The topic of banning fast food in schools has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Based on analysis of past exam questions and current trends, this issue is likely to continue appearing in future tests. Its relevance to public health, education policies, and societal debates makes it a prime candidate for IELTS essays. Let’s examine a specific question on this topic and provide sample essays for different band scores.

Some people think that fast food should be banned in schools. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Analyzing the Question

This question asks for your opinion on banning fast food in schools. It’s crucial to:

1. Clearly state your position (agree, disagree, or partially agree)
2. Provide reasons and examples to support your stance
3. Consider potential counterarguments
4. Structure your essay logically with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion

Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.

Band 8-9 Sample Essay

Fast food has become a contentious issue in educational settings, with some advocating for its complete ban in schools. While I acknowledge the concerns behind this proposal, I believe that a total ban is too extreme and that a more balanced approach would be more beneficial.

Firstly, it’s important to recognize that fast food, when consumed in moderation, is not inherently harmful. Many fast food options now include healthier choices such as salads, wraps, and fruit options. Completely banning fast food could deprive students of occasional treats and the opportunity to learn about balanced eating habits in a real-world context. Instead of a ban, schools could focus on educating students about nutrition and helping them make informed choices.

Moreover, a blanket ban on fast food might prove counterproductive. Students, especially teenagers, often rebel against strict rules. Forbidding fast food entirely could make it more appealing, potentially leading to increased consumption outside school hours. A more effective approach would be to offer a mix of healthy options alongside occasional fast food choices, teaching students about balance and moderation.

However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the valid concerns that drive the call for a ban. Fast food is often high in calories, saturated fats, and added sugars, which can contribute to obesity and other health issues when consumed regularly. To address these concerns, schools should implement strict nutritional guidelines for all food served, including any fast food options. This could involve limiting portion sizes, ensuring a certain percentage of menu items meet specific health criteria, and prominently displaying nutritional information.

In conclusion, while the intention behind banning fast food in schools is understandable, a more nuanced approach would be more effective. By focusing on education, offering a balanced range of food options, and implementing strict nutritional guidelines, schools can promote healthy eating habits without resorting to outright bans. This strategy would better prepare students to make informed dietary choices throughout their lives.

(Word count: 309)

Balanced food options in a school cafeteria

Essay Analysis

This essay would likely score in the Band 8-9 range for the following reasons:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with a nuanced view. It considers both sides of the argument and provides a well-developed response.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph has a central topic, and ideas are logically linked using a range of cohesive devices.

3. Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Examples include “contentious issue,” “blanket ban,” “counterproductive,” and “nuanced approach.”

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and appropriately. Complex sentences are used effectively, and there are no noticeable errors.

5. Development of Ideas: Each main point is extended and supported with relevant examples and explanations, showing depth of thinking on the topic.

Band 6-7 Sample Essay

The question of whether fast food should be banned in schools is a topic of much debate. While some people strongly support this idea, I partially agree with it because there are both advantages and disadvantages to consider.

On one hand, banning fast food in schools could have several benefits. Firstly, it would help promote healthier eating habits among students. Fast food is often high in calories, fat, and sugar, which can lead to obesity and other health problems if consumed regularly. By removing these options, schools can encourage students to choose healthier alternatives like fruits, vegetables, and balanced meals. Additionally, a ban on fast food might help students concentrate better in class, as they would not experience the energy crashes often associated with consuming high-sugar and high-fat foods.

However, completely banning fast food in schools may not be the best solution. One reason is that it could lead to students feeling overly restricted, which might make them more likely to eat unhealthy foods outside of school. It’s important for young people to learn how to make good food choices on their own, rather than having all decisions made for them. Furthermore, some fast food options can be part of a balanced diet when eaten in moderation. Totally eliminating these choices doesn’t teach students about balance and self-control.

In my opinion, a better approach would be to limit fast food in schools rather than banning it entirely. Schools could offer a mix of healthy options and occasional fast food treats, while also providing education about nutrition and healthy eating habits. This way, students can learn to make informed choices about their diet while still having some freedom in their food selections.

In conclusion, while banning fast food in schools has some potential benefits, I believe a more balanced approach would be more effective. By combining limited fast food options with health education and a variety of nutritious choices, schools can better prepare students for making good dietary decisions in the future.

(Word count: 318)

should fast food advertising be banned to promote health

Essay Analysis

This essay would likely score in the Band 6-7 range for the following reasons:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task and presents a clear position, though the arguments could be more fully developed.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear overall progression. Paragraphing is logical, and basic cohesive devices are used, though sometimes repetitively.

3. Lexical Resource: The essay uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary (e.g., “alternatives,” “concentrated”), though not always with full confidence.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication.

5. Development of Ideas: Main ideas are relevant, but some points could be more fully extended or supported with examples.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Contentious (adjective) – /kənˈtenʃəs/ – causing or likely to cause disagreement
2. Nuanced (adjective) – /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
3. Counterproductive (adjective) – /ˌkaʊntərprəˈdʌktɪv/ – having the opposite of the desired effect
4. Blanket ban (noun phrase) – /ˈblæŋkɪt bæn/ – a complete prohibition or restriction
5. Moderation (noun) – /ˌmɒdəˈreɪʃn/ – the avoidance of excess or extremes
6. Nutritional guidelines (noun phrase) – /njuːˈtrɪʃənl ˈɡaɪdlaɪnz/ – recommendations for a healthy diet
7. Obesity (noun) – /əʊˈbiːsəti/ – the condition of being grossly fat or overweight
8. Saturated fats (noun phrase) – /ˈsætʃəreɪtɪd fæts/ – fats consisting of triglycerides containing only saturated fatty acids
9. Informed choices (noun phrase) – /ɪnˈfɔːmd ˈtʃɔɪsɪz/ – decisions based on knowledge and understanding
10. Balanced diet (noun phrase) – /ˈbælənst ˈdaɪət/ – a diet that contains the proper proportions of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water

how fast food advertising influences eating habits in children

Conclusion

The topic of banning fast food in schools is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays due to its connection with public health, education policies, and societal debates. To prepare for this and similar topics, practice writing essays that:

1. Clearly state your position
2. Provide balanced arguments
3. Use specific examples to support your points
4. Consider potential counterarguments
5. Conclude with a summary of your main points and overall stance

should schools ban junk food to promote healthy eating

Other potential questions on this theme might include:

• Should governments regulate fast food marketing to children?
• Do fast food restaurants have a responsibility to promote healthier options?
• Is education or regulation more effective in promoting healthy eating habits among youth?

We encourage you to practice writing an essay on the question provided in this article. Share your essay in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your IELTS Writing skills and prepare for the exam.