IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essays: Should Advertising for Unhealthy Food Be Banned?

The topic of banning advertising for unhealthy food has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. Given its relevance to public health and consumer behavior, it’s likely to appear in future tests. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays and analysis, focusing on the question:

Some people think that governments should ban advertising for unhealthy food to tackle obesity. Others believe there are better ways to solve this problem. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Analyzing the Question

This question requires candidates to:

1. Discuss the view that advertising bans for unhealthy food can help tackle obesity
2. Explore alternative solutions to the obesity problem
3. Provide their personal opinion on the most effective approach

Let’s examine three sample essays of varying quality to understand how to approach this task effectively.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essays

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

The global obesity epidemic has prompted discussions on potential solutions, with some advocating for a ban on unhealthy food advertisements. While this approach has its merits, there are alternative strategies that may prove more effective in combating this health crisis. This essay will examine both perspectives and argue that a multifaceted approach is necessary to address obesity comprehensively.

Proponents of advertising bans argue that restricting the promotion of unhealthy foods can significantly reduce their consumption. By limiting exposure to enticing advertisements, particularly those targeting children, individuals may be less likely to develop cravings for nutritionally poor foods. Moreover, such bans could create a cultural shift, gradually altering societal perceptions of these products and encouraging healthier choices. For instance, when tobacco advertising was prohibited in many countries, smoking rates declined notably over time.

However, critics of this approach contend that advertising bans alone are insufficient to tackle the complex issue of obesity. They argue that more comprehensive strategies are needed to address the root causes of unhealthy eating habits. These alternatives include:

1. Education: Implementing robust nutritional education programs in schools and communities to empower individuals to make informed dietary choices.
2. Food labeling: Mandating clear and easily understandable nutritional information on all food products to facilitate healthier purchasing decisions.
3. Incentives for healthy food production: Providing subsidies or tax breaks to companies producing nutritious foods, making them more affordable and accessible.
4. Urban planning: Designing cities to promote physical activity and improve access to fresh, healthy food options in all neighborhoods.

In my opinion, while advertising bans may play a role in obesity prevention, they should be part of a broader, multifaceted strategy. The most effective approach would combine restrictions on unhealthy food marketing with comprehensive educational initiatives and policy changes that make healthy choices more accessible and appealing. By addressing the issue from multiple angles, governments can create an environment that supports and encourages healthier lifestyles for all citizens.

In conclusion, tackling obesity requires a nuanced and holistic approach. While banning advertisements for unhealthy foods may contribute to the solution, it is essential to implement a range of complementary measures to effectively address this complex public health challenge.

Word count: 345

Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay

This essay demonstrates excellent coherence, cohesion, and vocabulary use, placing it in the Band 8-9 range. Key strengths include:

1. Clear structure with well-developed paragraphs
2. Sophisticated vocabulary (e.g., “multifaceted approach,” “cultural shift,” “root causes”)
3. Varied sentence structures and cohesive devices
4. Balanced discussion of both viewpoints
5. Strong personal opinion supported by examples
6. Relevant examples and specific details (e.g., tobacco advertising ban)

The essay effectively addresses all parts of the question and presents a nuanced argument, showcasing high-level critical thinking and writing skills.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Obesity is a big problem in many countries today. Some people think that governments should stop companies from advertising unhealthy food to help solve this issue. Others believe there are better ways to deal with obesity. This essay will discuss both sides and give my opinion.

There are good reasons why banning ads for unhealthy food might help with obesity. When people see a lot of advertisements for junk food, they might want to eat it more often. This is especially true for children, who are easily influenced by what they see on TV or the internet. If these ads were not allowed, people might not think about unhealthy food as much and make better choices.

However, there are other ways to fight obesity that might work better than just banning ads. For example:

1. Schools could teach more about healthy eating and exercise.
2. Governments could make healthy food cheaper by giving money to farmers who grow fruits and vegetables.
3. Cities could build more parks and sports facilities to help people be more active.
4. Food companies could be required to put clear labels on their products showing how healthy or unhealthy they are.

In my opinion, I think that banning unhealthy food ads might help a little, but it’s not enough on its own. We need to use many different methods together to really solve the obesity problem. Education is very important because if people understand why healthy eating matters, they can make better choices even when they see unhealthy food ads.

To conclude, while stopping unhealthy food advertisements might be part of the solution, there are many other ways to help people be healthier. A mix of different approaches is probably the best way to tackle obesity.

Word count: 295

Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay

This essay demonstrates good control of language and addresses the task adequately, placing it in the Band 6-7 range. Key features include:

1. Clear structure with introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion
2. Addresses both viewpoints and provides a personal opinion
3. Uses some cohesive devices (e.g., “However,” “For example,” “To conclude”)
4. Provides relevant examples and ideas

Areas for improvement:

1. Vocabulary could be more sophisticated and varied
2. Sentence structures are relatively simple
3. Arguments could be more fully developed with additional details and examples
4. Cohesion between and within paragraphs could be stronger

Overall, the essay effectively communicates ideas but lacks the complexity and nuance of a higher-band response.

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5)

Nowdays obesity is big problem in many countrys. Some people say government should stop unhealthy food ads, others say there are better ways. I will discuss both ideas and give my opinion.

Stopping unhealthy food ads can help with obesity. When people see many ads for junk food they want to eat it. Kids especially like these ads and ask parents to buy unhealthy food. If no ads, maybe people eat less junk food.

But other ways can help too. Like:

1. Teach about healthy food in school
2. Make healthy food cheaper
3. Build more parks for exercise

I think both ideas are good. Stop ads and do other things too. People need to know what food is good and have cheap healthy options. Exercise is important too.

In conclusion, obesity is hard problem. Need many solutions to fix it. Government should try different ways to help people be healthy.

Word count: 142

Analysis of Band 5 Essay

This essay demonstrates a limited ability to address the task and use language effectively, placing it in the Band 5 range. Key features include:

1. Attempts to address the task and provide a basic structure
2. Presents some relevant ideas
3. Uses simple vocabulary related to the topic

Areas for improvement:

1. Significant grammatical errors (e.g., “Nowdays,” “countrys”)
2. Limited range of vocabulary and sentence structures
3. Ideas are not fully developed or supported with examples
4. Lack of cohesion between and within paragraphs
5. Does not meet the minimum word count requirement (250 words)

The essay communicates basic ideas but lacks the language control, coherence, and development required for a higher band score.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Obesity epidemic (noun phrase) – /əʊˈbiːsɪti epɪˈdemɪk/ – A widespread occurrence of obesity in a population
2. Multifaceted approach (noun phrase) – /mʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd əˈprəʊtʃ/ – A strategy that involves many different aspects or methods
3. Enticing (adjective) – /ɪnˈtaɪsɪŋ/ – Attractive or tempting
4. Comprehensive (adjective) – /kɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – Including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something
5. Incentives (noun) – /ɪnˈsentɪvz/ – Things that motivate or encourage someone to do something
6. Nuanced (adjective) – /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
7. Holistic (adjective) – /həʊˈlɪstɪk/ – Characterized by the belief that the parts of something are intimately interconnected
8. Implement (verb) – /ˈɪmplɪment/ – Put (a decision, plan, agreement, etc.) into effect

Conclusion

The topic of banning unhealthy food advertising is a complex and relevant issue in IELTS Writing Task 2. To excel in this task, candidates should:

1. Clearly address both viewpoints presented in the question
2. Provide a well-supported personal opinion
3. Use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and sentence structures
4. Develop ideas fully with relevant examples and details
5. Ensure coherence and cohesion throughout the essay

Practice writing essays on similar topics, such as:

• The role of government in promoting healthy lifestyles
• The impact of fast food on public health
• Balancing personal freedom with public health concerns

We encourage you to write your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.