Fast food advertising and its regulation consistently appear in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams, particularly in questions about media influence, public health, and government control. Based on analysis of past papers and should governments implement stricter regulations on fast food advertising, this topic has appeared in various forms at least 3-4 times annually since 2019.
Fast food advertisements displayed across various social media platforms and television screens
Let’s examine one recent IELTS Task 2 question:
Some people believe that fast food advertisements should be banned on television and social media platforms. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Analysis of the Question
This question relates closely to Problems of adverts targeting children and solutions. It requires:
- Clear position on banning fast food advertisements
- Discussion of impacts on both TV and social media
- Supporting arguments with relevant examples
- Balanced perspective considering multiple stakeholders
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
Fast food marketing has become increasingly pervasive across various media platforms, leading to debates about whether such advertisements should be prohibited. While I partially agree that some restrictions are necessary, I believe a complete ban would be excessive and potentially counterproductive.
The primary argument for banning fast food advertisements stems from their negative impact on public health, particularly among younger viewers. These advertisements often employ sophisticated marketing techniques to make unhealthy food options appear attractive, potentially contributing to the rising obesity rates in many countries. For instance, in countries like the United States and the effects of globalization on fashion and trends have shown how marketing can significantly influence consumer behavior, especially among youth.
However, implementing a complete ban presents several challenges and drawbacks. Firstly, such restrictions would significantly impact the revenue streams of media companies and content creators who rely on advertising income. Moreover, in today’s digital age, distinguishing between fast food and general restaurant advertising could prove problematic, potentially leading to unintended consequences for the broader food service industry. Additionally, should there be a limit on advertising raises questions about consumer autonomy and free market principles.
Instead of an outright ban, I propose a more nuanced approach focusing on stricter regulation of advertisement content and timing. This could include mandatory health warnings, restrictions on advertising during children’s programming hours, and requirements for balanced nutritional information. Such measures would help mitigate the negative impacts while preserving commercial speech rights and economic benefits.
In conclusion, while the concerns about fast food advertising are valid, a complete ban seems excessive. A more balanced approach combining regulation with education would better serve public interests while respecting commercial freedoms.
Balanced approach to food advertising regulation showing warning labels and educational content
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Nowadays, fast food advertisements are everywhere on TV and social media. Some people think these ads should be banned completely. I agree with this idea because these advertisements can cause many health problems.
Firstly, fast food ads make people want to eat unhealthy food. When people see delicious-looking burgers and pizzas on TV or Facebook, they often feel hungry and want to buy these foods. This is especially bad for children who don’t understand that these foods are unhealthy. For example, in my country, many children ask their parents to buy fast food after watching advertisements.
Secondly, these advertisements can lead to obesity and other health problems. Fast food companies spend lots of money to make their food look very good in ads, but they don’t show the bad effects of eating too much fast food. This makes people eat more unhealthy food without thinking about their health.
However, some people say banning ads is not good for business. Fast food companies need to advertise to make money, and TV channels also need money from these ads. But I think people’s health is more important than business profits.
In conclusion, I agree that fast food advertisements should be banned because they make people eat unhealthy food and cause health problems. The government should take action to protect people’s health.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8.5 Essay:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “pervasive,” “counterproductive,” “nuanced approach”
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear organization with cohesive devices
- Well-developed arguments
- Balanced perspective
Band 6.5 Essay:
- Simple but clear vocabulary
- Basic sentence structures
- Some repetition
- Limited range of linking words
- Less developed arguments
Key Vocabulary
- pervasive (adj) /pəˈveɪsɪv/ – spreading widely throughout an area or group
- counterproductive (adj) /ˌkaʊntərprəˈdʌktɪv/ – having the opposite effect to what is intended
- nuanced (adj) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle differences
- autonomous (adj) /ɔːˈtɒnəməs/ – having self-governance
- prohibition (n) /ˌprəʊɪˈbɪʃən/ – the action of forbidding something
Consider practicing with similar topics like the regulation of digital advertising or the impact of marketing on youth health. Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and discussion.
