The question of whether governments should regulate the sale of junk food has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. This topic touches on public health, personal freedom, and government responsibility, making it a complex and thought-provoking subject for essay writing. Based on recent trends, we can expect this theme to appear more frequently in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore a specific question related to this topic and analyze sample essays at different band levels.
Analyzing the Question
Some people think that governments should ban the sale of unhealthy food and drink in order to improve people’s health. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
This question asks for your opinion on whether governments should prohibit the sale of unhealthy food and beverages to enhance public health. It’s crucial to note that this is an opinion-based question, requiring you to express your stance clearly and support it with logical arguments and relevant examples.
Key points to consider:
- The role of government in public health
- Personal freedom and choice
- The effectiveness of bans versus other measures
- Potential economic impacts
- Alternative solutions to improve public health
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In recent years, the debate over government intervention in dietary choices has intensified, with some advocating for a complete ban on unhealthy food and drink sales. While I acknowledge the importance of addressing public health concerns, I strongly disagree with the notion that such a drastic measure is the most effective or appropriate solution.
Firstly, imposing a blanket ban on unhealthy food and beverages infringes upon personal freedom and individual choice. In a democratic society, citizens should have the right to make informed decisions about their diet and lifestyle. Instead of resorting to prohibitive measures, governments should focus on educating the public about nutrition and the long-term consequences of poor dietary habits. This approach empowers individuals to make healthier choices voluntarily, fostering a sense of personal responsibility.
Moreover, implementing such a ban could have severe economic repercussions. The food and beverage industry is a significant contributor to many countries’ economies, providing employment and generating tax revenue. A sudden and comprehensive ban could lead to job losses and economic instability. Instead, governments could consider gradual policy changes, such as incentivizing healthier food production and imposing taxes on unhealthy options, which would encourage industry adaptation without causing abrupt economic disruption.
Furthermore, the definition of “unhealthy” food is subjective and can vary across cultures and individual needs. What might be considered unhealthy for one person could be a necessary part of another’s diet due to medical conditions or lifestyle factors. A one-size-fits-all approach to banning certain foods fails to account for these nuances and could inadvertently harm some individuals.
Instead of an outright ban, governments should adopt a multifaceted approach to improving public health. This could include:
- Implementing comprehensive nutrition education programs in schools and communities
- Mandating clear and easily understandable nutritional labeling on food products
- Offering subsidies for healthier food options to make them more accessible and affordable
- Encouraging physical activity through improved urban planning and recreational facilities
- Collaborating with the food industry to reformulate products with healthier ingredients
In conclusion, while the intention behind banning unhealthy food and drink sales is commendable, it is an overly simplistic and potentially harmful solution to a complex problem. A more balanced and nuanced approach that combines education, economic incentives, and industry collaboration would be far more effective in improving public health without compromising individual freedom or economic stability.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Example
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates the qualities expected of a high band score (8-9) response:
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with a well-developed argument. It considers multiple perspectives and offers alternative solutions.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph focuses on a specific idea, and there is effective use of cohesive devices.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is sophisticated and precise, with a wide range of terms used accurately (e.g., “infringes upon,” “repercussions,” “multifaceted approach”).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a wide range of complex structures used accurately and appropriately (e.g., “While I acknowledge… I strongly disagree,” “Instead of resorting to…”).
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The idea of governments banning unhealthy food and drinks to improve people’s health is a topic of much debate. While I understand the concerns about public health, I partially disagree with this approach.
On one hand, banning unhealthy food could have some positive effects. Many people struggle with obesity and related health problems because of easy access to junk food. If these options were not available, people might be forced to choose healthier alternatives. This could lead to better overall health for the population and reduce healthcare costs for the government.
However, I believe that banning unhealthy food is not the best solution. Firstly, it takes away people’s freedom to choose what they eat. Adults should be able to decide for themselves what to consume, even if it’s not the healthiest option. Secondly, it could harm businesses that sell these products, leading to job losses and economic problems.
Instead of a ban, I think governments should focus on education and providing healthier options. They could:
- Teach people about nutrition in schools
- Make sure food labels are clear and easy to understand
- Encourage companies to make healthier versions of popular foods
- Make healthy food more affordable through subsidies
In conclusion, while banning unhealthy food might seem like a quick fix, it’s not the best way to improve public health. Education and providing better options are more effective and fair approaches that respect people’s freedom of choice.
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates the qualities expected of a mid-range band score (6-7) response:
Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task and presents a clear position. However, the ideas could be more fully developed and supported with specific examples.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is appropriate and varied, but lacks the precision and sophistication of higher band scores.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control, but lacks the variety and accuracy of the Band 8-9 essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Intervention (noun) /ˌɪntəˈvenʃən/ – the action of becoming involved in a situation to improve it
- Prohibitive (adjective) /prəˈhɪbɪtɪv/ – serving or tending to prohibit or restrict
- Repercussions (noun) /ˌriːpəˈkʌʃənz/ – an unintended consequence of an event or action
- Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
- Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
- Incentivize (verb) /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ – to encourage or motivate someone to do something
- Subsidies (noun) /ˈsʌbsɪdiz/ – money granted by the state to help an industry or business
- Reformulate (verb) /ˌriːˈfɔːmjʊleɪt/ – to change or amend a plan or idea
Conclusion
The question of government regulation of junk food sales is a complex and nuanced topic that requires careful consideration of various factors. When approaching this type of question in IELTS Writing Task 2, it’s crucial to present a clear opinion, support it with well-developed arguments, and consider multiple perspectives.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The effectiveness of sugar taxes in reducing obesity rates
- The role of advertising in promoting unhealthy food choices
- The impact of fast food on children’s health and development
Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!