The topic of banning junk food in schools is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on past exam trends and analysis of various IELTS preparation websites, this topic has appeared frequently and is likely to continue being a popular choice for future tests. Let’s examine a real IELTS question on this subject and provide sample essays for different band scores.

Should junk food be banned from schools? This question touches on important issues related to public health, education, and personal freedom. To help you prepare for similar questions, we’ll analyze the topic and provide sample essays for various band scores.

Analyzing the Question

Some people think that school canteens should be banned from selling junk food, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

This question requires you to:

1. Discuss arguments for banning junk food in school canteens
2. Discuss arguments against banning junk food in school canteens
3. Present your own opinion on the matter

It’s crucial to address all three aspects in your essay to achieve a high band score.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

The debate over whether school canteens should be prohibited from selling junk food has gained significant attention in recent years. While some argue that such a ban is necessary to promote student health, others contend that it infringes on personal choice. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.

Proponents of banning junk food in school canteens argue that it is essential for safeguarding students’ health. They contend that easy access to unhealthy snacks and beverages contributes to the rising rates of childhood obesity and related health problems. By removing these options, schools can create an environment that encourages healthier eating habits and supports students’ overall well-being. Furthermore, advocates suggest that schools have a responsibility to educate students about nutrition and model good dietary choices, which is undermined by the presence of junk food in canteens.

On the other hand, opponents of such bans argue that they infringe on personal freedom and fail to address the root causes of poor dietary habits. They maintain that students should have the autonomy to make their own food choices and learn to navigate a world filled with various food options. Critics also point out that banning junk food may lead to a “forbidden fruit” effect, potentially increasing its appeal outside of school. Additionally, they argue that education about balanced nutrition and promoting healthier alternatives would be more effective than outright prohibition.

In my opinion, while I recognize the importance of personal choice, I believe that banning junk food in school canteens is a necessary step in promoting student health. Schools play a crucial role in shaping young people’s habits and attitudes, and providing a healthy food environment is part of this responsibility. However, I also think that such bans should be accompanied by comprehensive nutrition education and efforts to make healthier options more appealing and accessible. This balanced approach can help students develop lifelong healthy eating habits without feeling excessively restricted.

In conclusion, the debate over banning junk food in school canteens involves weighing public health concerns against personal freedom. While both sides present valid arguments, I believe that the potential benefits to student health outweigh the drawbacks, provided that the ban is implemented as part of a broader strategy to promote healthy eating.

Junk food ban in school canteen

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

The topic of banning junk food in school canteens is a controversial issue. Some people think it’s a good idea, while others disagree. In this essay, I will discuss both sides of the argument and give my opinion.

Those who support banning junk food in schools say it’s important for students’ health. They argue that junk food is unhealthy and can lead to problems like obesity and diabetes. If schools don’t sell junk food, students might eat healthier options instead. Also, schools should teach good habits, and selling junk food doesn’t set a good example.

On the other hand, people who disagree with the ban say it’s not fair to take away students’ choices. They believe that students should learn to make their own decisions about what to eat. Some also say that if junk food is banned, students might just bring it from home or buy it after school anyway. They think it’s better to teach students about healthy eating rather than just banning certain foods.

In my opinion, I think it’s a good idea to ban junk food in school canteens. Although it’s true that students should have some freedom to choose, I believe schools have a responsibility to protect students’ health. However, I also think it’s important to teach students about nutrition and why healthy eating is important. This way, they can make better choices even when they’re not at school.

To conclude, while there are arguments for and against banning junk food in school canteens, I believe the benefits of promoting health outweigh the drawbacks. Schools should focus on providing healthy options and educating students about good nutrition.

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay:

• Task Response: Fully addresses all parts of the task with a clear position throughout.
• Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and appropriate 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 with only rare minor errors.

Band 6-7 Essay:

• Task Response: Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others.
• Coherence and Cohesion: Information and ideas are generally arranged coherently, but there may be occasional lapses in logical flow.
• 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 generally good control, though errors occur.

importance of daily exercise for public health

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Canteen (noun) /kænˈtiːn/ – a place in a school, factory, etc. where food and drinks are sold or provided
2. Junk food (noun) /ˈdʒʌŋk fuːd/ – food that is unhealthy but is quick and easy to eat
3. Obesity (noun) /əʊˈbiːsəti/ – the state of being very fat or overweight
4. Nutritious (adjective) /njuːˈtrɪʃəs/ – containing many of the substances needed for life and growth
5. Autonomy (noun) /ɔːˈtɒnəmi/ – the ability to make your own decisions without being controlled by anyone else
6. Prohibition (noun) /ˌprəʊɪˈbɪʃn/ – the act of officially not allowing something
7. Comprehensive (adjective) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – including everything or nearly everything
8. Controversy (noun) /ˈkɒntrəvɜːsi/ – a lot of disagreement or argument about something, usually because it affects many people
9. Infringement (noun) /ɪnˈfrɪndʒmənt/ – an action that breaks a law or agreement
10. Detrimental (adjective) /ˌdetrɪˈmentl/ – causing harm or damage

Should schools ban junk food from their canteens is a topic that requires careful consideration of various perspectives. By practicing with these sample essays and analyzing their structures, you can improve your ability to tackle similar questions in the IELTS Writing Task 2.

In conclusion, the debate over banning junk food in schools is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS exams. To prepare effectively, consider practicing with similar topics such as:

1. The role of schools in promoting healthy lifestyles
2. Government regulations on food advertising to children
3. The impact of diet on academic performance

Should there be a limit on advertising is another related topic you might encounter. 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.