes against free speech and might hurt businesses. Instead of bans, they suggest better education about nutrition.
In my opinion, I think there should be some regulation of fast food advertising to children, but not a complete ban. The government could set rules about when and where these ads can be shown, and what they can contain. At the same time, there should be more education in schools about healthy eating. This way, children can learn to make good choices while still being protected from the most harmful ads.
To conclude, while personal responsibility is important, I believe that some government regulation is necessary when it comes to fast food advertising aimed at children. A balanced approach that combines some restrictions with better education could help improve children’s health without being too controlling.
(Word count: 292)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates qualities that would likely earn it a Band 6 or 7 score:
Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and stating the writer’s opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated than in the Band 8-9 essay.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is appropriate but less varied and precise compared to the higher band essay (e.g., “hot topic,” “step in,” “hurt businesses”).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, but with less variety than the Band 8-9 essay.
Development of Ideas: Ideas are presented clearly, but with less depth and nuance compared to the higher band essay.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Nowdays, many people talk about fast food ads for kids. Some say government should stop these ads. Others think people should choose for themself. I will discuss both ideas and give my opinion.
People who want government to ban ads say kids easy to influence. They think ads with bright colors and funny characters make kids want unhealthy food. This can make kids fat and sick. They say government must protect children.
But other people say government shouldnt control what we eat. They think parents should teach kids about good food. They also say banning ads is against free speech. They want more education about healthy eating instead of bans.
I think government should make some rules for fast food ads for kids, but not ban completely. Maybe they can say when ads can show on TV and what they can say. Also, schools should teach more about healthy food. This way, kids can learn to make good choices.
In conclusion, I believe government should do something about fast food ads for kids, but not too much. We need balance between rules and education to help kids be healthy.
(Word count: 184)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates qualities that would likely earn it a Band 5 or 6 score:
Task Achievement: The essay addresses the main parts of the task but with less depth and development.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a basic structure, but paragraphing and use of cohesive devices are limited.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is simple and repetitive, with some errors (e.g., “Nowdays,” “themself”).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay mostly uses simple sentences with limited complexity and some grammatical errors.
Development of Ideas: Ideas are presented but lack detail and elaboration.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Regulate (verb) /ˈreɡjʊleɪt/ – to control or supervise something by means of rules and regulations
- Advertising (noun) /ˈædvətaɪzɪŋ/ – the activity of promoting products or services to the public
- Susceptible (adjective) /səˈseptəbl/ – likely or liable to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing
- Pervasive (adjective) /pəˈveɪsɪv/ – spreading widely throughout an area or a group of people
- Intervention (noun) /ˌɪntəˈvenʃn/ – the action of becoming involved in something in order to improve or help it
- Manipulative (adjective) /məˈnɪpjʊlətɪv/ – trying to control or influence somebody, often in a dishonest way
- Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
- Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
- Contentious (adjective) /kənˈtenʃəs/ – causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument
- Epidemic (noun) /ˌepɪˈdemɪk/ – a widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time
Conclusion
The topic of government regulation on fast food advertising to children is a complex and relevant issue for IELTS Writing Task 2. By examining these sample essays, you can see how to approach this topic at different levels of proficiency. Remember to address all parts of the question, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and develop your ideas clearly and coherently.
To further prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, consider practicing with similar topics such as:
- The role of government in promoting healthy lifestyles
- Responsibility for children’s education: parents vs. schools
- The impact of advertising on consumer behavior
- Balancing individual freedom with public health concerns
We encourage you to write your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you refine your writing skills and receive feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!