Fast food advertising and its influence on children’s eating habits is a topic that has gained significant attention in recent IELTS examinations. Based on trends observed in past tests and the growing concern about childhood obesity worldwide, this theme is likely to appear frequently in future IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Let’s explore a relevant question that has been featured in recent IELTS exams:
Some people believe that advertisements targeting children should be banned, especially those promoting fast food. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to express their opinion on banning advertisements aimed at children, particularly those for fast food. Key points to consider:
- The main focus is on advertisements targeting children.
- There’s a specific emphasis on fast food advertisements.
- Candidates need to state their level of agreement or disagreement.
- The question implies a connection between advertising and children’s eating habits.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Fast food advertising directed at young audiences has become a contentious issue in recent years, with some advocating for its prohibition. While I acknowledge the concerns behind this perspective, I believe that a complete ban on such advertisements is not the most effective solution.
Undoubtedly, there are valid reasons for considering a ban on fast food advertisements targeting children. These commercials often employ persuasive techniques that exploit children’s vulnerabilities, such as using cartoon characters or offering toys with meals. Consequently, children may develop unhealthy eating habits, contributing to the rising rates of childhood obesity and related health issues. Moreover, young minds are particularly susceptible to marketing messages, potentially leading to long-term negative impacts on their dietary choices.
However, I argue that banning these advertisements outright is an overly simplistic approach that fails to address the root of the problem. Instead, a more nuanced strategy should be implemented. Firstly, stricter regulations on the content and timing of fast food advertisements could be enforced, ensuring that they are not misleading and are not aired during children’s peak viewing hours. Secondly, there should be a greater emphasis on educating children about nutrition and media literacy, empowering them to make informed decisions about their food choices and critically analyze advertising messages.
Furthermore, parents play a crucial role in shaping their children’s eating habits. Rather than relying solely on advertising bans, efforts should be made to support and educate parents about the importance of a balanced diet and how to instill healthy eating habits in their children. This approach would be more effective in the long term, as it addresses the issue at its core rather than simply removing one source of influence.
In conclusion, while the concerns about fast food advertising targeting children are valid, a complete ban is not the most effective solution. A multifaceted approach that includes stricter regulations, enhanced education, and parental involvement would be more beneficial in promoting healthier eating habits among children while still respecting the principles of free market advertising.
(Word count: 317)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
In today’s world, many people think that advertisements for children, especially those about fast food, should not be allowed. I partly agree with this idea because there are both good and bad points to consider.
On one hand, banning fast food ads for kids could be helpful. These ads often make unhealthy food look very attractive to children. They use bright colors, fun characters, and free toys to get kids’ attention. This can make children want to eat more fast food, which is not good for their health. Also, young children might not understand that these ads are trying to sell them something, so they can be easily influenced.
However, completely banning these ads might not be the best solution. First, it’s important to remember that advertising is a part of business, and companies have the right to promote their products. Also, not all fast food is necessarily unhealthy, and some restaurants are starting to offer healthier options. Banning all ads might prevent people from learning about these better choices.
Instead of a total ban, I think there are better ways to handle this problem. For example, the government could make stricter rules about what these ads can show and when they can be shown on TV. Schools could teach children about healthy eating and how to understand advertisements. Parents also have a big role to play in guiding their children’s food choices and explaining the effects of too much fast food.
In conclusion, while I understand the concerns about fast food ads targeting children, I believe that a complete ban is not the best answer. A combination of better regulations, education, and parental guidance would be more effective in helping children make healthier food choices.
(Word count: 287)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Nowadays, many people think that advertisements for children, especially for fast food, should be stopped. I agree with this idea because I think it’s important to protect children’s health.
Firstly, fast food ads make children want to eat unhealthy food. These ads often show happy kids eating burgers and fries, which makes other children want to eat the same things. But we know that fast food is not good for health if eaten too often. It can make children get fat and have other health problems.
Also, children are young and don’t always understand that ads are trying to sell them something. They might think that eating fast food will make them happy or popular like the kids in the ads. This is not fair to children who are too young to make good choices about food.
However, some people might say that banning ads is not good for business. Fast food companies need to sell their food, and ads help them do this. Also, not all fast food is bad, and some restaurants are trying to make healthier options.
But I think children’s health is more important than business. Maybe instead of showing ads to children, fast food companies could find other ways to tell people about their food. They could make ads for parents instead, or put information in restaurants.
In conclusion, I agree that fast food ads for children should be banned. It’s important to protect children’s health and help them learn good eating habits from a young age. While it might be hard for businesses, I think it’s the right thing to do for children’s future.
(Word count: 262)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic:
- Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with a well-developed argument.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with a clear progression throughout the essay. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, with good use of less common words and collocations.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of complex structures is used accurately, with only rare minor errors.
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows a competent handling of the task with some good points:
- Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task, presenting a relevant position with some supporting ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, though some paragraphs may be better linked.
- Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used, with some attempts at less common words, though there may be occasional inaccuracies.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used, with generally good control, though errors may occur in complex structures.
Band 5-6 Essay:
This essay demonstrates an adequate attempt at addressing the task:
- Task Response: The essay addresses the task in a general way, presenting a relevant position, though the development of ideas may be limited.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a basic organizational structure, though paragraphs may lack some focus or linking.
- Lexical Resource: A limited range of vocabulary is used adequately for the task, though errors in word choice and formation may occur.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentences is attempted, though errors in grammar and punctuation are noticeable and may cause some difficulty for the reader.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Contentious (adjective) – /kənˈtenʃəs/ – causing or likely to cause disagreement
- Prohibition (noun) – /ˌprəʊɪˈbɪʃn/ – the action of forbidding something
- Susceptible (adjective) – /səˈseptəbl/ – likely or liable to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing
- Nuanced (adjective) – /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
- Multifaceted (adjective) – /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
- Empowering (adjective) – /ɪmˈpaʊərɪŋ/ – giving someone the authority or power to do something
- Instill (verb) – /ɪnˈstɪl/ – gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person’s mind
- Vulnerable (adjective) – /ˈvʌlnərəbl/ – susceptible to physical or emotional harm
- Influential (adjective) – /ˌɪnfluˈenʃl/ – having great influence on someone or something
- Regulatory (adjective) – /ˈreɡjələtɔːri/ – serving or intended to regulate something
In conclusion, the topic of fast food advertising’s impact on children’s eating habits is a complex and relevant issue for IELTS Writing Task 2. By analyzing the sample essays and understanding the key elements that contribute to different band scores, you can improve your own writing skills. Remember to practice writing essays on similar topics, such as:
- The role of schools in promoting healthy eating habits
- Government regulations on food marketing to children
- The responsibility of parents in shaping children’s food choices
- The impact of social media on young people’s dietary decisions
We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active approach to learning will help you refine your skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.