IELTS Writing Task 2: Addressing Food Security Challenges in the 21st Century – Sample Essays and Analysis

Food security has become an increasingly critical issue in the 21st century, with global population growth, climate change, and resource depletion posing significant challenges. This topic has appeared frequently in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays, and its relevance is likely to continue in future exams. Based on past exam trends and current global concerns, we can expect to see questions related to food security, sustainable agriculture, and technological solutions in upcoming IELTS tests.

Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this subject:

Some people believe that governments should focus on reducing food waste to address food security issues, while others think that increasing food production is more important. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Analyzing the Question

This question presents two contrasting approaches to addressing food security:

1. Reducing food waste
2. Increasing food production

The task requires you to:

• Discuss both viewpoints
• Provide your own opinion
• Support your arguments with relevant examples and explanations

Sample Essays

Band 8-9 Essay

In the face of growing global food security concerns, there is debate over whether governments should prioritize reducing food waste or increasing food production. While both approaches have merit, I believe that a balanced strategy incorporating both elements is crucial for addressing this complex issue effectively.

Those who advocate for focusing on reducing food waste argue that a significant portion of food produced globally is lost or wasted before reaching consumers. In developed countries, up to 40% of food is discarded due to cosmetic imperfections, oversupply, or consumer behavior. By implementing policies to reduce this waste, such as improving storage and distribution systems, educating consumers, and incentivizing businesses to donate excess food, governments could make substantial progress in ensuring food security without increasing production.

On the other hand, proponents of increasing food production argue that with a growing global population, simply reducing waste may not be sufficient to meet future demand. They contend that investments in agricultural technology, genetically modified crops, and vertical farming could significantly boost yields and create more resilient food systems. This approach could also help address regional disparities in food availability and reduce reliance on imports in food-insecure nations.

In my opinion, a comprehensive approach combining both strategies is essential. Reducing food waste is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method to improve food security in the short term. However, increasing production through sustainable methods is necessary to ensure long-term food security, especially in regions with rapidly growing populations or those vulnerable to climate change.

Governments should implement policies that address both aspects simultaneously. For example, they could invest in technologies that extend the shelf life of produce while also funding research into drought-resistant crops. Additionally, promoting urban agriculture and community gardens can both increase local food production and reduce waste by shortening supply chains.

In conclusion, while reducing food waste and increasing production are both valid approaches to addressing food security, a holistic strategy that incorporates elements of both is likely to be most effective in tackling this pressing global issue.

(Word count: 315)

Addressing food security challenges

Band 6-7 Essay

The issue of food security is becoming more important in today’s world. Some people think that governments should focus on reducing food waste to solve this problem, while others believe increasing food production is more important. In my opinion, both approaches are necessary to address food security issues effectively.

Reducing food waste is an important strategy because a lot of food is thrown away unnecessarily. In many developed countries, supermarkets and restaurants discard large amounts of edible food due to strict regulations or customer preferences. If governments implement policies to reduce this waste, such as encouraging donations to food banks or relaxing cosmetic standards for fruits and vegetables, more food could be available for those who need it.

On the other hand, increasing food production is also crucial, especially in developing countries where food shortages are common. By investing in modern farming techniques, irrigation systems, and high-yield crop varieties, countries can produce more food to feed their growing populations. This approach can help reduce dependence on food imports and improve national food security.

I believe that both reducing food waste and increasing production are important for addressing food security issues. Governments should focus on both strategies simultaneously. For example, they could educate people about reducing food waste at home while also supporting farmers to increase their crop yields.

In conclusion, a combination of reducing food waste and increasing food production is necessary to tackle food security challenges effectively. By implementing policies that address both aspects, governments can ensure a more sustainable and secure food supply for their populations.

(Word count: 262)

Band 5-6 Essay

Food security is a big problem in the world today. Some people think governments should focus on reducing food waste, but others think increasing food production is more important. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.

Firstly, reducing food waste is important because a lot of food is thrown away. Many people buy too much food and throw it away when it goes bad. If governments teach people how to shop better and store food properly, less food will be wasted. This can help make sure more people have enough to eat.

Secondly, increasing food production is also important. As the world’s population grows, we need more food to feed everyone. Governments can help farmers grow more food by giving them better tools and teaching them new farming methods. This can help countries produce more food for their people.

In my opinion, both reducing food waste and increasing food production are important. Governments should do both things to solve food security problems. They can teach people about not wasting food and also help farmers grow more food at the same time.

In conclusion, I think governments need to focus on both reducing food waste and increasing food production to address food security issues. This will help make sure there is enough food for everyone in the future.

(Word count: 213)

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay Explanation

This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a high-scoring response:

1. Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly presenting the writer’s opinion.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.

3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately. Sophisticated words and phrases such as “cosmetic imperfections,” “incentivizing,” and “regional disparities” are employed.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of complex structures used accurately. There is a good mix of simple and complex sentences with very few errors.

Band 6-7 Essay Explanation

This essay shows the features of a mid-range response:

1. Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the discussion of each viewpoint is less developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some paragraphs could be better linked. Basic cohesive devices are used appropriately.

3. Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used, with some less common items like “irrigation systems” and “high-yield crop varieties.” However, the range is more limited compared to the Band 8-9 essay.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: There is a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, with generally good control. Some minor errors may be present but do not impede communication.

Band 5-6 Essay Explanation

This essay exhibits characteristics of a lower-scoring response:

1. Task Achievement: The essay addresses the task, but the discussion of each viewpoint is limited and lacks depth.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: There is a basic structure, but paragraphing could be improved. Simple linking words are used, but more sophisticated cohesive devices are lacking.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is mostly simple and repetitive. There are fewer attempts at using less common lexical items.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Sentence structures are mainly simple, with limited use of complex sentences. There may be some grammatical errors, but the meaning is generally clear.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Food security (noun) – /fuːd sɪˈkjʊərəti/ – The state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.

2. Sustainable agriculture (noun phrase) – /səˈsteɪnəbl ˈæɡrɪkʌltʃər/ – Farming practices that ensure food production without depleting natural resources or harming the environment.

3. Food waste (noun) – /fuːd weɪst/ – Edible food that is discarded or left to spoil.

4. Crop yield (noun phrase) – /krɒp jiːld/ – The amount of crop produced per unit of land area.

5. Genetically modified crops (noun phrase) – /dʒəˈnetɪkəli ˈmɒdɪfaɪd krɒps/ – Crops whose DNA has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.

6. Vertical farming (noun phrase) – /ˈvɜːtɪkl ˈfɑːmɪŋ/ – The practice of growing crops in vertically stacked layers, often in controlled environments.

7. Food insecurity (noun) – /fuːd ˌɪnsɪˈkjʊərəti/ – The state of being without reliable access to sufficient affordable, nutritious food.

8. Agricultural technology (noun phrase) – /ˌæɡrɪˈkʌltʃərəl tekˈnɒlədʒi/ – The use of technology in agriculture to improve efficiency and productivity.

9. Supply chain (noun phrase) – /səˈplaɪ tʃeɪn/ – The network between a company and its suppliers to produce and distribute a product.

10. Food sovereignty (noun phrase) – /fuːd ˈsɒvrənti/ – The right of peoples to healthy and culturally appropriate food produced through ecologically sound and sustainable methods.

Conclusion

Addressing food security challenges in the 21st century is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. As demonstrated in the sample essays, successful responses to this IELTS Writing Task 2 question should discuss both the importance of reducing food waste and increasing food production, while also providing a balanced personal opinion.

To prepare for similar questions in future IELTS exams, consider practicing with these related topics:

1. The role of technology in improving food security
2. The impact of climate change on global food supplies
3. The importance of sustainable farming practices in ensuring long-term food security
4. The benefits and drawbacks of genetically modified crops in addressing food shortages
5. The role of international cooperation in tackling global food security issues

We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare more effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.