The topic of fast food advertising and its influence on youth behavior is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on an analysis of past exam questions, this subject has appeared multiple times and is likely to continue being a relevant issue for future tests. Given its importance, let’s examine a sample question that closely resembles those seen in actual IELTS exams:

Some people believe that advertisements targeting children to buy fast food products should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Analyzing the Question

This question requires candidates to express their opinion on banning fast food advertisements aimed at children. Key points to consider:

1. The main topic is fast food advertising targeting children.
2. The focus is on whether these ads should be banned.
3. Candidates must clearly state their position (agree, disagree, or partially agree).
4. The phrase “to what extent” indicates that a nuanced response is expected, considering various aspects of the issue.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Fast food marketing strategies aimed at young consumers have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, raising concerns about their impact on children’s health and dietary choices. While some argue for an outright ban on such advertisements, I partially agree with this stance, believing that strict regulations, rather than a complete prohibition, would be a more balanced approach.

The primary argument in favor of banning fast food ads targeting children is the potential negative impact on their health. Children are particularly susceptible to persuasive marketing techniques, often lacking the critical thinking skills to evaluate advertising claims critically. Consequently, they may develop unhealthy eating habits that could lead to obesity, diabetes, and other health issues later in life. Moreover, these advertisements often create pester power, where children pressure their parents to purchase fast food products, potentially straining family relationships and finances.

However, a complete ban on fast food advertising to children may be an overly restrictive measure with unintended consequences. Firstly, it could infringe on commercial free speech rights, setting a precedent for government overreach in advertising regulations. Secondly, a blanket ban might not address the root causes of unhealthy eating habits, which often stem from broader societal issues such as lack of nutritional education and limited access to healthy food options.

Instead of an outright ban, I propose implementing stringent regulations on fast food advertising to children. These regulations could include restrictions on the timing and placement of ads, mandatory health warnings, and limitations on the use of cartoon characters or celebrities to promote unhealthy food products. Additionally, fast food companies could be required to allocate a portion of their advertising budget to promote healthier menu options or support nutritional education programs.

In conclusion, while the concern over fast food advertising’s influence on children is valid, a nuanced approach is necessary. Strict regulations, combined with efforts to improve nutritional education and access to healthy food options, would be more effective in promoting children’s health without excessively limiting commercial speech or ignoring the complex factors contributing to unhealthy eating habits.

(Word count: 329)

Fast food advertising impact on youth behavior

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

In today’s world, fast food advertisements targeting children are everywhere. Some people think these ads should be banned completely. I agree with this idea to a large extent because of the negative effects on children’s health and behavior.

One main reason to ban these ads is that they can make children eat unhealthy food. Fast food is often high in fat, sugar, and salt, which are not good for kids’ health. When children see these attractive ads, they want to eat more fast food, which can lead to problems like obesity and other health issues. Also, children are easily influenced by what they see on TV or online, so these ads can have a big impact on their food choices.

Another problem with fast food ads for children is that they can cause conflicts in families. Kids often ask their parents to buy fast food after seeing these ads. This can be difficult for parents who want their children to eat healthier meals. It can also be a financial burden for some families if children keep asking for expensive fast food meals.

However, some people might say that banning these ads is too extreme. They might argue that it’s the parents’ responsibility to control what their children eat, not the government’s job. They might also say that fast food companies have the right to advertise their products.

Despite these arguments, I still believe that banning fast food ads for children is necessary. The health of children is very important, and we should protect them from influences that can harm their well-being. Instead of these ads, we could have more messages about healthy eating and exercise for kids.

In conclusion, I strongly agree that fast food advertisements targeting children should be banned. The negative effects on children’s health and family dynamics outweigh the arguments against such a ban. It’s important to prioritize the well-being of young people over the profits of fast food companies.

(Word count: 309)

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay:

This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with a nuanced view (partial agreement). It develops ideas with relevant, extended, and well-supported arguments.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. It uses a range of cohesive devices effectively, and each paragraph has a clear central topic.

3. Lexical Resource: It uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Examples include “pester power,” “commercial free speech,” and “nuanced approach.”

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. It uses complex sentences without any noticeable errors.

Band 6-7 Essay:

This essay shows a good attempt at addressing the task but with some limitations:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position. However, the supporting ideas could be more fully extended and elaborated.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some paragraphs are better connected than others. The use of cohesive devices is evident but could be more sophisticated.

3. Lexical Resource: The essay uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task. There are attempts at using less common vocabulary (e.g., “financial burden”), but the range is not as wide as in the Band 8-9 essay.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: It uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. There are no major errors that impede communication, but the range is not as wide as in the higher band essay.

IELTS Writing Task 2 essay comparison

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Susceptible (adjective) /səˈseptəbl/: Easily influenced or harmed by something
   Example: Children are particularly susceptible to persuasive advertising techniques.

2. Pester power (noun) /ˈpestər ˌpaʊər/: The ability of children to nag their parents into buying advertised products
   Example: Fast food ads often create pester power, leading to family conflicts.

3. Stringent (adjective) /ˈstrɪndʒənt/: Strict, precise, and exacting
   Example: We need stringent regulations on fast food advertising to protect children.

4. Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/: Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
   Example: A nuanced approach to advertising regulation is necessary.

5. Mandatory (adjective) /ˈmændətɔːri/: Required by law or rules; compulsory
   Example: Mandatory health warnings could be included in fast food advertisements.

6. Blanket ban (noun) /ˈblæŋkɪt bæn/: A complete prohibition of something
   Example: A blanket ban on fast food advertising might have unintended consequences.

7. Overreach (noun) /ˌəʊvəˈriːtʃ/: An excess or abuse of authority
   Example: Some fear that banning ads could be seen as government overreach.

8. Detrimental (adjective) /ˌdetrɪˈmentl/: Causing harm or damage
   Example: Fast food consumption can be detrimental to children’s health.

9. Persuasive (adjective) /pəˈsweɪsɪv/: Able to convince someone to do or believe something
   Example: Fast food companies use highly persuasive marketing techniques.

10. Dietary (adjective) /ˈdaɪətəri/: Relating to the food that a person or animal usually eats
    Example: Fast food advertising can negatively impact children’s dietary choices.

In conclusion, the topic of fast food advertising’s influence on youth behavior is a complex and relevant issue for IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare for similar questions, consider practicing with variations such as:

1. Do you think governments should regulate the content of fast food advertisements targeting children? Why or why not?
2. Some people believe that fast food companies should be held responsible for the rise in childhood obesity. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
3. Discuss the potential long-term effects of exposure to fast food advertising on children’s eating habits and overall health.

Remember to analyze the question carefully, structure your essay logically, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your target band score. Feel free to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.