The topic of fast food pricing and its potential impact on consumption is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on an analysis of past exam questions and current trends, this issue is likely to appear in future tests due to its relevance to public health and economic policies. Let’s explore a sample question that closely mirrors those seen in actual IELTS exams:

Some people believe that governments should increase the price of fast food to deter people from consuming it. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Analysis of the Question

This question asks for your opinion on a proposed government policy to increase fast food prices as a means of reducing consumption. Key points to consider:

1. The main topic is the relationship between pricing and consumption of fast food.
2. The question implies a potential health benefit from reduced fast food consumption.
3. You need to discuss the effectiveness and implications of using price as a deterrent.
4. Your response should clearly state your level of agreement or disagreement with the proposal.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Fast food has become an integral part of modern life, offering convenience and affordability to millions worldwide. However, its negative health impacts have led some to advocate for government intervention through price increases as a deterrent. While I acknowledge the good intentions behind this proposal, I largely disagree with it as an effective solution.

Proponents of price hikes argue that higher costs would naturally reduce consumption, similar to how increased tobacco taxes have lowered smoking rates. They believe this would lead to improved public health outcomes by discouraging frequent fast food intake. Additionally, the extra revenue generated could potentially fund health education programs or subsidize healthier food options.

However, I contend that this approach oversimplifies a complex issue and may have unintended consequences. Firstly, price increases disproportionately affect lower-income groups, who often rely on fast food due to time constraints and limited access to affordable alternatives. This could exacerbate existing health inequalities rather than alleviate them. Secondly, without addressing the root causes of unhealthy eating habits, such as lack of nutrition education or time for meal preparation, price hikes alone are unlikely to significantly change behavior in the long term.

Instead of punitive measures, I believe governments should focus on more constructive approaches. Investing in comprehensive nutrition education programs in schools and communities would equip people with the knowledge to make healthier choices. Incentivizing the fast food industry to offer healthier options through tax breaks or subsidies could lead to menu improvements without penalizing consumers. Moreover, urban planning policies that increase access to fresh produce and create spaces for physical activity would foster environments conducive to overall health.

In conclusion, while the intention to improve public health is commendable, increasing fast food prices is not an optimal solution. A more holistic approach that addresses the underlying factors influencing dietary choices and promotes accessibility to healthy alternatives would be far more effective in creating lasting change. Governments should strive to empower citizens with knowledge and options, rather than relying solely on financial deterrents.

Healthy fast food options and nutrition education

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the health impacts of fast food consumption. Some people think that governments should make fast food more expensive to stop people from eating it so much. I partly agree with this idea, but I also think there are some problems with it.

On one hand, increasing the price of fast food could have some positive effects. When things become more expensive, people usually buy less of them. This is true for cigarettes and alcohol, so it might work for fast food too. If people eat less fast food, they might become healthier and have fewer problems like obesity and heart disease. Also, the extra money from higher prices could be used by the government to pay for health programs or to make healthy food cheaper.

However, there are also some negative points to consider. Many people eat fast food because it’s cheap and quick, especially those who don’t have much money or time. If fast food becomes more expensive, these people might struggle to afford food at all. This could cause more problems for poor families. Another issue is that some people might just switch to other unhealthy foods that are still cheap, so the health benefits might not be as big as expected.

I think a better solution would be for governments to focus on education and providing more healthy options. They could teach people about good nutrition in schools and through public campaigns. They could also work with fast food companies to offer healthier menu items. This way, people can make better choices without being forced by high prices.

In conclusion, while making fast food more expensive might help reduce consumption, it’s not a perfect solution. I believe a mix of education, healthier options, and some price changes would be more effective in improving people’s diets and health.

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

Nowadays, many people eat a lot of fast food, and this can cause health problems. Some think the government should make fast food more expensive to stop people from eating it. I think this is a good idea, but it might also cause some problems.

First, if fast food costs more, people might buy it less often. This could be good for their health because fast food often has too much fat and sugar. When people eat less fast food, they might lose weight and feel better. Also, the government can use the extra money from higher prices to help people be healthier in other ways.

But there are also some bad things about this idea. Many people like fast food because it’s cheap and easy to get. If it becomes too expensive, some people might not be able to afford any food at all. This would be very bad, especially for poor people. Also, some people might just buy other unhealthy food that is still cheap, so it might not help as much as we think.

I think the government should try to teach people about healthy eating instead of just making fast food more expensive. They could have classes in schools about good food choices. They could also ask fast food restaurants to sell healthier food. This way, people can still choose what they want to eat, but they might make better choices.

In conclusion, making fast food more expensive might help a little bit, but it’s not the only answer. I think teaching people about healthy eating and having more healthy food choices is a better way to help people be healthier.

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay:

• Task Achievement: Fully addresses all parts of the task with a clear position throughout.
• Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource: Wide range of vocabulary used with flexibility and precision.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Wide range of structures used accurately and appropriately.

Band 6-7 Essay:

• Task Achievement: Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others.
• Coherence and Cohesion: Information and ideas are arranged coherently, but with occasional lapses in progression.
• Lexical Resource: Sufficient 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 good control, though with some errors.

Band 5-6 Essay:

• Task Achievement: Addresses the task, but may be repetitive or lack focus at times.
• Coherence and Cohesion: Overall coherent, but may lack clear progression in places.
• Lexical Resource: Adequate vocabulary for the task, but limited range and some inaccuracies.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Limited range of structures with some accuracy in simple sentences, but errors in more complex ones.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Deterrent (noun) – /dɪˈterənt/ – something that discourages or prevents someone from doing something
2. Intervention (noun) – /ˌɪntərˈvenʃən/ – the action of becoming involved in a situation to improve it
3. Disproportionately (adverb) – /ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːrʃənətli/ – to a degree that is too large or too small in comparison with something else
4. Exacerbate (verb) – /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ – to make a problem or bad situation worse
5. Incentivize (verb) – /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ – to encourage or motivate someone to do something
6. Holistic (adjective) – /həʊˈlɪstɪk/ – characterized by the treatment of the whole person or situation, rather than just the symptoms
7. Punitive (adjective) – /ˈpjuːnətɪv/ – intended as a punishment
8. Accessibility (noun) – /əkˌsesəˈbɪləti/ – the quality of being able to be reached or entered
9. Obesity (noun) – /əʊˈbiːsəti/ – the condition of being grossly fat or overweight
10. Nutrition (noun) – /njuːˈtrɪʃən/ – the process of providing or obtaining the food necessary for health and growth

Government policies on fast food regulation

In conclusion, the topic of increasing fast food prices to deter consumption is a complex issue that requires careful consideration of various factors. While price increases may have some impact, a more comprehensive approach addressing education, accessibility to healthy options, and industry collaboration is likely to be more effective. As you practice for your IELTS Writing Task 2, consider exploring related topics such as:

1. The role of education in promoting healthy eating habits
2. Government regulations on food advertising
3. The impact of fast food on public health in developing countries
4. Balancing personal freedom with public health concerns in food policy

We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam. Remember to focus on clearly stating your position, providing relevant examples, and maintaining a logical structure throughout your essay.