Global trade and its effects on local agriculture is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. This topic has appeared multiple times in recent years and is likely to continue being a popular choice for examiners due to its relevance in today’s interconnected world. Let’s examine a real IELTS question on this subject and provide sample essays for different band scores.

Some people believe that a country should try to produce all the food it needs for its population and import as little food as possible. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Analyzing the Question

This question asks for your opinion on food self-sufficiency versus food importation. It’s important to note that this is an agree/disagree question, so you need to clearly state your position and support it with relevant arguments and examples.

Sample Essay for Band 8-9

Here’s a high-scoring sample essay:

In today’s globalized world, the idea of complete food self-sufficiency is increasingly debated. While some argue that countries should aim to produce all their food domestically, I largely disagree with this view. I believe that a balanced approach, combining domestic production with strategic imports, is more beneficial for most nations.

Firstly, striving for total food self-sufficiency can be economically inefficient. Countries have different climates, soil types, and natural resources, making them better suited for producing certain types of food. For instance, tropical countries like Brazil are ideal for growing coffee and bananas, while Canada excels in wheat production. By focusing on their agricultural strengths and trading with others, countries can maximize their productivity and economic output.

Moreover, relying solely on domestic production can lead to food insecurity in the face of natural disasters or crop failures. A diverse food supply chain that includes imports provides a safety net against such risks. For example, when Australia faced severe droughts in 2019, it was able to maintain food security by increasing grain imports from other countries.

However, it is important to acknowledge that some degree of domestic food production is crucial for national security and to maintain traditional agricultural practices. Countries should aim to produce staple foods and maintain a strategic reserve to guard against global supply chain disruptions, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In conclusion, while domestic food production is important, I believe that a balanced approach that includes strategic imports is more beneficial for most countries. This strategy can ensure food security, economic efficiency, and the preservation of agricultural heritage.

(Word count: 275)

Global trade impact on local agriculture

Sample Essay for Band 6-7

Now let’s look at a mid-range essay:

In the modern world, some people think countries should try to grow all their own food and not import much. I partly agree with this idea, but I also think importing food is important.

One reason to grow your own food is it can be safer. When a country grows its own food, it knows exactly how it was made and can control the quality. This is good for people’s health. Also, it can help farmers in the country have jobs and keep traditional farming alive.

But, there are also good reasons to import food. Some foods can’t grow in every country because of the weather or land. For example, people in cold countries can’t grow bananas, so they have to buy them from other places. Also, importing food can be cheaper sometimes, which is good for people who don’t have much money.

I think the best way is to do both. Countries should try to grow as much food as they can, especially important foods that people eat every day. But they should also import some food to have more choices and keep prices fair.

In conclusion, I believe countries should try to grow a lot of their own food, but also import some. This way, they can have the best of both worlds – good local food and interesting foods from other places.

(Word count: 234)

Sample Essay for Band 5-6

Lastly, here’s a lower-scoring essay:

Some people think countrys should make all their own food and not buy from other places. I think this is a good idea sometimes but not always.

Making your own food is good because you know where it comes from. If a country makes all its food, it can make sure the food is safe and good. Also, it gives jobs to farmers in the country.

But buying food from other places can be good too. Some food cant grow in some places because its too cold or hot. Also, buying food from other places can be cheaper sometimes.

I think countrys should try to make most of their own food. But they should also buy some food from other places. This way, they can have different kinds of food and also help their own farmers.

So, I agree a little bit that countrys should make their own food. But I think they should also buy some food from other places too.

(Word count: 149)

Explaining the Score Differences

The Band 8-9 essay demonstrates:

• Clear position and consistent arguments
• Varied sentence structures and sophisticated vocabulary
• Logical paragraph organization
• Relevant examples to support ideas
• Effective use of cohesive devices

The Band 6-7 essay shows:

• Clear overall position but less developed arguments
• Some variety in language, but less sophisticated
• Basic paragraph structure
• Some examples, but less specific
• Basic use of cohesive devices

The Band 5-6 essay exhibits:

• Simple language and repetitive structures
• Limited vocabulary range
• Basic organization, but less clear paragraphing
• Few specific examples
• Limited use of cohesive devices

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Food self-sufficiency (noun) – /fuːd ˌself.səˈfɪʃ.ən.si/ – The ability of a country to produce enough food for its population
2. Import (verb/noun) – /ɪmˈpɔːrt/ – To bring goods into a country from abroad
3. Domestic production (noun phrase) – /dəˈmes.tɪk prəˈdʌk.ʃən/ – The creation of goods within a country
4. Agricultural strengths (noun phrase) – /ˌæɡ.rɪˈkʌl.tʃər.əl streŋθs/ – The advantages a country has in farming certain crops
5. Food security (noun) – /fuːd sɪˈkjʊə.rə.ti/ – The state of having reliable access to sufficient, affordable, nutritious food
6. Supply chain (noun) – /səˈplaɪ tʃeɪn/ – The network between a company and its suppliers to produce and distribute a product
7. Strategic reserve (noun) – /strəˈtiː.dʒɪk rɪˈzɜːv/ – Supplies of a commodity (like food) held for future use in case of emergency
8. Agricultural heritage (noun) – /ˌæɡ.rɪˈkʌl.tʃər.əl ˈher.ɪ.tɪdʒ/ – Traditional farming practices and knowledge passed down through generations

The influence of international trade on food security is a complex topic that requires careful consideration. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, it’s crucial to understand the various perspectives on this issue and be able to articulate them clearly.

In conclusion, the impact of global trade on local agriculture is a multifaceted topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2. To excel in your essay, focus on presenting a clear position, supporting your arguments with specific examples, and using a range of vocabulary and sentence structures. Practice writing essays on related topics such as the effects of climate change on agriculture, the role of technology in farming, or the challenges of feeding a growing global population. Remember to time yourself and aim for at least 250 words. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!

IELTS Writing Task 2 practice

How does globalization affect traditional food production is another related topic you might encounter. As you continue your IELTS preparation, consider how you would approach this question and others like it. Feel free to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with fellow IELTS candidates.