The topic of fast food marketing regulations has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on past trends and current societal concerns, it is highly likely that this subject will continue to appear in future tests. Let’s examine a specific question that has been featured in recent IELTS exams:
Some people think that governments should ban harmful or unhealthy foods. Others believe that people should be free to choose what they eat. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Analysis of the Question
This question addresses the debate between government intervention and personal freedom in food choices, with a focus on potentially harmful or unhealthy foods. The task requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that governments should ban harmful or unhealthy foods
- Discuss the opposing view that people should have freedom of choice in their diet
- Provide their own opinion on the matter
Let’s explore sample essays for different band scores to understand how to approach this topic effectively.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Governments worldwide are grappling with the challenge of promoting public health while respecting individual freedoms. While some advocate for banning harmful foods outright, others argue for personal responsibility in dietary choices. In my opinion, a balanced approach combining education and moderate regulation is the most effective solution.
Proponents of government intervention argue that banning unhealthy foods is necessary to combat the rising obesity epidemic and related health issues. They contend that many consumers lack the knowledge or willpower to make healthy choices, and that aggressive marketing by fast food companies exacerbates the problem. By removing harmful options from the market, governments can force people to adopt healthier diets and reduce the burden on healthcare systems.
Government intervention to ban unhealthy foods
On the other hand, those who favor personal freedom maintain that dietary choices are a fundamental right. They argue that government bans are paternalistic and infringe on individual liberty. Furthermore, they contend that such bans are often ineffective, as they may lead to black markets or simply shift consumption to other unhealthy alternatives. Instead, they propose that education and personal responsibility should be the primary tools for improving public health.
In my view, a nuanced approach is necessary to address this complex issue. While outright bans on certain foods may be too extreme, some level of government regulation is justified to protect public health. This could include measures such as limiting marketing to children, implementing clear nutritional labeling, and imposing taxes on ultra-processed foods. However, these regulations should be complemented by comprehensive public health education campaigns to empower individuals to make informed choices.
Balanced approach for healthy eating
Ultimately, the goal should be to create an environment that encourages healthy eating without completely removing personal agency. By combining moderate regulation with robust education initiatives, governments can strike a balance between protecting public health and preserving individual freedom.
(Word count: 295)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The debate about whether governments should ban unhealthy foods or allow people to choose what they eat is a complex issue. Both sides have valid arguments, and I believe a middle ground approach is best.
Those who support government bans on harmful foods argue that it’s necessary for public health. They say that many people don’t know how to eat healthily, and fast food companies use powerful marketing to make people eat junk food. By banning these foods, the government can help reduce obesity and other health problems. This could also save money on healthcare costs in the long run.
On the other hand, people who believe in freedom of choice say that the government shouldn’t tell us what to eat. They think it’s a personal decision and that bans won’t work anyway. People might find other ways to get unhealthy foods or just switch to different bad options. They also say that education is more important than bans.
Freedom to choose food
In my opinion, a mix of both approaches is the best solution. I think the government should regulate some things, like not allowing junk food ads for kids and making sure food labels are clear. They could also make unhealthy foods more expensive through taxes. But they shouldn’t ban foods completely. At the same time, there should be more education about healthy eating in schools and for adults.
This way, people can still choose what they want to eat, but they’ll have better information and fewer influences pushing them towards unhealthy choices. It’s important to find a balance between helping public health and keeping personal freedom.
(Word count: 263)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
There is a big debate about whether governments should ban bad foods or let people choose what they eat. Both sides have good points, and I will discuss them here.
Some people think the government should ban unhealthy foods. They say this is good because:
- It will help stop people from getting fat
- It will make people healthier
- It will save money on health care
But other people say we should be free to choose our own food. They think:
- It’s not fair for the government to tell us what to eat
- People might still find ways to eat bad food anyway
- It’s better to teach people about healthy eating
Education for healthy eating choices
I think both sides have good ideas. Maybe the government can do some things to help, like making sure food labels are easy to understand and not letting companies advertise junk food to kids. But they shouldn’t ban all unhealthy foods completely. It’s also important to teach people more about healthy eating in schools and on TV.
If we do both these things, people can still choose what they want to eat, but they’ll know more about making healthy choices. This way, we can help people be healthier without taking away their freedom to choose.
(Word count: 202)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout.
- Lexical Resource: Wide range of vocabulary used with precision and sophistication.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Wide range of structures used accurately and flexibly.
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses all parts of the task, though some aspects are more fully covered than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Information and ideas are generally well organized with some logical progression.
- Lexical Resource: Adequate range of vocabulary for the task, with some attempts at less common words.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors that do not impede communication.
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses the task only partially, with limited development of ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Basic organization is apparent, but not always logical or well-developed.
- Lexical Resource: Limited range of vocabulary, mostly adequate for basic communication.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Limited range of structures with frequent errors, though meaning is generally clear.
Key Vocabulary
- Intervention (noun) /ˌɪntərˈvenʃən/ – the action of becoming involved in a situation to improve or help it
- Paternalistic (adjective) /pəˌtərnəˈlɪstɪk/ – treating people in a paternal way, especially by restricting their freedom
- Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
- Ultra-processed (adjective) /ˌʌltrə ˈprəʊsest/ – foods that have been heavily modified from their original form
- Agency (noun) /ˈeɪdʒənsi/ – the capacity of individuals to act independently and make their own free choices
- Empower (verb) /ɪmˈpaʊər/ – to give someone the authority or power to do something
- Exacerbate (verb) /ɪɡˈzæsərbeɪt/ – to make a problem or bad situation worse
- Robust (adjective) /rəʊˈbʌst/ – strong and healthy; vigorous
In conclusion, the topic of fast food marketing regulations is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of government in promoting healthy lifestyles
- Balancing public health concerns with personal freedoms
- The impact of food marketing on consumer choices
- Strategies for combating obesity and related health issues
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide well-supported arguments. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further discussion.
