The topic of universal free school meals is a relevant and increasingly popular subject in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. Based on recent trends, we can expect this theme to appear more frequently in future tests. Let’s examine a real IELTS question that has been used in past exams:

Some people think that governments should provide free school meals for all children. Others believe that parents should be responsible for providing food for their children at school. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Analyzing the Question

This question presents a classic IELTS Writing Task 2 format, asking candidates to discuss two contrasting viewpoints and provide their own opinion. The topic focuses on the debate between government-provided universal free school meals and parental responsibility for children’s school food.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

In recent years, the debate over who should bear the responsibility for providing school meals has intensified. While some argue that governments should offer free meals to all students, others contend that this duty falls squarely on parents’ shoulders. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.

Proponents of government-funded school meals argue that this approach ensures equal access to nutrition for all children, regardless of their socioeconomic background. They contend that universal free meals can help reduce childhood hunger, improve academic performance, and alleviate financial burdens on families. Moreover, centralized meal programs can potentially offer more balanced and nutritious options than individual packed lunches.

On the other hand, those who believe parents should be responsible for their children’s school food argue that this promotes personal responsibility and allows for more customized meal choices. They maintain that parents are best positioned to cater to their children’s dietary needs and preferences. Additionally, some argue that government resources could be better allocated to other educational priorities.

In my opinion, a hybrid approach would be most beneficial. I believe that governments should provide free school meals for children from low-income families, ensuring that no child goes hungry due to financial constraints. However, families who can afford it should have the option to provide their own meals or pay for school-provided food. This compromise would balance the need for equitable access to nutrition with the benefits of parental involvement and choice.

In conclusion, while both sides of the argument have merit, a nuanced solution that combines government support with parental option seems most appropriate. This approach would help address socioeconomic disparities while still allowing for personal responsibility and preference in children’s nutrition.

Universal free school meals debate

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

The topic of who should provide school meals for children is a controversial one. Some people think the government should give free meals to all students, while others believe parents should be responsible. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.

There are good reasons why the government should provide free school meals. Firstly, it ensures all children get proper nutrition, which is important for their health and learning. Some families might not be able to afford good food, so free meals help these children. Also, when the government provides meals, they can make sure the food is healthy and follows nutrition guidelines.

However, there are also arguments for why parents should be responsible for their children’s school food. Parents know what their children like to eat and any special dietary needs they have. When parents pack lunches, they can control what their children eat and make sure it’s suitable for them. Some people also think it’s not fair for the government to use taxpayers’ money to feed all children, even those from rich families.

In my opinion, I think a mix of both ideas could work well. The government could provide free meals for children from poor families who really need help. But families who can afford it should have the choice to either provide their own food or pay for school meals. This way, no child goes hungry, but parents still have some control over what their children eat.

To conclude, while both sides have valid points, I believe a combination of government support and parental choice is the best solution. This approach helps children in need while still allowing for personal preferences in school meals.

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

Some people think the government should give free food to all children at school. Other people think parents should give food to their children for school. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.

Government giving free food is good because all children can eat. Some families don’t have money for good food, so this helps them. Also, when the government gives food, they can make sure it’s healthy for children.

But some people think parents should give food to their children for school. Parents know what their children like to eat. They can make special food if their child needs it. Some people also think it’s not fair to use government money to feed all children, even rich ones.

I think both ideas are okay. Maybe the government can give free food to poor children who need help. But other families can choose to give their own food or pay for school food. This way, all children can eat, but parents can still choose what their children eat if they want.

In the end, I think it’s good to have both government help and parent choice for school food. This helps poor children and lets other families decide what they want to do.

School lunch options comparison

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay:

• Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
• Presents a clear position throughout the response
• Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features
• Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
• Demonstrates high levels of grammatical accuracy with rare minor errors
• Ideas are coherently organized with clear progression throughout

Band 6-7 Essay:

• Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
• Presents a relevant position, though conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
• Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task with some errors in word choice
• Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors that do not impede communication
• Arranges information coherently and there is clear overall progression
• Uses cohesive devices effectively, but cohesion within and/or between sentences may be faulty or mechanical

Band 5-6 Essay:

• Addresses the task only partially; format may be inappropriate in places
• Expresses a position but development is not always clear
• Uses limited range of vocabulary; errors in spelling and word formation are noticeable
• Uses only a limited range of structures with some accuracy
• Presents information with some organization but there may be lack of overall progression
• Makes inadequate, inaccurate or overuse of cohesive devices

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Universal (adjective) /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsl/ – applying to all cases or situations
2. Socioeconomic (adjective) /ˌsəʊsiəʊˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk/ – relating to or concerned with the interaction of social and economic factors
3. Alleviate (verb) /əˈliːvieɪt/ – make (suffering, deficiency, or a problem) less severe
4. Centralized (adjective) /ˈsentrəlaɪzd/ – controlled by a single authority
5. Hybrid (noun/adjective) /ˈhaɪbrɪd/ – a thing made by combining two different elements
6. Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
7. Controversial (adjective) /ˌkɒntrəˈvɜːʃl/ – giving rise or likely to give rise to controversy or public disagreement
8. Nutrition (noun) /njuːˈtrɪʃn/ – the process of providing or obtaining the food necessary for health and growth

The consequences of increasing the minimum legal drinking age can be significant, much like the impacts of universal free school meals. Both topics involve government policies that directly affect young people’s lives and well-being.

Conclusion

The debate over universal free school meals is a complex and relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. As we’ve seen from the sample essays, there are valid arguments on both sides, and the most effective responses often propose a balanced approach. To further prepare for your IELTS exam, consider practicing with these related topics:

1. The role of government in providing healthcare for citizens
2. Public versus private education systems
3. The impact of childhood nutrition on academic performance
4. Social welfare programs and their effects on society

Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!