IELTS Writing Task 2: Sample Essays on Meat Tax and Vegetarian Diets (Band 6-9)

The topic of governments introducing a meat tax to promote vegetarian diets is becoming increasingly relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. This subject has appeared in various forms in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular theme due to growing global concerns about climate change, health, and animal welfare. Based on recent trends, we can expect to see more questions addressing this issue in future IELTS tests.

Let’s examine a specific question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:

Some people believe that governments should introduce a meat tax to encourage people to eat less meat and more vegetables. Do you agree or disagree?

Analysis of the Question

This question requires candidates to express their opinion on whether governments should implement a tax on meat to promote vegetarian diets. Key points to consider:

1. The role of government in influencing dietary choices
2. The potential effectiveness of a meat tax
3. The pros and cons of reducing meat consumption
4. Alternative methods to promote vegetarian diets
5. The impact on various stakeholders (consumers, farmers, health sector)

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

In recent years, there has been growing debate about the environmental and health impacts of meat consumption, leading some to propose a government-imposed meat tax. While I acknowledge the potential benefits of reducing meat intake, I disagree with the implementation of such a tax as I believe it is an overly simplistic and potentially counterproductive approach to a complex issue.

Firstly, a meat tax could disproportionately affect lower-income households, who may already struggle to afford a balanced diet. By making meat more expensive, we risk creating a situation where nutritious protein sources become a luxury item, potentially leading to nutritional deficiencies among vulnerable populations. Instead of improving public health, this could exacerbate existing health inequalities.

Moreover, a blanket tax on all meat products fails to distinguish between different production methods and their varying environmental impacts. For instance, locally sourced, sustainably raised livestock may have a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to industrially produced meat. A more nuanced approach would be to incentivize sustainable farming practices and educate consumers about the environmental impact of their food choices.

Additionally, such a tax could face significant political and public backlash, potentially undermining broader efforts to address climate change and promote sustainable diets. It may be seen as government overreach and could foster resentment towards environmental initiatives. Instead, policymakers should focus on positive incentives and education to encourage more plant-based eating.

A more effective strategy would be to invest in research and development of plant-based alternatives, making them more appealing and accessible to the general public. Coupled with comprehensive education programs about the benefits of reducing meat consumption, this approach could lead to more sustainable, long-term changes in dietary habits without the negative consequences of a punitive tax.

In conclusion, while the intention behind a meat tax is understandable, I believe it is not the most effective or fair way to promote vegetarian diets. A holistic approach that combines education, innovation, and positive incentives is more likely to achieve the desired outcome of reducing meat consumption and its associated environmental impact.

Meat tax debate: Environmental and health impacts

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

The idea of governments introducing a meat tax to encourage people to eat more vegetables is a controversial topic. While some people support this idea, I disagree with it for several reasons.

Firstly, a meat tax would be unfair to many people. Not everyone can afford to pay more for their food, especially in poorer countries. This tax might make it harder for some families to get the protein they need in their diet. It’s important to remember that meat is a good source of nutrients that are important for health.

Secondly, I don’t think a tax is the best way to change people’s eating habits. People often don’t like being told what to do, especially when it comes to their food choices. A tax might make people angry at the government instead of making them want to eat more vegetables. There are better ways to encourage healthy eating, like education programs in schools or making vegetables cheaper and more available.

Another problem is that this tax could hurt farmers and businesses that produce and sell meat. Many people’s jobs depend on the meat industry, and a tax could cause some of these people to lose their jobs. This could have a big impact on some communities, especially in rural areas.

Instead of a tax, I think governments should focus on educating people about the benefits of eating more vegetables. They could also support research into making vegetarian food taste better and be more affordable. This way, people can make their own choices about what to eat based on good information.

In conclusion, while I understand the goal of promoting vegetarian diets, I don’t agree that a meat tax is the right way to do it. There are better ways to encourage healthy and environmentally friendly eating habits that don’t involve forcing people through taxes.

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

Some people think the government should make a tax on meat to make people eat more vegetables. I don’t agree with this idea because I think it’s not a good way to change what people eat.

First, a tax on meat would make food more expensive for many people. This is not fair, especially for poor families who already have trouble buying enough food. Meat is important for health and making it cost more could be bad for some people’s health.

Also, I don’t think a tax will make people want to eat more vegetables. People like to choose their own food and don’t like being told what to eat. If the government tries to force people to eat less meat, they might get angry and not want to listen to any advice about healthy eating.

Another problem is that this tax could hurt farmers who raise animals for meat. Many people work in jobs related to meat, and if less people buy meat, these workers might lose their jobs. This could be very bad for some areas where many people work in farming.

I think there are better ways to make people eat more vegetables. The government could teach people about why vegetables are good for health and the environment. They could also make vegetables cheaper or easier to buy. This way, people can choose to eat more vegetables because they want to, not because they are forced to.

In conclusion, I don’t think a meat tax is a good idea. It’s better to help people understand why eating more vegetables is good, instead of making meat more expensive.

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay:

• Task Response: Fully addresses all parts of the task with a clear position throughout. Presents fully extended and well-developed ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion: Logically organizes information and ideas with clear progression. Uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately.
• Lexical Resource: Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy.

Band 6-7 Essay:

• Task Response: Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others. Presents relevant main ideas but some may be inadequately developed.
• Coherence and Cohesion: Arranges information and ideas coherently and there is a clear overall progression. Uses cohesive devices effectively, but cohesion within and/or between sentences may be faulty or mechanical.
• Lexical Resource: Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task. Attempts to use less common vocabulary but with some inaccuracy.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. Makes some errors in grammar and punctuation but they rarely reduce communication.

Band 5-6 Essay:

• Task Response: Addresses the task only partially. The format may be inappropriate in places. Presents a relevant position although the conclusions may become unclear or repetitive.
• Coherence and Cohesion: Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression. Makes inadequate, inaccurate or over-use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource: Uses a limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally adequate for the task. May make noticeable errors in spelling and/or word formation that may cause some difficulty for the reader.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses only a limited range of structures. Attempts complex sentences but these tend to be less accurate than simple sentences. May make frequent grammatical errors and punctuation may be faulty.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Band scores comparison

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Incentivize (verb) /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ – to encourage or motivate someone to do something
2. Disproportionately (adverb) /ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːʃənətli/ – to an extent that is too large or too small in comparison with something else
3. Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
4. Holistic (adjective) /həʊˈlɪstɪk/ – characterized by the belief that the parts of something are intimately interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole
5. Punitive (adjective) /ˈpjuːnɪtɪv/ – inflicting or intended as punishment
6. Counterproductive (adjective) /ˌkaʊntəprəˈdʌktɪv/ – having the opposite of the desired effect
7. Exacerbate (verb) /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ – make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse
8. Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
9. Backlash (noun) /ˈbæklæʃ/ – a strong negative reaction by a large number of people, especially to a social or political development
10. Resentment (noun) /rɪˈzentmənt/ – bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly

In conclusion, the topic of meat taxation to promote vegetarian diets is a complex and controversial issue that requires careful consideration of various factors. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, consider practicing with similar topics such as:

1. The environmental impact of meat production
2. Government policies to promote healthy eating
3. The ethics of animal farming
4. The economic effects of shifting to plant-based diets
5. The role of education in changing dietary habits

Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide well-developed arguments supported by examples. Practice writing essays on these topics and share them in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.