Inflation and its effects on the cost of living is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Based on past exam trends and current economic discussions, this topic has a high likelihood of appearing in future tests. Let’s explore a relevant question that has been featured in recent IELTS exams:
Some people think that the government should increase taxes on unhealthy food to encourage people to eat more healthily. Others think that this is not the government’s responsibility and that people should be free to choose what they eat. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question touches on the intersection of government policy, public health, and individual choice – all of which can be influenced by inflation and living costs. Let’s analyze the question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Question Analysis
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the view that governments should tax unhealthy food to promote healthier eating habits.
- Discuss the opposing view that this is not the government’s role and people should have freedom of choice.
- Give your own opinion on the matter.
Key points to consider:
- The role of government in public health
- Individual freedom and responsibility
- Economic implications of food taxes
- Potential effectiveness of such measures
- Alternative approaches to promoting healthy eating
How inflation impacts everyday financial decisions can be a relevant factor to consider when discussing this topic, as it affects people’s food choices and purchasing power.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The debate over whether governments should intervene in citizens’ dietary choices through taxation is a complex and contentious issue. While some argue for increased taxes on unhealthy foods to promote better health outcomes, others contend that such measures infringe on personal freedom. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view.
Proponents of taxing unhealthy foods argue that governments have a responsibility to safeguard public health. They contend that by making unhealthy options more expensive, people will be incentivized to make healthier choices, ultimately reducing the burden on healthcare systems and improving overall societal well-being. Furthermore, the revenue generated from these taxes could be redirected towards health education programs or subsidies for nutritious foods, creating a more balanced food environment.
On the other hand, opponents of this approach argue that it represents an overreach of government authority and undermines individual autonomy. They believe that people should have the freedom to make their own dietary choices without state intervention. Additionally, they point out that such taxes are often regressive, disproportionately affecting lower-income groups who may already struggle with food affordability. This argument gains particular relevance when considering how inflation affects daily cost of living, as increased food prices could exacerbate financial strain on vulnerable populations.
In my opinion, while the intention behind taxing unhealthy foods is commendable, it is not the most effective or equitable solution to promoting public health. Instead, I believe governments should focus on education, improving access to nutritious foods, and addressing the root causes of poor dietary habits, such as poverty and food deserts. By empowering individuals with knowledge and resources, we can foster a culture of health consciousness without compromising personal freedom or exacerbating economic inequalities.
In conclusion, the issue of government intervention in dietary choices through taxation is multifaceted. While there are valid arguments on both sides, I believe that a more holistic and supportive approach to promoting healthy eating habits would be more beneficial and just for society as a whole.
(Word count: 309)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates several characteristics of a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
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Clear structure: The essay follows a logical structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion.
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Balanced argument: It presents both sides of the debate fairly before offering a nuanced personal opinion.
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Cohesion and coherence: The ideas flow smoothly with appropriate use of linking words and phrases.
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Lexical resource: The essay employs a wide range of vocabulary accurately (e.g., “contentious,” “incentivized,” “regressive,” “exacerbate”).
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Grammatical range and accuracy: It uses a variety of complex structures correctly (e.g., “While some argue…”, “by making unhealthy options more expensive, people will be…”).
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Task response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the question, including both views and the writer’s opinion.
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Development of ideas: Each point is well-explained and supported with relevant examples or elaboration.
These elements contribute to the essay’s high band score (8-9), demonstrating a sophisticated handling of the topic and strong writing skills.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The question of whether governments should use taxes to influence people’s food choices is a hot topic these days. Some people think it’s a good idea to make unhealthy food more expensive, while others believe this goes against personal freedom. In this essay, I will discuss both sides and share my thoughts on the matter.
Those who support taxing unhealthy food say that it can help improve public health. They argue that if junk food costs more, people might think twice before buying it and choose healthier options instead. This could lead to fewer health problems like obesity and diabetes, which are big issues in many countries. Also, the extra money from these taxes could be used to fund health programs or make healthy food cheaper.
On the other hand, people against this idea say that it’s not the government’s job to tell us what to eat. They believe that everyone should have the right to choose their own food without interference. Another point they make is that these taxes often affect poor people the most, as they might not be able to afford healthier options even if they want to. This is especially true when we think about how inflation affects the daily cost of living, making it harder for many people to buy nutritious food.
In my opinion, while I understand the good intentions behind taxing unhealthy food, I don’t think it’s the best solution. Instead of using taxes, I believe governments should focus more on educating people about healthy eating and making sure everyone has access to affordable, nutritious food. This could include teaching about nutrition in schools, improving food labeling, and supporting local farmers who grow healthy produce.
To sum up, the debate about taxing unhealthy food is complicated. While there are good arguments on both sides, I think education and accessibility are better ways to encourage healthy eating without limiting people’s choices or making life harder for those who are already struggling financially.
(Word count: 309)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates characteristics of a Band 6-7 IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
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Task response: The essay addresses all parts of the question, discussing both views and offering a personal opinion.
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Coherence and cohesion: The ideas are organized logically, with clear paragraphing and some use of linking words.
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Lexical resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, with some attempts at less common words (e.g., “interference,” “nutritious”).
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Grammatical range and accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, with generally good control of grammar.
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Development of ideas: Each main point is supported with relevant ideas, though the development could be more thorough in places.
Compared to the Band 8-9 essay, this one:
- Uses simpler language and sentence structures
- Has less sophisticated vocabulary
- Provides less detailed explanations and examples
- Shows good but not excellent control of cohesion and coherence
These factors contribute to its Band 6-7 score, indicating a competent handling of the task with room for improvement in precision and sophistication.
Key Vocabulary
- Contentious (adjective) /kənˈtenʃəs/ – causing or likely to cause disagreement
- Incentivize (verb) /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ – motivate or encourage someone to do something
- Regressive (adjective) /rɪˈɡresɪv/ – taking a proportionally greater amount from those on lower incomes
- Exacerbate (verb) /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ – make a problem or situation worse
- Autonomy (noun) /ɔːˈtɒnəmi/ – the right or condition of self-government
- Disproportionately (adverb) /ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːʃənətli/ – to a degree that is too large or too small in comparison with something else
- Commendable (adjective) /kəˈmendəbl/ – deserving praise
- Holistic (adjective) /həˈlɪstɪk/ – characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can be explained only by reference to the whole
- Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
- Empowering (adjective) /ɪmˈpaʊərɪŋ/ – giving someone the authority or power to do something
Understanding and using these words correctly can significantly enhance your essay’s lexical resource score. Practice incorporating them into your writing to improve your vocabulary range.
Conclusion
The topic of inflation’s impact on daily living costs, particularly in relation to food choices and government policies, is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. To prepare, consider practicing with similar questions such as:
- Do you think governments should subsidize healthy foods to make them more affordable during times of high inflation?
- How can individuals balance healthy eating with budget constraints in an inflationary economy?
- Should governments focus more on controlling food prices or on educating people about nutrition during economic downturns?
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is not just about your opinion, but how well you can structure your argument, use a range of vocabulary and grammar, and develop your ideas with relevant examples and explanations.
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on the topic discussed in this article. Share your essay in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active practice is an effective way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam.
Effects of inflation on investments and how to manage the cost of living during inflation are related topics that could provide additional context and ideas for your essays on this theme. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!