The topic of whether governments should impose taxes on sugary drinks has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on analysis of past exam questions and current trends, this issue is likely to continue appearing in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people think that governments should impose higher taxes on sugary drinks to reduce obesity rates. Others believe there are better ways to address this health issue. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analysis of the Question
This question requires candidates to discuss two contrasting views on addressing obesity through taxation of sugary drinks. The task is to:
- Explain the argument for higher taxes on sugary drinks
- Discuss alternative approaches to reducing obesity
- Present your own opinion on the most effective strategy
Let’s explore sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-level response.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Obesity has become a global health crisis, prompting debates on effective intervention strategies. While some advocate for increased taxation on sugary beverages as a deterrent, others argue for alternative approaches. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of higher taxes on sugary drinks contend that this measure can significantly impact consumption patterns and, consequently, obesity rates. By making these beverages more expensive, governments can discourage regular consumption, particularly among price-sensitive consumers such as youth and low-income groups. The revenue generated from these taxes could be channeled into public health initiatives, creating a dual benefit. For instance, Mexico’s sugar tax implementation in 2014 led to a 12% reduction in sugary drink purchases within a year, demonstrating the potential effectiveness of this approach.
On the other hand, critics argue that there are more comprehensive and less punitive ways to address the obesity epidemic. They emphasize the importance of education and promoting healthy lifestyles. Initiatives such as improving nutritional education in schools, launching public awareness campaigns, and increasing access to affordable healthy food options could yield more sustainable results. Additionally, encouraging physical activity through improved urban planning and subsidized sports programs could contribute to overall health improvement without singling out specific products for taxation.
In my opinion, a multifaceted approach that combines taxation with educational and environmental interventions would be most effective. While taxes can serve as an immediate deterrent, they should be part of a broader strategy that addresses the root causes of obesity. Implementing a sugar tax alongside comprehensive health education programs and initiatives to make healthy choices more accessible could create a synergistic effect, leading to more significant and lasting changes in public health.
In conclusion, while taxing sugary drinks can be a powerful tool in combating obesity, it should not be relied upon as a standalone solution. A holistic approach that leverages economic incentives, education, and environmental changes is likely to yield the most substantial and sustainable improvements in public health.
(Word count: 309)
Explanation of Band 8-9 Score
This essay demonstrates several qualities that contribute to its high band score:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly presenting the writer’s opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of linking words and phrases.
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Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, with sophisticated expressions like “global health crisis,” “price-sensitive consumers,” and “multifaceted approach.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures with minimal errors.
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Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations, demonstrating a sophisticated approach to the topic.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Obesity is a big problem in many countries today. Some people think that the government should make sugary drinks more expensive to help solve this issue, but others believe there are better ways to deal with it. This essay will look at both sides and give my opinion.
Those who support higher taxes on sugary drinks say it can help reduce obesity. When these drinks cost more, people might buy them less often, especially young people and those without much money. The extra money from taxes could be used for health programs. For example, when Mexico put a tax on sugary drinks, people bought fewer of them.
However, some people think there are better ways to fight obesity. They say education is more important. Teaching people about healthy eating in schools and through TV ads could help more. Also, making it easier for people to exercise, like building more parks and sports centers, could be good for health without making certain drinks more expensive.
I think the best way is to use both ideas together. Taxing sugary drinks can make people think twice about buying them, but we also need to teach people why these drinks are bad and how to be healthy. If we use taxes and education together, along with making it easier to eat healthy food and exercise, we might see better results in fighting obesity.
In conclusion, while taxing sugary drinks can help, it’s not the only answer to obesity. We need to use different methods together to really make a difference in people’s health.
(Word count: 273)
Explanation of Band 6-7 Score
This essay demonstrates several qualities that place it in the Band 6-7 range:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and presenting the writer’s opinion. However, the ideas could be more fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure with basic paragraphing and some use of linking words.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is generally appropriate, but lacks the sophistication and range seen in higher band scores.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with some errors that do not impede communication.
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Development of Ideas: While the main points are present, they could be elaborated on more fully with more specific examples or deeper analysis.
Should there be a tax on sugary drinks to reduce obesity rates? This question is closely related to our topic and provides additional insights into the debate surrounding sugary drink taxation.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Obesity (noun) – /əʊˈbiːsɪti/ – the state of being very fat or overweight
- Taxation (noun) – /tækˈseɪʃn/ – the system of collecting money from citizens by the government
- Deterrent (noun) – /dɪˈterənt/ – something that discourages someone from doing something
- Intervention (noun) – /ˌɪntəˈvenʃn/ – the action of becoming involved in a situation to improve it
- Consumption (noun) – /kənˈsʌmpʃn/ – the action of using up a resource
- Initiative (noun) – /ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/ – an act or strategy intended to resolve a difficulty or improve a situation
- Multifaceted (adjective) – /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
- Holistic (adjective) – /həʊˈlɪstɪk/ – characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can be explained only by reference to the whole
- Synergistic (adjective) – /ˌsɪnəˈdʒɪstɪk/ – relating to the interaction of elements that when combined produce a total effect greater than the sum of the individual elements
- Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
Conclusion
The topic of sugary drink taxation as a means to combat obesity is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of government in promoting public health
- Balancing individual freedom with societal health concerns
- The effectiveness of economic incentives in changing behavior
- Should governments impose a tax on unhealthy foods?
- Strategies for addressing childhood obesity
Remember to analyze the question carefully, plan your response, and practice using a variety of sophisticated vocabulary and grammatical structures. Should governments impose higher taxes on fast food? This related topic can help you expand your understanding of taxation as a public health tool.
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on the given topic and share it in the comments section below. This active approach to learning can significantly improve your writing skills and prepare you for success in the IELTS exam.