The topic of veganism and its impact on global health has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. Based on recent test reports and analysis of past papers, this theme appears approximately once every 4-5 months, particularly in countries with growing vegetarian populations like India and Southeast Asian nations.
Analysis of Common Question Types
Recent IELTS examinations have featured the following question about veganism:
Some people believe that a vegan diet (excluding all animal products) is the key to solving global health and environmental problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Question Analysis
- Topic: Veganism’s role in global health and environmental issues
- Task: Agree/Disagree essay
- Key areas to address: Health benefits/drawbacks, environmental impact
- Scope: Global perspective required
Sample Essays
Band 8 Essay (295 words)
The assertion that veganism could resolve worldwide health and environmental challenges has gained significant traction recently. While I partially agree that plant-based diets offer substantial benefits, I believe the solution to these global issues requires a more comprehensive approach.
Veganism undoubtedly presents several advantages for both individual and planetary health. Plant-based diets typically result in lower carbon emissions, as animal agriculture is responsible for approximately 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, vegan diets are often associated with reduced risks of heart disease, certain cancers, and obesity, which are major public health concerns in many developed nations.
Medical benefits and positive health outcomes of vegan diet
However, transitioning to worldwide veganism faces significant practical challenges. Firstly, in many developing regions, animal products provide essential nutrients that are difficult to obtain from plant sources alone, particularly vitamin B12 and complete proteins. Additionally, the economic impact on communities dependent on livestock farming would be severe, potentially creating new social and health problems through unemployment and poverty.
Furthermore, sustainable solutions to global health and environmental issues require multiple interventions. While reducing meat consumption is beneficial, other factors such as industrial pollution, deforestation, and access to healthcare play equally crucial roles. A more balanced approach might involve promoting reduced meat consumption rather than complete elimination, alongside other environmental and health initiatives.
In conclusion, while veganism offers notable benefits for health and environmental sustainability, it should be viewed as one component of a broader strategy rather than a complete solution. The focus should be on developing comprehensive policies that address multiple aspects of global health and environmental challenges while considering diverse cultural and economic contexts.
Band 6.5 Essay (283 words)
Many people think that becoming vegan can help solve health and environmental problems around the world. I partly agree with this idea, but I think there are both good and bad points to consider.
On the positive side, vegan diets can be very healthy. When people eat only plant-based foods, they usually consume less fat and more fiber. This can help prevent common health problems like heart disease and diabetes. Also, growing plants for food uses less water and land than raising animals, which is better for the environment.
However, there are some problems with everyone becoming vegan. Many people cannot afford to buy special vegan foods, especially in poor countries. Also, some people might not get enough important nutrients like protein and vitamin B12, which are mainly found in animal products. This could cause health problems if people don’t carefully plan their diets.
Another issue is that many people work in the meat and dairy industries. If everyone stopped eating animal products, these people would lose their jobs. This could create economic problems in many countries. Also, some places cannot grow enough plants for food because of their climate or soil type.
I think a better solution would be to encourage people to eat less meat rather than no meat at all. This would still help the environment and improve health, but it would be more practical for most people. Governments should also focus on other ways to solve environmental problems, like reducing pollution from factories and cars.
Score Analysis
Band 8 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “traction,” “comprehensive approach”
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear progression of ideas
- Balanced argument with specific examples
- Coherent paragraphing
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Simpler vocabulary and structures
- Basic but clear organization
- Some repetition in expression
- Less sophisticated examples
- More general statements
Key Vocabulary
- Comprehensive (adj) /kɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – complete, including all aspects
- Traction (n) /ˈtrækʃən/ – acceptance or popularity
- Interventions (n) /ˌɪntəˈvenʃənz/ – actions taken to improve a situation
- Sustainability (n) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – ability to maintain at a certain level
- Transition (n) /trænˈzɪʃən/ – process of changing from one state to another
Consider practicing with this similar topic:
“Some people believe that everyone should adopt a vegetarian diet to reduce the environmental impact of meat production. Do you agree or disagree?”
Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and discussion!
