The question of whether governments should increase taxes on fast food is a recurring topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. This subject has appeared multiple times in recent years and is likely to continue being a popular choice for examiners due to its relevance to public health and economic policies. Based on past exam trends, we can expect to see variations of this question in future tests. Let’s examine a specific question that has been reported in recent IELTS exams:
Some people believe that governments should increase taxes on unhealthy foods to encourage people to eat more healthily. 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:
- Discuss the view that increasing taxes on unhealthy foods can promote healthy eating
- Explore alternative methods to encourage healthy eating habits
- Provide their personal opinion on the most effective approach
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced discussion before stating your own stance.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The debate over government intervention in dietary choices has intensified in recent years, with some advocating for increased taxation on unhealthy foods as a means to promote better eating 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 moderate taxation and comprehensive education, is likely to yield the best results.
Proponents of higher taxes on unhealthy foods argue that financial disincentives can significantly influence consumer behavior. By making fast food and sugary drinks more expensive, governments can discourage their consumption and nudge people towards healthier alternatives. This approach has shown some success with tobacco products, where increased taxation has contributed to reduced smoking rates in many countries. Moreover, the additional revenue generated from these taxes could be earmarked for public health initiatives, creating a positive feedback loop in promoting wellness.
However, critics of this approach contend that there are more effective and less punitive ways to promote healthy eating. They argue that comprehensive education programs and improved access to nutritious foods are more sustainable long-term solutions. By focusing on educating people about the benefits of a balanced diet and the risks associated with excessive consumption of unhealthy foods, individuals can make informed choices. Additionally, initiatives to make fresh produce more affordable and accessible, especially in underserved areas, could have a more significant impact on dietary habits without disproportionately affecting lower-income groups.
In my view, the most effective approach would be a balanced combination of these strategies. A moderate increase in taxes on unhealthy foods, coupled with robust education programs and initiatives to improve access to nutritious options, could create a comprehensive framework for promoting public health. This multi-faceted approach addresses both the immediate financial incentives and the underlying knowledge and accessibility issues that influence dietary choices. Furthermore, it recognizes that sustainable change in eating habits requires both structural support and personal commitment.
In conclusion, while increasing taxes on unhealthy foods can be a valuable tool in promoting public health, it should not be the sole strategy. A holistic approach that combines financial incentives, education, and improved access to healthy foods is more likely to result in lasting positive changes in dietary habits across all segments of society.
Word count: 365
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The issue of whether governments should raise taxes on unhealthy foods to promote better eating habits is a topic of much debate. While some people believe this is an effective strategy, others think there are better ways to encourage healthy eating. I think that both approaches have their merits, but education might be more effective in the long run.
Those who support higher taxes on unhealthy foods argue that it can discourage people from buying these items. When fast food and sugary drinks become more expensive, people might think twice before purchasing them. This could lead to a reduction in the consumption of unhealthy foods and potentially improve public health. Additionally, the extra money from these taxes could be used to fund health programs or subsidize healthier food options.
On the other hand, critics of this approach believe there are better ways to promote healthy eating. They suggest that education and awareness campaigns could be more effective in changing people’s eating habits. By teaching people about the benefits of a balanced diet and the risks of unhealthy eating, individuals can make informed choices about their food. Moreover, some argue that increasing taxes on unhealthy foods unfairly affects lower-income groups who may rely on these cheaper food options.
In my opinion, while increasing taxes on unhealthy foods might have some short-term effects, education is likely to be more effective in the long run. By focusing on teaching people about nutrition and healthy cooking, we can empower them to make better food choices throughout their lives. However, I also believe that a combination of both approaches could be beneficial. For example, governments could use the revenue from higher taxes on unhealthy foods to fund educational programs about healthy eating.
To conclude, both increasing taxes on unhealthy foods and promoting education about healthy eating have their advantages. While I lean towards education as a more sustainable solution, I believe a balanced approach that incorporates elements of both strategies could be the most effective way to improve public health and eating habits.
Word count: 329
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Some people think governments should make unhealthy food more expensive to help people eat better. Other people think there are better ways to make people eat healthy food. I will discuss both ideas and give my opinion.
Raising taxes on unhealthy food can be good because it makes people buy less of it. When fast food and sugary drinks cost more, people might not buy them as much. This could help people eat healthier food instead. Also, the government can use the extra money from taxes to help with health programs.
But some people think there are better ways to make people eat healthy. They say teaching people about good food is more important. If people learn about healthy eating, they can make better choices about what to eat. Also, making healthy food cheaper and easier to find could help more than just making unhealthy food expensive.
In my opinion, I think teaching people about healthy food is better than making unhealthy food more expensive. When people understand why healthy food is good, they will want to eat it more. But I also think that both ideas together could work well. The government could use money from taxes on unhealthy food to teach people about eating healthy.
To sum up, there are different ways to help people eat better. Making unhealthy food more expensive and teaching about healthy food both have good points. I think teaching is more important, but using both ideas together might be the best way to help people eat healthier.
Word count: 254
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates:
- Excellent coherence and cohesion with clear progression throughout
- Wide range of vocabulary used accurately and flexibly (e.g., “financial disincentives”, “earmarked”, “multi-faceted approach”)
- Wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with well-developed ideas and relevant examples
- Clear position with a well-rounded conclusion
Band 6-7 Essay
This essay shows:
- Good overall coherence and cohesion
- Sufficient range of vocabulary with some less common items (e.g., “subsidize”, “unfairly affects”)
- Mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts are more fully developed than others
- Clear position, though the conclusion could be more decisive
Band 5-6 Essay
This essay exhibits:
- Basic coherence and cohesion, with some repetition of ideas
- Limited range of vocabulary, mostly common words used appropriately
- Mixture of simple and some complex sentences, with occasional errors
- Addresses the task in a general way, but lacks depth in argument and examples
- Position is stated but not fully developed
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Taxation (noun) – /tækˈseɪʃən/ – The practice of imposing taxes
- Disincentive (noun) – /ˌdɪsɪnˈsentɪv/ – Something that discourages a particular action
- Subsidize (verb) – /ˈsʌbsɪdaɪz/ – To support financially
- Comprehensive (adjective) – /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – Including or dealing with all aspects of something
- Earmark (verb) – /ˈɪəmɑːk/ – To designate for a specific purpose
- Holistic (adjective) – /həʊˈlɪstɪk/ – Characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected
- Punitive (adjective) – /ˈpjuːnətɪv/ – Intended as punishment
- Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
- Initiative (noun) – /ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/ – An act or strategy intended to resolve a difficulty or improve a situation
- Empower (verb) – /ɪmˈpaʊə(r)/ – To give someone the authority or power to do something
Conclusion
The topic of government intervention in promoting healthy eating habits through taxation of unhealthy foods is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. As you prepare for your exam, consider practicing with variations of this question, such as:
- Should governments ban the advertising of unhealthy foods?
- Is it the responsibility of schools or parents to teach children about healthy eating?
- How effective are public health campaigns in changing people’s eating habits?
Remember to analyze the question carefully, address all parts of the task, and provide a clear, well-supported argument. Use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your target band score. Practice writing essays on this topic and share them in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with other learners. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.