The topic of whether governments should impose higher taxes on unhealthy foods is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. This issue has appeared in various forms over the years, reflecting its relevance to public health policies worldwide. Based on past exam trends and current global concerns, it’s likely to remain a popular topic for future IELTS tests.
Let’s examine a specific question that has been reported in recent IELTS exams:
Some people believe that governments should impose higher taxes on unhealthy foods to encourage people to eat more healthily. Others think there are better ways to promote healthy eating. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that higher taxes on unhealthy foods can promote healthy eating
- Explore alternative methods to encourage healthy eating habits
- Provide a personal opinion on the most effective approach
Should governments impose taxes on sugary drinks to reduce obesity rates? This question is closely related to our topic, as both address government intervention in dietary choices through taxation.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Obesity and related health issues have become major concerns in many countries, leading to debates about the most effective ways to promote healthier eating habits. While some argue that imposing higher taxes on unhealthy foods is the solution, others believe there are more effective alternatives. In my opinion, a combination of approaches, including targeted taxation, is necessary to address this complex issue.
Proponents of higher taxes on unhealthy foods argue that this measure would discourage consumption and incentivize healthier choices. By making junk food and sugary drinks more expensive, people might be less inclined to purchase them regularly. Furthermore, the additional revenue generated from these taxes could be allocated to public health initiatives, creating a positive feedback loop. For instance, Denmark’s fat tax, although short-lived, demonstrated a decrease in the consumption of saturated fats during its implementation.
However, critics of this approach contend that there are more effective ways to promote healthy eating. They argue that education and awareness campaigns can have a more lasting impact on people’s dietary choices. By providing comprehensive nutritional information and teaching cooking skills in schools, individuals can make informed decisions about their diets. Additionally, improving access to fresh, affordable produce in underserved areas can make healthy eating more feasible for all socioeconomic groups. The success of Japan’s school lunch program, which focuses on balanced meals and nutrition education, serves as a prime example of this alternative approach.
Educational campaign promoting healthy eating habits
In my view, a multifaceted approach that combines taxation with education and improved food accessibility is the most effective strategy. While higher taxes on unhealthy foods can serve as a deterrent, they should be complemented by robust educational programs and initiatives to make nutritious options more readily available. For example, the revenue from junk food taxes could fund school garden projects or subsidize fresh produce in low-income neighborhoods. This comprehensive approach addresses both the immediate economic factors and the underlying knowledge gap that contributes to poor dietary choices.
In conclusion, promoting healthy eating requires a nuanced strategy that goes beyond simple taxation. By implementing a combination of fiscal measures, educational initiatives, and improved food access, governments can create a supportive environment that empowers individuals to make healthier choices. This holistic approach is more likely to yield long-term, sustainable improvements in public health.
(Word count: 418)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates several key features of a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
Clear structure: The essay follows a logical structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, and a conclusion that synthesizes the arguments.
Coherent arguments: Each paragraph develops a clear point, supported by relevant examples and explanations.
Balanced discussion: The essay presents both sides of the argument fairly before offering a nuanced personal opinion.
Sophisticated vocabulary: The use of words like “incentivize,” “multifaceted,” and “nuanced” demonstrates a wide lexical range.
Complex sentence structures: The essay employs a mix of simple and complex sentences, showcasing grammatical range and accuracy.
Relevant examples: Specific examples like Denmark’s fat tax and Japan’s school lunch program add credibility to the arguments.
Clear personal stance: The writer’s opinion is clearly stated and well-supported in the fourth paragraph.
Effective conclusion: The conclusion summarizes the main points and reinforces the writer’s position.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Many people think that governments should put higher taxes on unhealthy foods to make people eat healthier. Others believe there are better ways to encourage healthy eating. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
On one hand, increasing taxes on unhealthy foods could help reduce their consumption. If junk food and sugary drinks become more expensive, people might buy them less often. This could lead to healthier eating habits. Also, the extra money from these taxes could be used for health programs. For example, some countries have already put taxes on soft drinks, and studies show that people buy fewer of these drinks as a result.
On the other hand, there are other ways to promote healthy eating that might work better. Education is one important method. Schools could teach students about nutrition and how to cook healthy meals. This would help them make better food choices throughout their lives. Another idea is to make healthy food cheaper and more available. If fruits and vegetables are affordable and easy to find, more people will eat them. Some cities have started community gardens to give people access to fresh produce.
Community garden providing fresh produce access
In my opinion, a mix of these approaches would be most effective. While taxes on unhealthy foods can discourage their consumption, education and better access to healthy options are also crucial. Governments could use the money from junk food taxes to fund nutrition programs in schools and create more community gardens. This way, people would have both the knowledge and the means to eat healthier.
To conclude, promoting healthy eating is a complex issue that requires more than just one solution. A combination of taxes, education, and improving access to healthy foods is likely to be more successful in encouraging people to eat better.
(Word count: 345)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates several characteristics of a Band 6-7 IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
Clear structure: The essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs addressing both views, and a conclusion.
Coherent arguments: Each paragraph presents a main idea supported by explanations and examples.
Balanced discussion: The essay discusses both perspectives before offering a personal opinion.
Appropriate vocabulary: The language used is clear and generally accurate, though less sophisticated than the Band 8-9 essay.
Varied sentence structures: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, though with less variety than the higher band essay.
Relevant examples: The essay provides some examples to support its points, though they are less specific than in the Band 8-9 essay.
Clear personal stance: The writer’s opinion is stated clearly in the fourth paragraph.
Adequate conclusion: The conclusion summarizes the main points and restates the writer’s position.
While this essay effectively addresses the task and presents a clear argument, it could be improved by:
- Using more sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures
- Providing more specific examples and data to support arguments
- Developing ideas in greater depth
- Employing more advanced cohesive devices to improve overall coherence
Key Vocabulary
- Obesity (noun) /əʊˈbiːsəti/ – the state of being very fat or overweight
- Incentivize (verb) /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ – to encourage or motivate someone to do something
- Deterrent (noun) /dɪˈterənt/ – something that discourages someone from doing something
- Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
- Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle differences or distinctions
- Holistic (adjective) /həʊˈlɪstɪk/ – characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can be explained only by reference to the whole
- Subsidize (verb) /ˈsʌbsɪdaɪz/ – to support financially
- Consumption (noun) /kənˈsʌmpʃn/ – the act of using, eating, or drinking something
- Nutritious (adjective) /njuːˈtrɪʃəs/ – efficient as food; nourishing
- Accessibility (noun) /əkˌsesəˈbɪləti/ – the quality of being able to be reached or entered
In conclusion, the topic of taxing unhealthy foods to promote better eating habits is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of education in promoting healthy lifestyles
- Government intervention in personal dietary choices
- The impact of food marketing on eating habits
- Should fast food companies be held responsible for public health issues?
- The effectiveness of various public health initiatives
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Feel free to share 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 exam.