Meal kits have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering convenience and variety to busy individuals and families. The topic of whether meal kits should be encouraged for sustainability purposes has gained attention in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. While this specific question hasn’t appeared frequently in past exams, related topics on food sustainability, packaging waste, and convenience foods have been common. As environmental concerns continue to grow, it’s likely that questions about meal kits and sustainability will become more prevalent in future IELTS tests.

Let’s examine a potential IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this topic:

Some people believe that meal kit delivery services should be encouraged as a way to promote sustainability in food consumption. Others argue that these services create more waste and are not environmentally friendly. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Analyzing the Question

This question requires candidates to:

1. Discuss the view that meal kits promote sustainability
2. Discuss the opposing view that meal kits are not environmentally friendly
3. Provide their own opinion on the matter

It’s important to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced discussion before stating your own position.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Meal kit delivery services have gained popularity in recent years, sparking debate about their environmental impact. While some argue that these services promote sustainability in food consumption, others contend that they generate more waste and are ultimately detrimental to the environment. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.

Proponents of meal kits argue that these services can contribute to sustainability in several ways. Firstly, they can reduce food waste by providing pre-portioned ingredients, preventing overbuying and spoilage of unused items. Additionally, meal kits often source ingredients locally and seasonally, potentially reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation. Moreover, by offering plant-based and vegetarian options, these services can encourage more sustainable eating habits, as plant-based diets generally have a lower environmental impact than meat-heavy diets.

On the other hand, critics argue that meal kits generate excessive packaging waste, which can negate any potential environmental benefits. Each ingredient is often individually wrapped, leading to a significant amount of plastic and other non-recyclable materials. Furthermore, the transportation required for home delivery of these kits can contribute to increased carbon emissions, especially when compared to traditional grocery shopping methods. Skeptics also point out that the convenience of meal kits may discourage people from developing essential cooking skills and understanding the importance of seasonal, local produce.

In my opinion, while meal kits have the potential to promote sustainability, their current implementation often falls short of this goal. I believe that with significant improvements in packaging materials and delivery methods, meal kit services could become a more environmentally friendly option. However, at present, the excessive packaging waste and transportation-related emissions outweigh the potential benefits of reduced food waste and promotion of plant-based diets.

In conclusion, the sustainability of meal kit delivery services is a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides. While these services offer some potential environmental benefits, the current drawbacks are substantial. Moving forward, it is crucial for meal kit companies to innovate and prioritize eco-friendly packaging and distribution methods if they wish to truly contribute to sustainability in food consumption.

(Word count: 345)

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Meal kit delivery services have become popular recently, and people have different opinions about their impact on the environment. Some think they are good for sustainability, while others believe they create more waste. In this essay, I will discuss both views and share my own thoughts.

Those who support meal kits say they can help reduce food waste. When people buy ingredients from supermarkets, they often buy too much and end up throwing away unused food. Meal kits provide exactly the right amount of ingredients, so there is less waste. Also, these services sometimes use local and seasonal ingredients, which can be better for the environment. They also offer vegetarian options, which can encourage people to eat less meat and be more sustainable.

However, critics point out that meal kits use a lot of packaging. Each ingredient often comes in its own plastic wrapper, which creates a lot of waste. This extra packaging might cancel out any benefits from reducing food waste. Another problem is that delivering meal kits to people’s homes requires transportation, which can increase pollution from vehicles. Some people also worry that relying on meal kits might make people less skilled at cooking and less aware of where their food comes from.

In my opinion, meal kits have both good and bad points when it comes to sustainability. I think they could be more environmentally friendly if companies used less packaging and found better ways to deliver the kits. Right now, I believe the amount of waste they create is a big problem, even though they might help reduce food waste.

To conclude, meal kit delivery services have potential benefits for sustainability, but they also have significant drawbacks. Companies need to work on making their services more eco-friendly if they want to truly help the environment. It’s important for consumers to think carefully about the overall impact of these services when deciding whether to use them.

(Word count: 309)

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

Meal kit delivery services are becoming more popular these days. Some people think they are good for the environment, but others think they make more waste. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.

People who like meal kits say they help stop food waste. When we buy food from shops, we often buy too much and throw away what we don’t use. Meal kits give us just enough food, so we don’t waste any. Also, some meal kits use food from nearby farms, which can be good for the environment. They also have vegetarian meals, which can help people eat less meat.

But other people say meal kits use too much packaging. Every ingredient comes in its own plastic bag, which makes a lot of rubbish. This extra rubbish might be worse for the environment than the food waste we save. Another problem is that delivering meal kits to houses uses cars and trucks, which can make more pollution. Some people also think that using meal kits all the time might make people forget how to cook properly.

I think meal kits have some good points and some bad points for the environment. They could be better if they used less packaging and found better ways to deliver the food. Right now, I think they make too much rubbish, even though they might help save some food from being wasted.

In conclusion, meal kit delivery services might help the environment in some ways, but they also cause problems. Companies need to make their meal kits better for the environment if they want to really help. People should think carefully about whether meal kits are good or bad for the environment before they decide to use them.

(Word count: 276)

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay:

This essay demonstrates excellent language use, coherent organization, and a sophisticated approach to the topic. It:

• Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
• Presents a clear position throughout the essay
• Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features
• Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
• Develops ideas coherently and logically, using a variety of cohesive devices effectively
• Provides well-supported arguments with relevant examples

Band 6-7 Essay:

This essay shows a competent handling of the task with some limitations. It:

• Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
• Presents a relevant position, though the conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
• Uses an adequate range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision
• Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with generally good control
• Arranges information coherently and uses cohesive devices, though not always appropriately
• Presents relevant main ideas but some may be inadequately developed or unclear

Band 5-6 Essay:

This essay demonstrates a modest attempt at addressing the task. It:

• Addresses the task only partially, with limited development of ideas
• Expresses a position but the development is not always clear
• Uses limited range of vocabulary, adequate for the task but with some inaccuracy
• Uses a limited range of structures with some attempts at complex sentences
• Presents information with some organization but may lack overall progression
• Presents some main ideas but these are limited and not sufficiently developed

IELTS Writing Task 2 Band Score Comparison

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/: The ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time.

2. Food waste (noun) /fuːd weɪst/: Unused or leftover food that is discarded.

3. Carbon footprint (noun) /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/: The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of human activities.

4. Eco-friendly (adjective) /ˌiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/: Not harmful to the environment.

5. Plant-based (adjective) /plɑːnt beɪst/: Made entirely from plants or plant products.

6. Packaging waste (noun) /ˈpækɪdʒɪŋ weɪst/: Discarded materials used for the containment, protection, handling, delivery, and presentation of goods.

7. Carbon emissions (noun) /ˈkɑːbən iˈmɪʃənz/: The release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

8. Locally sourced (adjective) /ˈləʊkəli sɔːst/: Obtained or produced in the local area.

9. Environmental impact (noun) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈɪmpækt/: The effect of human activities on the natural environment.

10. Biodegradable (adjective) /ˌbaɪəʊdɪˈɡreɪdəbl/: Capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms.

In conclusion, the topic of meal kit sustainability presents a complex issue for IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. While it hasn’t been a frequent question in past exams, related topics on food sustainability and environmental impact have appeared regularly. As environmental concerns continue to grow, candidates should be prepared to discuss various aspects of sustainability in food consumption.

To practice for similar topics, consider writing essays on:

1. The environmental impact of food delivery services
2. Ways to reduce packaging waste in the food industry
3. The role of technology in promoting sustainable food consumption
4. Balancing convenience and environmental responsibility in modern lifestyles

Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners.