The topic of fast food bans in schools has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on analysis of past exam patterns and current trends, it is likely to appear in future tests as well. This issue is particularly relevant for students from countries like India, China, and Vietnam, where obesity rates among children are on the rise. Let’s examine a sample question that closely resembles those seen in actual IELTS exams:

Some people think that banning fast food in schools is the best way to improve children’s health and eating habits. Others disagree and say that children should learn to make their own food choices. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Analyzing the Question

This question requires candidates to:

1. Discuss arguments for banning fast food in schools
2. Discuss arguments against banning fast food in schools
3. Provide their own opinion on the matter

It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score. Let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, starting with a Band 8 response.

Band 8 Sample Essay

The debate over whether to ban fast food in schools to improve children’s health and eating habits is a contentious issue. While some argue that prohibition is the most effective approach, others contend that children should be allowed to make their own dietary choices. In my opinion, a balanced approach that combines education and limited access to fast food is the most suitable solution.

Proponents of banning fast food in schools argue that this measure would significantly improve children’s health. They contend that by eliminating unhealthy options, students would be forced to consume more nutritious meals, leading to better overall health outcomes. Furthermore, advocates suggest that a ban would help establish healthier eating habits that children could carry into adulthood, potentially reducing the risk of obesity and related health issues in the long term. This perspective aligns with the growing concern over childhood obesity rates in many countries.

On the other hand, those who oppose such bans argue that children should learn to make informed food choices independently. They believe that prohibiting fast food entirely may lead to rebellion and increased consumption outside of school hours. Additionally, critics argue that bans do not address the root cause of poor eating habits and may not prepare children for real-world situations where they will need to make responsible food choices. Instead, they advocate for comprehensive nutrition education that empowers students to understand the implications of their dietary decisions.

In my view, a nuanced approach that combines elements of both arguments would be most effective. While completely banning fast food might be too extreme, regulating fast food advertising to prevent obesity and limiting its availability in schools could be beneficial. This could be complemented by robust nutrition education programs that teach students about balanced diets, the effects of different foods on their health, and how to make informed choices. By doing so, schools can create an environment that promotes healthy eating while still allowing children some autonomy in their food selections.

In conclusion, while banning fast food in schools may seem like a straightforward solution to improving children’s health, a more comprehensive strategy is needed. By combining limited access to unhealthy options with strong educational initiatives, schools can foster an environment that encourages better eating habits without completely removing children’s ability to make food choices.

(Word count: 377)

Fast food ban in schools balancing education and health

Explanation of Band 8 Score

This essay would likely receive a Band 8 score for the following reasons:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices.

3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, with some less common phrases (e.g., “contentious issue,” “nuanced approach”).

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately, with only minor errors.

Band 7 Sample Essay

The issue of banning fast food in schools to improve children’s health and eating habits is widely debated. While some believe this is the best approach, others argue that children should learn to make their own food choices. This essay will discuss both viewpoints and present my opinion on the matter.

Those in favor of banning fast food in schools argue that it would lead to immediate health benefits for students. By removing unhealthy options, children would be forced to eat more nutritious meals provided by the school, potentially reducing obesity rates and improving overall health. Supporters also claim that this approach would help form better eating habits that could last into adulthood.

On the other hand, opponents of fast food bans in schools contend that children should be taught to make responsible food choices rather than having decisions made for them. They argue that bans may lead to increased consumption of junk food outside of school as a form of rebellion. Additionally, critics suggest that prohibiting fast food doesn’t address the root cause of poor eating habits and fails to prepare children for real-world scenarios where they’ll need to make independent dietary decisions.

In my opinion, a balanced approach would be most effective. While completely banning fast food might be too extreme, limiting its availability and regulating fast food advertising to prevent obesity could be beneficial. This should be combined with comprehensive nutrition education programs that teach students about the importance of a balanced diet and how to make healthy food choices. By doing so, schools can promote better eating habits while still allowing children some autonomy in their food selections.

In conclusion, while banning fast food in schools may seem like a simple solution, a more nuanced strategy is needed to effectively improve children’s health and eating habits. A combination of limited access to unhealthy options and strong educational initiatives can create an environment that encourages better food choices without completely removing children’s ability to make decisions.

(Word count: 329)

Explanation of Band 7 Score

This essay would likely receive a Band 7 score for the following reasons:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the ideas could be more fully developed.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but there could be more sophisticated use of cohesive devices.

3. Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used, but there’s less precision and sophistication compared to the Band 8 essay.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with good control, but there’s less variety compared to the Band 8 essay.

Band 6 Sample Essay

The topic of banning fast food in schools to improve children’s health is often discussed. Some people think it’s the best way to make children healthier, but others say children should choose their own food. I will talk about both sides and give my opinion.

People who want to ban fast food in schools say it will make children healthier right away. If there’s no junk food, kids will have to eat better food from the school. This might help stop obesity and make children’s health better. Also, they think it will teach kids good eating habits for when they grow up.

But people who don’t like banning fast food say children should learn to pick good food themselves. They think if fast food is banned, kids might eat more of it outside school because they’re not allowed to have it in school. Also, they say banning food doesn’t teach kids why they should eat healthy, so kids won’t know how to choose good food when they’re older.

I think the best way is to do both things a little bit. Schools shouldn’t ban all fast food, but they should have less of it. They should also teach kids about healthy eating and why it’s important. This way, children can learn to make good choices about food, but they still have some choices in school.

In the end, I don’t think just banning fast food is enough to make kids healthier. Schools need to have less unhealthy food and teach more about good eating. This will help kids learn to eat better now and when they grow up.

(Word count: 267)

Students selecting healthy food options in school cafeteria

Explanation of Band 6 Score

This essay would likely receive a Band 6 score for the following reasons:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the task, but some points are underdeveloped.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but paragraphing and cohesive devices are basic.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, but lacks precision and sophistication.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses mainly simple sentences with some attempts at complex structures, but with limited success.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Contentious (adjective) /kənˈtenʃəs/ – causing or likely to cause disagreement
2. Prohibition (noun) /ˌprəʊɪˈbɪʃn/ – the act of forbidding something
3. Advocate (verb) /ˈædvəkeɪt/ – to publicly support or recommend a particular cause or policy
4. Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
5. Autonomy (noun) /ɔːˈtɒnəmi/ – the right or condition of self-government
6. Comprehensive (adjective) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something
7. Initiative (noun) /ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/ – the power or opportunity to act or take charge before others do
8. Rebellion (noun) /rɪˈbeljən/ – an act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler

In conclusion, the topic of fast food bans in schools is a complex issue that requires careful consideration of various perspectives. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, practice writing essays on similar topics related to health, education, and child development. Remember to always address all parts of the question, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and organize your ideas coherently. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further improvement.