The topic of fast food advertising restrictions has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on analysis of past exam questions and current trends, it is likely to remain a popular subject in future tests. This article will provide sample essays for different band scores, along with detailed analyses to help you understand the key elements of a successful IELTS essay on this topic.
Let’s examine a recent IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this subject:
Some people think that governments should ban harmful forms of advertising, such as fast food advertising, while others believe that it is unnecessary. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analysis of the Question
This question requires you to:
- Discuss arguments for banning harmful advertising, particularly fast food ads
- Discuss arguments against such bans
- Provide your own opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score. Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In recent years, there has been growing concern about the impact of harmful advertising on public health, particularly regarding fast food. While some advocate for government bans on such advertising, others argue that such measures are unnecessary. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view on the matter.
Those in favor of banning harmful advertising, such as fast food commercials, argue that these ads contribute significantly to public health issues. They contend that constant exposure to enticing images of unhealthy food choices leads to poor dietary habits, especially among children and young adults. Furthermore, proponents of advertising restrictions claim that the government has a responsibility to protect its citizens from the detrimental effects of aggressive marketing strategies employed by fast food companies. By implementing bans, they believe that obesity rates and related health problems could be reduced, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.
On the other hand, opponents of advertising restrictions argue that such bans infringe upon freedom of speech and commercial rights. They maintain that individuals should have the autonomy to make their own decisions regarding their diet and lifestyle choices. Additionally, critics of advertising bans point out that fast food companies provide employment opportunities and contribute to the economy. They suggest that instead of imposing restrictions, governments should focus on educating the public about healthy eating habits and promoting physical activity.
In my opinion, while I acknowledge the importance of individual freedom and economic considerations, I believe that some form of regulation on harmful advertising is necessary. Rather than implementing an outright ban, governments should impose stricter guidelines on the content and timing of fast food advertisements. For instance, limiting ads during children’s programming or mandating the inclusion of health warnings could strike a balance between commercial interests and public health concerns. Moreover, I think that combining these regulations with comprehensive public health education campaigns would be a more effective approach to addressing the issue.
In conclusion, while there are valid arguments on both sides of the debate, I believe that a nuanced approach to regulating harmful advertising is the most appropriate course of action. By implementing moderate restrictions and focusing on public education, governments can work towards improving public health without excessively infringing upon commercial freedoms.
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
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Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the question, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of linking words and phrases.
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Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, including sophisticated phrases like “aggressive marketing strategies” and “infringe upon freedom of speech.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures with minimal errors.
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Critical Thinking: The writer presents a nuanced view, suggesting a balanced approach rather than simply agreeing with one side.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Nowadays, some people think the government should ban harmful advertising like fast food ads, but others disagree. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support banning harmful advertising say it’s bad for people’s health. They think that seeing many ads for unhealthy food makes people, especially kids, want to eat more of it. This can lead to problems like obesity and other health issues. Also, they believe the government should protect people from these ads because fast food companies use clever marketing to make their food look good.
On the other hand, people against banning ads say it’s not right to limit what companies can advertise. They think people should be free to choose what they eat and that it’s not the government’s job to decide for them. They also say that fast food companies give jobs to many people and help the economy. Instead of banning ads, they think the government should teach people about healthy eating.
In my opinion, I think some control over harmful advertising is needed, but a total ban might be too much. The government could make rules about when and where fast food ads can be shown, like not allowing them during children’s TV shows. They could also make companies put health warnings on their ads. I believe this would be better than banning all fast food advertising.
To conclude, while there are good points on both sides, I think the best solution is to have some rules for harmful advertising without banning it completely. This way, we can protect people’s health while still allowing companies to advertise their products.
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates competence in several areas but falls short of the higher band scores:
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Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the question, but the ideas could be more fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is somewhat limited and repetitive.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate but lacks the sophistication and range seen in higher band essays.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences but with some errors and less variety than higher band essays.
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Critical Thinking: The writer presents a balanced view and offers a personal opinion, but the arguments could be more nuanced and detailed.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Advertising restrictions (noun) – limits placed on promotional activities
/ˈædvərtaɪzɪŋ rɪˈstrɪkʃənz/ -
Public health (noun) – the health of the population as a whole
/ˈpʌblɪk helθ/ -
Obesity rates (noun) – the proportion of a population considered obese
/əʊˈbiːsəti reɪts/ -
Infringe upon (phrasal verb) – to limit or undermine something
/ɪnˈfrɪndʒ əˈpɒn/ -
Autonomy (noun) – the right or condition of self-government
/ɔːˈtɒnəmi/ -
Nuanced approach (adjective + noun) – a subtle or sophisticated method
/ˈnjuːɑːnst əˈprəʊtʃ/ -
Aggressive marketing (adjective + noun) – forceful promotion strategies
/əˈɡresɪv ˈmɑːkɪtɪŋ/ -
Mandate (verb) – to authorize or decree a particular action
/mænˈdeɪt/ -
Comprehensive (adjective) – including or dealing with all aspects of something
/ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ -
Detrimental effects (adjective + noun) – harmful consequences
/ˌdetrɪˈmentl ɪˈfekts/
In conclusion, the topic of fast food advertising restrictions is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on similar topics such as should there be a limit on advertising or should fast food be banned in schools. Remember to address all parts of the question, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and present a well-reasoned argument. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further improvement.