The topic of whether governments should increase taxes on junk food is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. This subject has appeared multiple times in recent years and is likely to continue being a popular choice for examiners due to its relevance to public health policies worldwide. Let’s explore this topic in depth with sample essays for different band scores.
Some people think that governments should increase taxes on junk food and sugary drinks to encourage people to make healthier choices. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Analyzing the Question
Before we dive into the sample essays, let’s break down the question:
- Topic: Increasing taxes on junk food and sugary drinks
- Purpose: To encourage healthier food choices
- Task: Express your opinion on the effectiveness of this approach
The question asks for your personal view on whether increased taxation is an effective method to promote healthier eating habits. You need to clearly state your position and support it with relevant examples and reasoning.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8)
Here’s a high-quality essay that would likely score a Band 8:
Obesity and related health issues have become major concerns in many countries, prompting governments to consider various interventions. While some argue that increasing taxes on unhealthy food and beverages is an effective strategy to promote better dietary choices, I partially agree with this approach, believing it can be beneficial but should not be the sole solution.
Increasing taxes on junk food and sugary drinks can indeed have positive effects on public health. Firstly, higher prices may discourage excessive consumption, especially among price-sensitive consumers such as young people and low-income groups, who are often more vulnerable to obesity-related health problems. For example, when Mexico implemented a sugar tax in 2014, it led to a 5.5% decrease in sugary drink purchases in the first year, with the most significant reductions observed in lower-income households. Secondly, the additional revenue generated from these taxes can be earmarked for health education programs or subsidies for healthier food options, creating a more comprehensive approach to improving public nutrition.
However, relying solely on taxation may not be sufficient to address the complex issue of unhealthy eating habits. One limitation is that some consumers, particularly those with higher incomes, may not be significantly deterred by price increases. Additionally, the food industry often responds to such taxes by reformulating products or creating new ones that circumvent the regulations, potentially leading to unintended consequences. For instance, when Denmark introduced a fat tax in 2011, it was repealed just 15 months later due to economic side effects and its failure to significantly change eating habits.
Therefore, I believe that while increasing taxes on junk food and sugary drinks can be part of the solution, it should be complemented by other measures. Governments should also focus on education, promoting food literacy from an early age, and improving access to affordable, healthy food options. Furthermore, regulations on food marketing, especially those targeting children, and clear nutritional labeling can empower consumers to make informed choices. A multi-faceted approach that combines economic incentives with education and regulation is more likely to result in lasting changes to dietary habits and improve public health outcomes.
In conclusion, while I partially agree that increasing taxes on unhealthy food and beverages can be an effective tool in promoting healthier choices, I believe it should be part of a broader, more comprehensive strategy to address the complex issue of nutrition and public health.
(Word count: 392)
Explanation of Band 8 Score
This essay would likely receive a Band 8 score for the following reasons:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with a nuanced view. It discusses both the benefits and limitations of increasing taxes on junk food.
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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 using appropriate cohesive devices.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is sophisticated and precise. Examples include “price-sensitive consumers,” “earmarked,” and “circumvent the regulations.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and appropriately. Complex sentences are used effectively, such as “While some argue that increasing taxes on unhealthy food and beverages is an effective strategy to promote better dietary choices, I partially agree with this approach, believing it can be beneficial but should not be the sole solution.”
Sample Essay 2 (Band 7)
Now, let’s look at an essay that would likely score a Band 7:
In recent years, there has been a growing debate about whether governments should raise taxes on junk food and sugary drinks to promote healthier eating habits. While this approach has some merits, I believe it is only partially effective and should be combined with other strategies to achieve significant improvements in public health.
On the one hand, increasing taxes on unhealthy food and beverages can have some positive impacts. Higher prices may discourage some people, especially those on tight budgets, from buying these products regularly. For example, studies have shown that when the price of soft drinks increases, consumption tends to decrease, particularly among younger consumers. Additionally, the extra revenue generated from these taxes could be used to fund health education programs or subsidize healthier food options, making nutritious choices more accessible to the public.
However, relying solely on taxation has its limitations. Firstly, not all consumers are equally sensitive to price changes. Wealthier individuals may continue to purchase junk food and sugary drinks regardless of higher costs. Secondly, the food industry often finds ways to adapt to new taxes, such as reformulating products or creating new ones that fall outside the taxed categories. This can lead to a cat-and-mouse game between regulators and food manufacturers, potentially undermining the intended health benefits.
A more comprehensive approach is needed to effectively address unhealthy eating habits. Governments should focus on education, starting from early childhood, to teach people about nutrition and the importance of a balanced diet. Improving access to fresh, healthy food in all communities is also crucial, as some areas lack affordable nutritious options. Furthermore, stricter regulations on food marketing, especially advertisements targeting children, could help reduce the appeal of junk food.
In conclusion, while increasing taxes on unhealthy food and drinks can play a role in promoting better dietary choices, it should be part of a broader strategy. Combining economic measures with education, improved food access, and marketing regulations is more likely to result in lasting changes to people’s eating habits and overall health.
(Word count: 339)
Explanation of Band 7 Score
This essay would likely receive a Band 7 score for the following reasons:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task and presents a clear position. It discusses both the advantages and disadvantages of increasing taxes on junk food.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear overall progression. Each paragraph has a central topic, and ideas are logically sequenced.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is generally appropriate and accurate, with some attempts at more sophisticated words and phrases. Examples include “subsidize,” “cat-and-mouse game,” and “undermining the intended health benefits.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control. There are no major grammatical errors that impede communication.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 6)
Lastly, here’s an essay that would likely score a Band 6:
Nowadays, many people think that governments should make junk food and sugary drinks more expensive by increasing taxes. This is supposed to help people eat healthier. I partly agree with this idea, but I think there are also some problems with it.
One good thing about raising taxes on unhealthy food is that it might make people buy less of it. When things cost more, people often try to save money by not buying them as much. This could be good for people’s health because they might eat less junk food and drink fewer sugary drinks. Also, the government could use the extra money from these taxes to pay for health programs or to make healthy food cheaper.
But there are also some problems with this idea. First, not everyone will stop buying junk food just because it costs more. Some people really like these foods and will keep buying them anyway. Second, it’s not fair to make poor people pay more for food they like. They might not have enough money to buy healthier options, which are often more expensive.
I think the government should do more than just increase taxes. They should teach people about healthy eating in schools and on TV. They should also make sure there are more healthy food options in all areas, especially in poor neighborhoods. Companies should not be allowed to advertise junk food to children too much.
In conclusion, I think increasing taxes on junk food and sugary drinks can help a little bit, but it’s not enough on its own. The government needs to do many different things to help people eat healthier.
(Word count: 272)
Explanation of Band 6 Score
This essay would likely receive a Band 6 score for the following reasons:
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Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task and presents a position, although the ideas are not always fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is organized with some logic, but the progression of ideas is not always clear. Basic cohesive devices are used, but not always effectively.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, but lacks sophistication. There is some repetition of words and phrases.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, but with limited flexibility. There are some grammatical errors, but they do not significantly impede communication.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Intervention (noun) – /ˌɪntərˈvenʃən/ – an action taken to improve a situation
- Earmark (verb) – /ˈɪrˌmɑːrk/ – to reserve or set aside for a specific purpose
- Circumvent (verb) – /ˌsɜːrkəmˈvent/ – to find a way around (an obstacle)
- Multi-faceted (adjective) – /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
- Subsidize (verb) – /ˈsʌbsɪdaɪz/ – to support financially
- Undermine (verb) – /ˌʌndərˈmaɪn/ – to gradually weaken or destroy
- Cat-and-mouse game (idiom) – a situation characterized by constant pursuit, near captures, and repeated escapes
- Reformulate (verb) – /ˌriːˈfɔːrmjəleɪt/ – to change or adjust the way something is expressed or organized
Conclusion
The topic of increasing taxes on junk food and sugary drinks is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare for this and similar topics, practice writing essays that discuss public health policies, government interventions, and personal responsibility in health choices. Remember to clearly state your position, provide relevant examples, and consider multiple perspectives on the issue.
As you practice, try to incorporate more sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures to improve your band score. Don’t forget to time yourself to ensure you can complete the task within the 40-minute limit.
We encourage you to try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare for the actual IELTS test. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!