The topic of whether fast food companies should be held responsible for public health issues has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on analysis of past exam questions and current trends, this subject is likely to appear in future tests due to its relevance to global health concerns. Let’s examine a recent IELTS question on this topic and explore sample essays for different band scores.
Some people believe that fast food companies should be held responsible for the increase in health issues related to obesity and heart disease, while others think individuals are to blame for their own health problems. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analysis of the Question
This question presents a balanced argument task, asking candidates to discuss two contrasting viewpoints and provide their own opinion. The key elements to address are:
- The view that fast food companies are responsible for health issues
- The opposing view that individuals are responsible for their own health
- Your personal stance on the issue
It’s crucial to discuss both perspectives equally before presenting your opinion, ideally in the conclusion.
Band 8 Sample Essay
Here’s a sample essay that would likely score a Band 8:
In recent years, there has been a significant debate about who should bear the responsibility for the rising rates of obesity and heart disease often associated with fast food consumption. While some argue that fast food companies should be held accountable, others believe that individuals are ultimately responsible for their own health choices. This essay will examine both perspectives before offering my own view on this complex issue.
Those who advocate for holding fast food companies responsible argue that these corporations have a significant influence on public health through their marketing strategies and the nutritional content of their products. They contend that fast food chains aggressively advertise calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods, often targeting children and young adults who may be more susceptible to such marketing. Moreover, these companies are criticized for prioritizing profits over public health by offering supersized portions and combo meals that encourage overconsumption. Proponents of this view believe that by holding these companies accountable, we can force them to improve the nutritional quality of their offerings and promote healthier eating habits.
On the other hand, those who emphasize individual responsibility argue that people have the freedom to make their own dietary choices and should be held accountable for the consequences. They maintain that information about the nutritional content of fast food is readily available, and consumers can make informed decisions about what they eat. Furthermore, they argue that blaming companies for personal health issues absolves individuals of their responsibility to maintain a balanced diet and engage in regular physical activity. Supporters of this perspective believe that educating people about healthy lifestyle choices is more effective than imposing regulations on fast food companies.
In my opinion, while individuals do bear primary responsibility for their health choices, fast food companies also have an ethical obligation to contribute to public health. I believe a balanced approach is necessary, where both parties share responsibility. Individuals should be encouraged to make informed decisions about their diet and lifestyle, but fast food companies should also be incentivized to offer healthier options and practice responsible marketing. This could involve government regulations that require clear nutritional labeling, limits on advertising to children, and incentives for companies to reformulate their products with healthier ingredients.
In conclusion, addressing the health issues related to fast food consumption requires a collaborative effort between individuals, corporations, and governments. By fostering a sense of shared responsibility, we can work towards creating a healthier society without infringing on personal freedoms or stifling business innovation.
(Word count: 398)
Fast food companies' responsibility for public health issues
Explanation of Band 8 Score
This essay would likely receive a Band 8 score for the following reasons:
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly presenting the writer’s own opinion. It provides a well-developed response with relevant, extended and supported ideas.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. It uses a range of cohesive devices effectively, and each paragraph has a clear central topic.
Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Some examples include “susceptible,” “prioritizing,” “supersized portions,” and “absolves.”
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used flexibly and accurately. It contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with very few errors.
Development and Support: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations, showing depth of understanding of the issue.
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
Now, let’s look at a sample essay that would likely score in the Band 6-7 range:
Nowadays, there is a big discussion about who should be responsible for health problems like obesity and heart disease that are often linked to eating fast food. Some people think fast food companies should be blamed, while others say it’s the fault of individuals. In this essay, I will talk about both sides and give my opinion.
First, many people believe that fast food companies are responsible for health issues. They say that these companies make unhealthy food and advertise it a lot, especially to young people. Fast food is often high in calories, fat, and salt, which can cause health problems if eaten too much. Also, these companies often offer large portions and cheap combo meals, which encourage people to eat more than they should. Some people think that if we make these companies responsible, they will have to make healthier food.
On the other hand, some people argue that individuals are responsible for their own health. They say that everyone has the right to choose what they eat, and they should know that eating too much fast food is not good for them. Information about the nutrition in fast food is usually available, so people can make informed choices. These people think that it’s not fair to blame companies for personal health problems, and that we should focus on teaching people how to eat healthily instead.
In my opinion, I think both fast food companies and individuals have some responsibility. Companies should try to offer healthier options and be more careful with their advertising. But at the same time, people need to be responsible for what they choose to eat. I think the government could help by making rules about food labels and advertising, and by teaching people more about healthy eating.
To conclude, I believe that solving health problems related to fast food needs everyone to work together – companies, individuals, and the government. If we all take some responsibility, we can make society healthier without taking away people’s choices.
(Word count: 329)
Explanation of Band 6-7 Score
This essay would likely receive a Band 6-7 score for the following reasons:
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and presenting the writer’s opinion. However, the ideas are less fully developed compared to the Band 8 essay.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated. Paragraphing is appropriate, but ideas within paragraphs could be more clearly linked.
Lexical Resource: The essay uses an adequate range of vocabulary, but lacks the sophistication and precision of the Band 8 essay. There are some attempts at less common vocabulary (e.g., “informed choices”), but these are less frequent.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but with less variety and flexibility than the Band 8 essay. There are some grammatical errors, but they do not impede communication.
Development and Support: While the main points are supported, the examples and explanations are less detailed and nuanced compared to the Band 8 essay.
Should fast food chains be held accountable for public health issues is a complex topic that requires careful consideration of multiple perspectives. By analyzing these sample essays, test-takers can better understand how to approach such questions and improve their writing skills.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Here are some important vocabulary items from the essays, along with their definitions and parts of speech:
Accountable (adjective) /əˈkaʊntəbl/: Required or expected to justify actions or decisions.
Susceptible (adjective) /səˈseptəbl/: Likely or liable to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing.
Prioritizing (verb) /praɪˈɒrətaɪzɪŋ/: Designating or treating something as more important than other things.
Supersized (adjective) /ˈsuːpəsaɪzd/: Extremely large; larger than usual or necessary.
Absolve (verb) /əbˈzɒlv/: Declare (someone) free from guilt, obligation, or responsibility.
Incentivize (verb) /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/: Motivate or encourage (someone) to do something by offering a reward.
Reformulate (verb) /ˌriːˈfɔːmjʊleɪt/: Formulate again or differently.
Infringe (verb) /ɪnˈfrɪndʒ/: Actively break the terms of (a law, agreement, etc.).
Collaborative (adjective) /kəˈlæbərətɪv/: Involving two or more parties working together.
Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/: Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression.
Key vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2
In conclusion, the topic of fast food companies’ responsibility for public health issues is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on similar topics, focusing on balanced arguments and clear expression of ideas. Remember to use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures while maintaining coherence and cohesion throughout your essay.
For further practice, consider writing an essay on the following related topic:
Some people believe that governments should impose higher taxes on unhealthy foods to encourage healthier eating habits. Others argue that education is more effective than taxation in promoting a healthy diet. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare more effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.