The correlation between fast food consumption and obesity rates has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing consistently over the past decade. This topic connects strongly with public health policies, corporate responsibility, and individual choices – all common IELTS themes. Let’s analyze a recent exam question that exemplifies this issue.
should governments regulate fast food marketing
Question Analysis
Some people believe that fast food companies should be held responsible for rising obesity rates. Others argue that individuals are responsible for their own food choices and health outcomes. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question requires:
- Discussion of both perspectives
- Clear position statement
- Relevant examples and supporting evidence
- Balanced analysis
- Personal conclusion
Fast food consumption and obesity rates correlation chart showing rising trends
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8)
The debate over who bears responsibility for increasing obesity levels – fast food corporations or individuals – has garnered significant attention. While both parties play a role, I believe that personal accountability should be emphasized more heavily than corporate liability.
Those who advocate for holding fast food companies responsible argue that these corporations deliberately market unhealthy products through aggressive advertising campaigns, particularly targeting vulnerable populations like children. They employ sophisticated marketing strategies and psychological tactics to create cravings for their high-calorie offerings. Furthermore, their strategic placement of outlets in high-traffic areas and competitive pricing makes unhealthy food more accessible than nutritious alternatives.
However, the counter-argument emphasizes individual agency in food choices. Adults have the capacity to make informed decisions about their dietary intake and are ultimately responsible for their consumption patterns. Information about nutrition is widely available, and most fast food chains now provide detailed caloric information for their menu items. Moreover, these companies have introduced healthier options in response to consumer demand, demonstrating that individual choices can influence corporate behavior.
In my view, while fast food companies should maintain ethical marketing practices and transparent nutritional information, the primary responsibility lies with individuals. People have the autonomy to choose what they consume, and attributing obesity solely to corporate influence diminishes personal accountability. Education about nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices, combined with individual willpower, are more effective solutions than corporate blame.
Therefore, addressing obesity requires a balanced approach that acknowledges both corporate responsibility and individual choice, with greater emphasis on personal accountability and education.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Rising obesity rates have become a big problem in many countries, and people debate who should take responsibility. Some think fast food companies are to blame, while others say individuals should be responsible. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
Fast food companies use many advertisements to make people buy their food. They make their food look very tasty and put their restaurants everywhere. Their prices are usually cheap, which makes people want to eat there more often. Also, they don’t always tell people clearly how unhealthy their food is.
On the other hand, people can choose what they eat. Nobody forces them to buy fast food, and they know it’s not healthy. Many fast food restaurants now show calorie information, so people can make better choices. They also offer some healthy options like salads and grilled chicken.
I think both sides have some responsibility, but individuals should be more responsible for their choices. While fast food companies should be honest about their food, people need to think carefully about what they eat. They can choose to cook at home or pick healthier options when eating out.
In conclusion, although fast food companies play a role in obesity rates, individuals have the final choice about what they eat. The best solution is for people to make better food choices while companies provide honest information.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8 Essay Strengths:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “vulnerable populations,” “sophisticated marketing strategies”
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear progression of ideas
- Balanced discussion with clear position
- Cohesive devices used effectively
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Basic but clear vocabulary
- Simpler sentence structures
- Less developed arguments
- More straightforward organization
- Limited use of complex language
Key Vocabulary
- corporate liability (n) /ˈkɔːpərət ˌlaɪəˈbɪləti/ – legal responsibility of a company
- autonomous (adj) /ɔːˈtɒnəməs/ – self-governing, independent
- susceptible (adj) /səˈseptəbl/ – easily influenced or harmed
- culpability (n) /ˌkʌlpəˈbɪləti/ – responsibility for fault or wrong
- nutritional content (n) /njuːˈtrɪʃənl ˈkɒntent/ – amount of nutrients in food
Practice Suggestions
Consider practicing with these related topics:
- Should governments tax unhealthy foods?
- Is advertising to children ethical?
- How can societies promote healthier eating habits?
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback from our community of learners and teachers.
