The topic of government regulation on unhealthy food advertising 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 appear frequently in future tests due to its relevance to public health and policy debates worldwide. Let’s explore this topic in depth with sample essays for different band scores.
Junk food advertisements targeting children
Analyzing the Question
Let’s consider the following question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people believe that governments should ban the advertising of unhealthy food to tackle obesity. Others think there are better ways to address this problem. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for banning unhealthy food advertisements
- Explore alternative solutions to address obesity
- Provide a personal opinion on the most effective approach
Sample Essays
Band 9 Sample Essay
Obesity has become a global health crisis, prompting debates on potential solutions. While some advocate for government intervention through banning unhealthy food advertisements, others argue for alternative approaches. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my view on the most effective strategy.
Proponents of advertising bans argue that restricting the promotion of unhealthy foods could significantly reduce their consumption. They contend that aggressive marketing, especially towards children, contributes to poor dietary choices and subsequent health issues. By eliminating these influences, individuals might be more inclined to make healthier food selections. Moreover, such regulations could encourage food companies to reformulate their products to meet healthier standards, thereby improving the overall food environment.
On the other hand, critics of this approach suggest that there are more effective ways to combat obesity. They propose that comprehensive education programs on nutrition and healthy lifestyles could empower individuals to make informed choices, regardless of advertising exposure. Additionally, implementing policies to make healthy foods more affordable and accessible could have a more direct impact on dietary habits. Some also argue that personal responsibility plays a crucial role, and that government intervention in advertising infringes on free market principles.
In my opinion, while banning unhealthy food advertisements could have some positive effects, a multifaceted approach is likely to be more effective in addressing obesity. I believe that a combination of strategies, including improved nutrition education, incentives for healthy food production and consumption, and some regulations on the most egregious forms of junk food marketing (especially those targeting children), would yield the best results. This balanced approach acknowledges the complex nature of obesity and targets the issue from multiple angles.
In conclusion, while the debate on banning unhealthy food advertisements highlights important concerns, a comprehensive strategy that incorporates education, policy changes, and targeted regulations is more likely to successfully combat obesity. By addressing both individual choices and systemic factors, societies can work towards creating healthier food environments and reducing obesity rates.
(Word count: 309)
Band 7 Sample Essay
The rising rates of obesity worldwide have led to discussions about how to address this health issue. Some people think that governments should ban advertisements for unhealthy food, while others believe there are better solutions. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support banning unhealthy food ads argue that this could help reduce obesity. They say that these advertisements, especially ones aimed at children, encourage people to eat more junk food. If people see fewer ads for unhealthy foods, they might make better food choices. Also, this ban could make food companies create healthier products to advertise instead.
However, others think there are more effective ways to solve the obesity problem. They suggest that teaching people about healthy eating and exercise is more important. This education could help people make better choices on their own. Some also think that making healthy food cheaper and easier to find would be more helpful than banning ads. They believe that people should be responsible for their own choices and that the government shouldn’t control what companies can advertise.
In my opinion, banning unhealthy food ads might help a little, but it’s not enough on its own to solve the obesity problem. I think a mix of different approaches would work better. This could include some limits on advertising unhealthy food to kids, better education about healthy living, and making healthy food more available and affordable. By doing several things together, we can address different parts of the problem at the same time.
To conclude, while banning unhealthy food advertisements is one possible solution to obesity, a combination of strategies is likely to be more effective. By using education, making healthy food more accessible, and some advertising regulations, we can work towards reducing obesity rates in a more comprehensive way.
(Word count: 293)
Band 6 Sample Essay
Obesity is a big problem in many countries today. Some people think the government should stop companies from advertising unhealthy food to help solve this problem. Other people think there are better ways to deal with obesity. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
People who want to ban unhealthy food ads think it will help people eat less junk food. They say that these ads make people, especially kids, want to eat more unhealthy food. If there are no ads, people might choose healthier food instead. Also, food companies might make healthier food if they can’t advertise the unhealthy stuff.
But other people think there are better ways to stop obesity. They say teaching people about healthy eating is more important. If people know more about good food, they can make better choices. Some people also think making healthy food cheaper would help more than banning ads. They believe people should decide for themselves what to eat, and the government shouldn’t control ads.
I think that banning unhealthy food ads might help a little, but it’s not enough to stop obesity. I believe we need to do many things together. We should teach people about healthy eating, make healthy food cheaper, and maybe stop some ads for very unhealthy food, especially ads for kids. Doing all these things together will work better than just banning ads.
In conclusion, while stopping unhealthy food ads might help, I think doing many different things is the best way to fight obesity. By teaching people, making healthy food easier to get, and some rules about ads, we can try to make people healthier.
(Word count: 269)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 9 Essay:
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout.
- Lexical Resource: Wide range of vocabulary used with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy.
Band 7 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Information and ideas are organized logically; progression is clear overall.
- Lexical Resource: Sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a variety of complex structures with good control; occasional errors occur.
Band 6 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses the task, though some aspects are dealt with more fully than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Information and ideas are generally arranged coherently, but there may be a lack of overall progression.
- Lexical Resource: Adequate range of vocabulary for the task, though there may be some inaccuracy in word choice.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Mix of simple and complex sentence forms; some errors in grammar and punctuation, but they rarely impede communication.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Obesity (noun) /əʊˈbiːsəti/: The condition of being very overweight.
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Regulation (noun) /reɡjʊˈleɪʃ(ə)n/: An official rule made by a government or other authority.
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Intervention (noun) /ɪntəˈvenʃ(ə)n/: The act of becoming involved in a situation in order to improve it or prevent it from getting worse.
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Advocate (verb) /ˈadvəkeɪt/: To publicly support or recommend a particular cause or policy.
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Multifaceted (adjective) /mʌltɪˈfasɪtɪd/: Having many different aspects or features.
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Empower (verb) /ɪmˈpaʊə(r)/: To give someone the authority or power to do something.
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Incentive (noun) /ɪnˈsentɪv/: Something that encourages a person to do something.
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Comprehensive (adjective) /kɒmprɪˈhensɪv/: Including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.
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Egregious (adjective) /ɪˈɡriːdʒəs/: Outstandingly bad; shocking.
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Reformulate (verb) /riːˈfɔːmjʊleɪt/: To change the way something is said or done, especially in order to make it more accurate or better.
Conclusion
The topic of government regulation on unhealthy food advertising is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Similar questions might explore related themes such as:
- The role of government in promoting public health
- Balancing individual freedom with societal well-being
- The effectiveness of education versus regulation in changing behaviors
To prepare for such questions, practice writing essays on these topics, focusing on developing balanced arguments and clear, coherent responses. Remember to support your points with relevant examples and maintain a formal academic tone throughout your essay.
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam.
