The topic of free school meals has appeared several times in recent IELTS exams, particularly in countries where student nutrition and welfare are key social issues. Based on analysis of past papers and current trends, this topic has moderate frequency and is likely to appear in future tests, especially in Asia and developing regions.
Let’s examine one common question format:
Some people think schools should provide children with free nutritious meals. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Analysis of Question
- Topic: School meal provision
- Task: Agree/Disagree essay
- Key points to address: Cost implications, health benefits, social impact
- Scope: Focus on school-age children and institutional responsibility
Band 8 Sample Essay
In recent years, there has been growing debate about whether educational institutions should offer complimentary nutritious meals to students. I strongly agree with this proposition as it can significantly enhance both educational outcomes and public health.
The primary argument supporting free school meals is their direct impact on students’ learning capabilities. When children receive proper nutrition, they demonstrate better concentration levels and cognitive performance. For instance, research from several Asian countries has shown that students who consume balanced meals during school hours achieve higher test scores and exhibit improved classroom participation. Moreover, this initiative ensures that all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background, have access to at least one nutritious meal daily.
Furthermore, school meal programs can establish healthy eating habits that benefit society long-term. By exposing children to balanced, nutritious food options, schools can educate them about proper dietary choices and nutrition principles. This knowledge often extends beyond the school environment, influencing family eating habits and contributing to better community health outcomes. For example, in South Korea, where school lunch programs are universal, there has been a noticeable improvement in children’s overall dietary habits and nutrition awareness.
However, implementing such programs requires substantial financial resources and careful planning. Schools need adequate funding to maintain high-quality meal services while ensuring proper food safety and nutritional standards. This investment, though significant, is justified by the long-term societal benefits, including reduced healthcare costs and improved public health metrics.
In conclusion, providing free nutritious meals in schools is a valuable investment in both education and public health. The benefits far outweigh the implementation challenges, making it a policy worth pursuing in educational systems worldwide.
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
I believe that schools should give free meals to students because it helps them stay healthy and study better. This essay will discuss the good points of this idea.
First, when schools give free food, it helps poor families. Many parents cannot afford to give their children good food every day, so school meals are very important. For example, in my country, some children come to school without breakfast because their parents don’t have enough money. When schools give free food, these children can eat properly and focus on their studies.
Second, school meals can teach children about healthy eating. When students eat good food at school, they learn which foods are healthy and which are not. They might start asking their parents to buy healthy food at home too. Also, when all children eat the same food, no one feels left out or different from others.
However, there are some problems with this idea. Schools need lots of money to buy food and cook it. They also need special workers to make the food and keep the kitchen clean. Sometimes the government might not have enough money for this.
In conclusion, I think giving free meals at school is a good idea because it helps children learn better and stay healthy. Even though it costs money, the benefits for children and society are worth it.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Clear organization with coherent paragraphs
- Well-developed arguments with specific examples
- Appropriate academic tone
- Natural transition words and cohesive devices
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Simple but clear language
- Basic organization
- Some development of ideas
- Limited range of vocabulary
- Occasional errors in grammar and cohesion
Key Vocabulary
- nutritious (adj) /njuːˈtrɪʃəs/ – providing good nutrition
- socioeconomic (adj) /ˌsəʊʃɪəʊˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk/ – relating to social and economic factors
- cognitive (adj) /ˈkɒɡnətɪv/ – related to thinking and mental processes
- implementation (n) /ˌɪmplɪmenˈteɪʃən/ – the process of putting a plan into action
- dietary (adj) /ˈdaɪətəri/ – relating to the food that you eat
To practice this topic, try writing your own essay about school meals, focusing on your country’s specific context and challenges. Share your essay in the comments for feedback and discussion. Similar topics might include government funding for school facilities or mandatory school health programs.