Food insecurity in developing nations is a critical global issue that has been featured prominently in IELTS Writing Task 2 prompts over the years. This topic’s frequency in past exams suggests it will likely remain relevant in future tests. Given its importance and prevalence, let’s examine a real IELTS question on this subject and provide sample essays to help you prepare effectively.

Analyzing the Question

Some people believe that governments should focus on reducing environmental pollution and housing problems to prevent illness and disease. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

This question, while not directly mentioning food insecurity, touches on related issues that can significantly impact food security in developing nations. Environmental pollution can affect crop yields and food safety, while housing problems often correlate with poverty and limited access to nutritious food. Let’s break down the key elements:

1. Topic: Government’s role in preventing illness and disease
2. Focus areas: Environmental pollution and housing problems
3. Task: Agree or disagree with the statement
4. Scope: Discuss the extent of agreement or disagreement

Sample Band 8 Essay

Environmental pollution and inadequate housing are indeed significant factors contributing to health issues in many countries. While I agree that governments should address these problems to prevent illness and disease, I believe a more comprehensive approach is necessary for effective health protection.

Undoubtedly, reducing environmental pollution and improving housing conditions can have a substantial impact on public health. Air and water pollution, for instance, can lead to respiratory diseases and waterborne illnesses, particularly in densely populated urban areas. Similarly, substandard housing often lacks proper sanitation and ventilation, creating breeding grounds for disease-causing pathogens. By tackling these issues, governments can significantly reduce the incidence of many preventable diseases.

However, I argue that focusing solely on these two aspects is insufficient to comprehensively address health challenges. A holistic approach to disease prevention should also include strategies to improve food security, enhance healthcare infrastructure, and promote health education. For example, ensuring access to nutritious food is crucial for building strong immune systems and preventing malnutrition-related illnesses. Additionally, investing in healthcare facilities and personnel is essential for early detection and treatment of diseases, while health education can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their well-being.

Malnourished Child in Poverty

Moreover, the effectiveness of environmental and housing improvements can be limited without addressing underlying socioeconomic factors. Poverty, for instance, often forces people to live in polluted areas or substandard housing, even if better options are available. Therefore, governments should also focus on economic development and poverty reduction as part of their strategy to prevent illness and disease.

In conclusion, while I agree that reducing environmental pollution and addressing housing problems are important steps in preventing illness and disease, I believe governments should adopt a more comprehensive approach. By combining these efforts with initiatives to improve food security, healthcare infrastructure, health education, and overall socioeconomic conditions, nations can more effectively protect and enhance public health.

(Word count: 309)

Analysis of Band 8 Essay

This essay demonstrates several key strengths that contribute to its high band score:

1. Task Response: The essay directly addresses the question, clearly stating the writer’s position and discussing the extent of agreement. It acknowledges the importance of environmental and housing issues while arguing for a more comprehensive approach.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Paragraphs are logically connected, and ideas flow smoothly using appropriate linking words and phrases.
3. Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and effectively. Complex terms and phrases such as “comprehensive approach,” “socioeconomic factors,” and “health education” demonstrate a sophisticated command of English.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures with minimal errors. It uses different grammatical forms, including conditionals and passive voice, demonstrating a high level of grammatical control.
5. Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with explanations and examples. The essay goes beyond the obvious to discuss underlying factors and broader implications, showing depth of critical thinking.

Sample Band 6 Essay

I agree that governments should focus on reducing environmental pollution and housing problems to prevent illness and disease. These are important issues that can have a big impact on people’s health.

Environmental pollution is a serious problem in many countries. It can cause many health problems like breathing difficulties and skin problems. For example, in big cities with a lot of factories, the air is often very polluted, and many people get sick because of it. If the government can reduce this pollution, it will help people stay healthier.

Housing problems are also important for health. Many people in poor areas live in houses that are not safe or clean. These houses might not have proper toilets or clean water. This can lead to the spread of diseases. If the government can improve housing conditions, it can stop many illnesses from spreading.

Overpopulated Slum Area

However, I think there are also other things the government should do to prevent illness and disease. For example, they should make sure people have enough good food to eat and can go to the doctor when they are sick. Education about health is also important so people know how to stay healthy.

In conclusion, I agree that reducing pollution and improving housing are important for preventing illness and disease. But I also think the government should do other things to help people stay healthy. It’s a big job and needs many different actions.

(Word count: 252)

Analysis of Band 6 Essay

This essay demonstrates several characteristics of a Band 6 performance:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task, presenting a clear position and some relevant ideas. However, it lacks the depth and nuance of a higher band essay.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. However, the progression of ideas could be smoother, and the use of cohesive devices is sometimes repetitive (e.g., frequent use of “also”).
3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is generally appropriate but lacks the sophistication and range of a higher band essay. There’s some attempt to use less common vocabulary (e.g., “breathing difficulties”), but overall, the language is relatively simple.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control. However, it doesn’t demonstrate the variety and flexibility of higher band essays.
5. Development of Ideas: While the main points are supported with some explanation and examples, the development is somewhat limited. The essay could benefit from more detailed exploration of ideas and more specific examples.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Food insecurity (noun) /fuːd ɪnˌsɪˈkjʊərɪti/ – Lack of reliable access to sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food
2. Environmental pollution (noun) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl pəˈluːʃn/ – Contamination of the environment by harmful substances
3. Substandard housing (noun) /sʌbˈstændəd ˈhaʊzɪŋ/ – Housing that falls below the minimum standards of safety and sanitation
4. Holistic approach (noun) /həʊˈlɪstɪk əˈprəʊtʃ/ – Considering all aspects of a situation or problem, not just individual parts
5. Socioeconomic factors (noun) /ˌsəʊsiəʊˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈfæktəz/ – Social and economic aspects that influence an individual’s or community’s status
6. Healthcare infrastructure (noun) /ˈhelθkeər ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – The underlying foundation or basic framework of healthcare facilities and services
7. Malnutrition-related illnesses (noun) /ˌmælnjuˈtrɪʃn rɪˈleɪtɪd ˈɪlnəsɪz/ – Diseases caused by lack of proper nutrition
8. Preventable diseases (noun) /prɪˈventəbl dɪˈziːzɪz/ – Illnesses that can be avoided through proper care and precautions
9. Comprehensive approach (noun) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv əˈprəʊtʃ/ – A thorough and inclusive way of addressing a problem
10. Waterborne illnesses (noun) /ˈwɔːtəbɔːn ˈɪlnəsɪz/ – Diseases transmitted through contaminated water

Conclusion

Addressing food insecurity in developing nations is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. As demonstrated in the sample essays, this topic can be connected to various aspects of public health, environmental concerns, and social issues. When preparing for your IELTS Writing Task 2, consider how you can discuss these interconnected factors comprehensively.

For practice, try writing your own essay on the following related topic:

“Some people argue that improving agricultural technology is the most effective way to tackle food insecurity in developing countries. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Feel free to share your practice essay in the comments section for feedback and discussion. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!