The topic of international trade’s impact on agriculture is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on an analysis of past exam questions and current global trends, this subject is likely to appear frequently in future tests. Its relevance to global economics, food security, and environmental concerns makes it a prime candidate for IELTS essay questions. Let’s explore this topic through a carefully selected question that closely resembles those seen in actual IELTS exams.
Analyzing the Question
Some people say that the increasing globalization of food production and distribution has negative effects on the environment and on the quality of food people eat. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
This question addresses the core aspects of international trade’s impact on agriculture, focusing on two key areas: environmental consequences and food quality. It requires candidates to consider the global nature of food production and distribution, which are integral components of international trade in agriculture.
Sample Essays
Band 8 Essay Sample
International trade has revolutionized the way food is produced and distributed globally, but this transformation comes with both benefits and drawbacks. While I acknowledge the advantages of a globalized food system, I largely agree that it has significant negative implications for the environment and food quality.
The globalization of food production and distribution has undeniably led to increased environmental degradation. Large-scale industrial farming, often driven by international demand, has resulted in deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution. For instance, the expansion of palm oil plantations in Southeast Asia to meet global demand has decimated rainforests, threatening biodiversity and contributing to climate change. Moreover, the long-distance transportation of food products significantly increases carbon emissions, exacerbating global warming. These environmental costs are often overlooked in favor of economic gains, but they pose long-term threats to our planet’s health.
Furthermore, the quality of food available to consumers has been compromised in many ways due to globalization. To withstand long journeys and extend shelf life, fruits and vegetables are often harvested prematurely and treated with chemicals. This practice not only diminishes the nutritional value of produce but also exposes consumers to potentially harmful substances. Additionally, the standardization of food production to meet global market demands has led to a reduction in crop diversity and the prevalence of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which some argue pose health risks and reduce the overall quality of our diet.
However, it’s important to note that globalization has also brought some positive changes to food production and distribution. It has increased food security in many regions by providing access to a wider variety of foods year-round. It has also led to the exchange of agricultural techniques and technologies, potentially improving crop yields and resilience.
In conclusion, while the globalization of food systems has some merits, I believe its negative impacts on the environment and food quality outweigh the benefits. To mitigate these issues, there needs to be a greater emphasis on sustainable farming practices, local food production, and stricter regulations on food quality and transportation. The importance of sustainable agriculture in food security cannot be overstated in addressing these challenges.
Impact of Global Food Trade on Environment
Band 7 Essay Sample
The globalization of food production and distribution has become a contentious issue in recent years. While it has brought about some benefits, I largely agree that it has negative effects on both the environment and food quality.
One of the main environmental concerns is the increase in carbon emissions due to long-distance food transportation. When food is produced in one country and shipped across the world to another, it contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. For example, fruits from South America being sold in Europe have a much larger carbon footprint compared to locally grown produce. Additionally, large-scale farming practices often lead to deforestation and soil degradation, further harming the environment.
Regarding food quality, globalization has led to a decrease in the nutritional value of many foods. To ensure that produce can withstand long journeys, it is often harvested before it’s ripe and treated with preservatives. This process can reduce the vitamin and mineral content of the food. Moreover, the emphasis on producing large quantities of food for global markets has led to the use of more pesticides and genetic modification, which some people believe may have negative health effects.
However, it’s important to note that globalization has also made a wider variety of foods available to consumers year-round. This increased access to diverse foods can contribute to more balanced diets in some regions. Additionally, the global exchange of agricultural knowledge has led to improvements in farming techniques in many parts of the world.
In conclusion, while there are some benefits to the globalization of food production and distribution, I believe the negative impacts on the environment and food quality are more significant. To address these issues, there should be more support for local farming and stricter regulations on food transportation and production methods.
Band 6 Essay Sample
The globalization of food production and distribution is a big topic these days. Many people think it’s bad for the environment and the quality of food we eat. I agree with this idea to some extent.
First, about the environment, when food is moved around the world, it uses a lot of fuel. This makes pollution and contributes to global warming. Also, big farms that grow food for other countries often cut down forests and use lots of chemicals, which is bad for nature.
For food quality, globalization can make food less healthy. Fruits and vegetables have to travel far, so they’re picked before they’re ripe and don’t have as many vitamins. Also, to keep food fresh for a long time, companies use preservatives which might not be good for our health.
But globalization of food isn’t all bad. It lets us eat different foods from around the world. For example, we can eat tropical fruits even if we don’t live in a tropical country. This variety can be good for our diet.
In conclusion, I think the globalization of food production and distribution does have some negative effects on the environment and food quality. But it also has some good points. Maybe we need to find a balance between global and local food systems.
Essay Analysis
Band 8 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates excellent coherence and cohesion, presenting a clear and well-developed argument. The writer’s position is consistently maintained throughout the essay, showing a sophisticated approach to the topic.
Key strengths:
- Coherent structure: The essay follows a logical progression, with each paragraph building on the previous one.
- Sophisticated vocabulary: Uses advanced terms like “biodiversity,” “exacerbating,” and “standardization” appropriately.
- Complex sentence structures: Employs a variety of sentence types, including complex sentences with multiple clauses.
- Balanced argument: Acknowledges counterarguments while maintaining a clear position.
- Specific examples: Provides concrete examples like palm oil plantations to support arguments.
Areas for improvement:
- While the essay is strong overall, it could potentially benefit from even more specific data or statistics to support its claims.
Band 7 Essay Analysis
This essay presents a clear position and develops its arguments well. It demonstrates good control of language and a logical structure.
Key strengths:
- Clear position: The writer’s stance is evident from the introduction and maintained throughout.
- Good paragraph structure: Each paragraph focuses on a specific point and includes examples.
- Appropriate vocabulary: Uses relevant terms like “carbon footprint” and “nutritional value” accurately.
- Balanced view: Considers both negative and positive aspects of globalization in food production.
Areas for improvement:
- Complexity: While the essay uses some complex structures, it could incorporate more sophisticated sentence patterns.
- Depth of analysis: The arguments could be developed with more depth and specific examples.
Band 6 Essay Analysis
This essay addresses the main parts of the task and presents a clear position. It uses simple language effectively but lacks the sophistication of higher band scores.
Key strengths:
- Clear structure: The essay follows a basic four-paragraph structure with an introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
- Relevant ideas: All points made are relevant to the question.
- Basic coherence: Uses simple linking words to connect ideas.
Areas for improvement:
- Vocabulary range: The essay relies on simple vocabulary and could benefit from more sophisticated word choices.
- Sentence complexity: Most sentences are simple or compound; more complex structures would improve the score.
- Depth of discussion: The points made are somewhat superficial and could be developed further with examples or explanations.
Key Vocabulary
Globalization (noun) /ˌɡləʊbəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/: The process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale.
Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/: The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat.
Carbon footprint (noun) /ˈkɑːbən ˌfʊtprɪnt/: The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organization, or community.
Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources or causing ecological damage.
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) (noun) /dʒəˌnetɪkli ˈmɒdɪfaɪd ˈɔːɡənɪzəmz/: Living organisms whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated in a laboratory through genetic engineering.
Pesticides (noun) /ˈpestɪsaɪdz/: Substances used for destroying insects or other organisms harmful to cultivated plants or animals.
Deforestation (noun) /diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃn/: The action of clearing a wide area of trees.
Monoculture (noun) /ˈmɒnəʊˌkʌltʃə(r)/: The cultivation of a single crop in a given area.
Food security (noun) /fuːd sɪˈkjʊərəti/: The state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.
Agricultural techniques (noun phrase) /ˌæɡrɪˈkʌltʃərəl tekˈniːks/: Methods used in farming to increase crop yield and efficiency.
Conclusion
The impact of international trade on agriculture is a complex and multifaceted topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2. As demonstrated in the sample essays, this subject allows for a rich discussion of environmental, economic, and social issues. The effects of global trade agreements on local agriculture are particularly significant and may form the basis of future exam questions.
To prepare for potential questions on this topic, consider practicing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of government regulation in international agricultural trade
- The impact of climate change on global food production and distribution
- The benefits and drawbacks of organic farming in a globalized food system
- The ethical implications of multinational corporations controlling food production
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is not just about knowledge, but also about how you structure your arguments and use language effectively. Practice writing essays on these topics, focusing on clear organization, varied vocabulary, and coherent arguments. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion.