The topic of “how to ensure the sustainability of global food systems” is increasingly relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends, we can expect this theme to appear more frequently in future tests. Let’s examine a sample question that closely resembles those seen in actual IELTS exams:
Many experts believe that current food production and consumption patterns are unsustainable and threaten global food security. What are the main challenges to creating sustainable food systems, and what measures can be taken to address these issues?
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Identify the main challenges to creating sustainable food systems
- Propose measures to address these challenges
The task involves both problem identification and solution provision, making it a classic problem-solution essay type.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The sustainability of global food systems is a pressing concern that demands immediate attention. This essay will explore the primary obstacles to achieving food sustainability and propose potential solutions to these challenges.
One of the main hurdles in creating sustainable food systems is the current intensive farming practices that deplete natural resources and contribute to environmental degradation. Monoculture farming, excessive use of chemical fertilizers, and overreliance on pesticides not only harm biodiversity but also lead to soil erosion and water pollution. Additionally, the increasing demand for meat and dairy products places a significant strain on land and water resources, as animal agriculture requires more inputs compared to plant-based food production.
Another critical challenge is food waste, which occurs at various stages of the supply chain, from production to consumption. In developed countries, a substantial portion of food is discarded due to aesthetic standards or overproduction, while in developing nations, inadequate storage and transportation infrastructure lead to spoilage before food reaches consumers.
To address these issues, a multifaceted approach is necessary. Firstly, promoting sustainable agricultural practices such as crop rotation, organic farming, and precision agriculture can help reduce the environmental impact of food production while maintaining yields. Governments should incentivize farmers to adopt these methods through subsidies and education programs.
Secondly, encouraging a shift towards more plant-based diets could significantly reduce the pressure on natural resources. This can be achieved through public awareness campaigns highlighting the health and environmental benefits of plant-based foods, as well as implementing policies that make these options more accessible and affordable.
Tackling food waste requires interventions at various levels. At the production stage, improving storage and transportation infrastructure in developing countries can minimize post-harvest losses. In developed nations, relaxing cosmetic standards for produce and implementing food redistribution programs can help reduce waste at retail and consumer levels.
Furthermore, investing in research and development of sustainable food technologies, such as vertical farming and lab-grown meat, could revolutionize food production systems, making them more efficient and environmentally friendly.
In conclusion, while the challenges to creating sustainable food systems are significant, they are not insurmountable. By implementing a combination of policy changes, technological innovations, and shifts in consumer behavior, we can work towards ensuring food security for future generations while preserving our planet’s resources.
(Word count: 367)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The sustainability of global food systems is a big problem nowadays. This essay will talk about the main challenges and some solutions to make food systems more sustainable.
One of the biggest challenges is the way we produce food. Many farmers use too many chemicals and pesticides, which harm the environment. Also, people are eating more meat, which needs a lot of land and water to produce. This is not good for the planet.
Another problem is food waste. In rich countries, people throw away a lot of good food. In poor countries, food goes bad before it can be eaten because of bad storage.
To solve these problems, we need to do several things. First, we should encourage farmers to use better farming methods that don’t harm the environment so much. The government can help by giving money to farmers who use these methods.
Second, we need to tell people to eat less meat and more plants. This is better for their health and for the environment. The government can make ads about this and make plant-based food cheaper.
To reduce food waste, we need better ways to store and transport food in poor countries. In rich countries, we should have rules that allow supermarkets to sell food that doesn’t look perfect but is still good to eat.
Lastly, we should spend more money on new food technologies like growing food in tall buildings or making meat in labs. These could help produce more food without harming the environment.
In conclusion, making food systems sustainable is hard but important. If we change the way we produce and eat food, we can make sure there’s enough food for everyone in the future without damaging our planet.
(Word count: 290)
Key Points to Note When Writing
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Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing challenges and solutions, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced exploration of ideas.
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Language: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language. For example:
- Band 8-9: “Monoculture farming, excessive use of chemical fertilizers, and overreliance on pesticides not only harm biodiversity but also lead to soil erosion and water pollution.”
- Band 6-7: “Many farmers use too many chemicals and pesticides, which harm the environment.”
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Depth of Ideas: The Band 8-9 essay provides more specific examples and detailed explanations, while the Band 6-7 essay presents ideas in a more general manner.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The Band 8-9 essay uses a wider range of linking words and phrases to connect ideas smoothly, while the Band 6-7 essay relies on simpler connectors.
Vocabulary to Remember
- Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – the ability to maintain at a certain rate or level
- Food security (noun) /fuːd sɪˈkjʊərəti/ – the state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food
- Intensive farming (noun) /ɪnˈtensɪv ˈfɑːmɪŋ/ – a method of farming aimed at increasing productivity
- Monoculture (noun) /ˈmɒnəʊˌkʌltʃə(r)/ – the cultivation of a single crop in a given area
- Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat
- Food waste (noun) /fuːd weɪst/ – food that is discarded or lost uneaten
- Sustainable agriculture (noun) /səˈsteɪnəbl ˈæɡrɪkʌltʃə(r)/ – farming practices that ensure soil health and minimize environmental impact
- Plant-based diet (noun) /plɑːnt beɪst ˈdaɪət/ – a diet consisting mostly or entirely of foods derived from plants
- Vertical farming (noun) /ˈvɜːtɪkl ˈfɑːmɪŋ/ – the practice of growing crops in vertically stacked layers
- Food redistribution (noun) /fuːd ˌriːdɪstrɪˈbjuːʃn/ – the practice of redistributing surplus food to those who need it
In conclusion, the sustainability of global food systems is a crucial topic that is likely to appear in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Candidates should be prepared to discuss various aspects of this issue, including challenges in current food production and consumption patterns, as well as potential solutions such as sustainable agriculture, dietary changes, and technological innovations.
To practice further, try writing your own essay on this topic or related themes such as “The impact of climate change on food production” or “The role of technology in ensuring food security.” Feel free to share your essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.