The topic of advertising restrictions, particularly concerning public health, has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on analysis of past exam questions, this subject appears in approximately 15% of tests, often intersecting with how fast food impacts public health. Let’s examine a recent question that exemplifies this theme.
Question Analysis
Some people believe that governments should ban advertising of unhealthy products like fast food and soft drinks to improve public health. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
This question requires candidates to evaluate the effectiveness of advertising bans as a public health measure. The topic connects closely to should governments regulate the advertising of unhealthy foods.
Government restrictions on unhealthy food advertising concept
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Advertising restrictions on unhealthy products have become a contentious issue in public health policy. While I largely agree that such bans can contribute to better public health outcomes, I believe their implementation requires careful consideration.
The primary argument for advertising bans is their potential to reduce the consumption of harmful products. When why fast food advertising should be restricted, studies have shown that decreased exposure to advertisements correlates with lower consumption rates, particularly among young people. For instance, countries that have implemented strict controls on junk food advertising have witnessed a measurable decline in childhood obesity rates.
However, advertising bans alone cannot solve public health challenges comprehensively. A more effective approach would combine advertising restrictions with broader public health initiatives, including education and accessibility to healthy alternatives. The success of regulate fast food advertising depends heavily on complementary measures like nutritional education in schools and subsidies for healthy food options.
In conclusion, while I support advertising bans as part of a larger strategy to improve public health, they should be implemented alongside other measures. This comprehensive approach would more effectively address the complex challenges of public health management.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Many people think the government should stop companies from advertising unhealthy foods and drinks. I agree with this idea because it can help make people healthier.
Firstly, when people see fewer advertisements for unhealthy foods, they might buy less of these products. Children are especially affected by ads, so stopping these advertisements could help reduce childhood obesity. For example, when some countries banned junk food ads during children’s TV shows, kids asked their parents to buy less unhealthy food.
However, banning advertisements is not enough by itself. The government should also teach people about healthy eating and make healthy food cheaper. Also, some people say these bans limit business freedom, which is a valid concern.
In conclusion, I think banning unhealthy food advertisements is good but should be part of a bigger plan to improve public health. The government needs to do more than just stop advertisements.
Band Score Analysis
Band 8-9 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “contentious,” “correlates,” “comprehensive”
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear argument development
- Relevant examples and support
- Coherent paragraphing
Band 6-7 Essay Features:
- Simple but clear vocabulary
- Basic sentence structures
- Some development of ideas
- Limited use of examples
- Basic coherence
Key Vocabulary
- contentious (adj) /kənˈtenʃəs/ – causing disagreement
- comprehensive (adj) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – complete; including everything
- correlate (v) /ˈkɒrəleɪt/ – have a mutual relationship
- initiatives (n) /ɪˈnɪʃətɪvz/ – new plans or processes
- accessibility (n) /əkˌsesəˈbɪləti/ – the quality of being easily obtained
Practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments for feedback. Consider also exploring related topics like sugar taxes or health warning labels on food products.
