The topic of whether governments should ban the sale of sugary drinks has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This subject touches on public health, government intervention, and personal freedom, making it a complex and thought-provoking issue for test-takers to explore. Based on past exam trends and current global health concerns, it’s likely that this topic will continue to appear in future IELTS tests.
Let’s examine a specific question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people think that governments should ban the sale of sugary drinks to improve public health, while others believe this is not the government’s responsibility. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for government intervention in banning sugary drinks
- Explore reasons why this might not be the government’s responsibility
- Provide a personal opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score. Let’s look at sample essays for different band scores to understand how to approach this topic effectively.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The debate over government intervention in public health through banning sugary drinks is a contentious issue. While some argue that such measures are necessary to combat obesity and related health problems, others contend that this oversteps governmental boundaries. This essay will examine both perspectives before offering a personal viewpoint.
Proponents of government bans on sugary beverages argue that such action is crucial for improving public health. They point to the rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, which are often linked to excessive sugar consumption. By restricting access to these drinks, governments could potentially reduce the incidence of these health issues, thereby alleviating the burden on healthcare systems and improving overall societal well-being. Moreover, advocates argue that governments have a responsibility to protect citizens, particularly children, from the aggressive marketing tactics employed by beverage companies.
On the other hand, opponents of such bans contend that this level of government intervention infringes on personal freedom and individual choice. They argue that people should have the right to make their own decisions about what they consume, even if those choices may be unhealthy. Furthermore, critics suggest that banning sugary drinks could lead to a slippery slope, where governments might feel empowered to regulate other aspects of personal life under the guise of public health. There are also concerns about the economic impact on businesses and potential job losses in the beverage industry.
In my opinion, while I appreciate the concerns about government overreach, I believe that some level of intervention is necessary to address the serious health crisis posed by excessive sugar consumption. However, rather than an outright ban, I would advocate for a more nuanced approach. This could include implementing sugar taxes, mandating clear labeling of sugar content, and launching comprehensive public education campaigns about the health risks associated with sugary drinks. These measures would strike a balance between protecting public health and preserving individual choice.
In conclusion, the issue of banning sugary drinks is complex and multifaceted. While there are valid arguments on both sides, I believe that governments have a responsibility to act in the interest of public health, albeit through carefully considered and balanced measures rather than outright prohibitions.
(308 words)
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that align with Band 8-9 criteria:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph has a central topic, and ideas are logically connected.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately. Examples include “contentious issue,” “alleviating the burden,” and “infringes on personal freedom.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly. Complex sentences are used effectively, such as “By restricting access to these drinks, governments could potentially reduce the incidence of these health issues, thereby alleviating the burden on healthcare systems and improving overall societal well-being.”
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Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The question of whether governments should ban sugary drinks to improve public health is a topic of much debate. Some people think it’s a good idea, while others believe it’s not the government’s job. This essay will look at both sides and give my opinion.
Those who support banning sugary drinks say it’s important for public health. They point out that too much sugar can cause problems like obesity and diabetes. If the government stops the sale of these drinks, it might help reduce these health issues. They also say that big drink companies target children with their ads, so the government needs to step in to protect kids.
On the other hand, people against the ban say it’s not right for the government to tell us what to drink. They believe we should be free to choose what we want, even if it’s not healthy. They worry that if the government bans sugary drinks, they might start banning other things too. Also, they think about the effect on businesses that sell these drinks and the jobs that might be lost.
In my opinion, I think the government should do something about sugary drinks, but maybe not ban them completely. Instead, they could put extra taxes on these drinks to make them more expensive. They could also make sure drinks have clear labels about how much sugar they contain. Education is important too, so the government could teach people about the risks of drinking too many sugary drinks.
To sum up, while banning sugary drinks might help with health problems, it’s a complicated issue. I believe the government should take some action, but in a way that doesn’t take away people’s choices completely.
(276 words)
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates good qualities that align with Band 6-7 criteria:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting both views and offering a personal opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, with each paragraph focusing on a main idea. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat limited.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, but lacks the sophistication and range seen in higher band scores. Some attempts at more complex vocabulary are made, such as “topic of much debate” and “effect on businesses.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, with generally good control. However, there is less variety and flexibility compared to higher band essays.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are relevant and supported, but the development is less thorough and nuanced compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Intervention (noun) /ˌɪntəˈvenʃən/ – the action or process of intervening
- Contentious (adjective) /kənˈtenʃəs/ – causing or likely to cause an argument
- Alleviate (verb) /əˈliːvieɪt/ – make (suffering, deficiency, or a problem) less severe
- Infringe (verb) /ɪnˈfrɪndʒ/ – actively break the terms of (a law, agreement, etc.)
- Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
- Mandate (verb) /ˈmændeɪt/ – authorize or require (something)
- Comprehensive (adjective) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something
- Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many facets or aspects
Conclusion
The topic of government intervention in the sale of sugary drinks is a complex and relevant issue for IELTS Writing Task 2. It allows candidates to showcase their ability to discuss different perspectives, provide examples, and express their own opinions. When approaching this topic, it’s crucial to address all parts of the question, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and develop ideas thoroughly.
For practice, consider writing your own essay on this topic or related ones, such as:
- Should governments tax unhealthy foods to improve public health?
- To what extent should governments be responsible for the health of their citizens?
- Is education more effective than legislation in promoting healthy lifestyles?
Remember to post your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.