The topic of healthier school lunches has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and analysis of past exams, this subject is likely to appear more frequently in future tests. Its relevance to public health, education, and government policy makes it a prime candidate for IELTS essay questions. Let’s examine a sample question that closely resembles those seen in actual IELTS exams:
Some people think that schools should provide students with healthy lunches, while others believe it is the responsibility of parents to provide their children with healthy food. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that schools should provide healthy lunches
- Discuss the view that parents should be responsible for providing healthy food
- Give their own opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score. Let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, starting with a Band 8 example.
Band 8 Sample Essay
The debate over who should be responsible for ensuring children eat nutritious meals at school is a complex one. While some argue that schools should take on this role, others contend that it falls within the purview of parents. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view on the matter.
Those who believe schools should provide healthy lunches argue that this approach ensures all children have access to nutritious meals, regardless of their family’s economic situation. Schools have the resources and expertise to design balanced menus that meet dietary guidelines, which may not be possible for all parents. Moreover, by offering healthy options, schools can help establish good eating habits that children may carry into adulthood. This approach also addresses the issue of food insecurity, ensuring that no child goes hungry during the school day.
On the other hand, proponents of parental responsibility argue that parents are best positioned to understand their children’s nutritional needs and preferences. They can tailor meals to accommodate allergies, cultural preferences, and individual health requirements. Furthermore, involving parents in their children’s nutrition encourages a holistic approach to health and well-being that extends beyond the school environment. This view also emphasizes the importance of parental autonomy and the right to make decisions about their children’s diets.
In my opinion, the most effective approach would be a collaborative effort between schools and parents. Schools could provide a baseline of healthy lunch options, while parents could supplement these with additional foods or alternatives when necessary. This partnership would ensure that all children have access to nutritious meals while still respecting parental input and individual needs. It would also create opportunities for nutrition education that involves both the school and home environments, fostering a comprehensive approach to healthy eating.
In conclusion, while both schools and parents have valid arguments for taking responsibility for children’s lunches, a combined approach is likely to yield the best results. By working together, schools and parents can create a supportive environment that promotes healthy eating habits and ensures all children have access to nutritious meals during the school day.
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, discussing both views and clearly stating the writer’s own opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. It uses a range of cohesive devices effectively (e.g., “On the other hand”, “Moreover”, “Furthermore”).
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Lexical Resource: The essay demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary used accurately and appropriately (e.g., “purview”, “holistic approach”, “food insecurity”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a variety of complex structures accurately. There are no noticeable errors, and the meaning is clear throughout.
Band 7 Sample Essay
The issue of who should be responsible for providing healthy lunches to students is a topic of ongoing debate. While some believe schools should take on this role, others argue that it is the parents’ duty. This essay will explore both viewpoints before offering my personal opinion.
Those who support school-provided lunches argue that schools are well-equipped to ensure all students receive balanced meals. Schools can employ nutritionists to design menus that meet dietary guidelines and can prepare meals in bulk, potentially making healthy eating more cost-effective. Additionally, this approach ensures that all children, regardless of their family’s financial situation, have access to nutritious food during the school day.
On the contrary, advocates for parental responsibility contend that parents know their children’s needs and preferences best. They can cater to specific dietary requirements, such as allergies or cultural preferences, which may be challenging for schools to accommodate on a large scale. Furthermore, when parents pack lunches, they are more involved in their children’s nutrition, which can lead to better overall eating habits at home as well.
In my view, a combination of both approaches would be most beneficial. Schools could provide a basic healthy lunch option, while parents could choose to supplement this with additional foods or send alternative lunches if they prefer. This collaborative approach would ensure that all children have access to at least one nutritious meal per day while still allowing for parental input and flexibility.
In conclusion, while both schools and parents have valid arguments for taking responsibility for students’ lunches, a joint effort is likely to be most effective. By working together, schools and parents can create a supportive environment that promotes healthy eating habits and ensures all children are well-nourished during the school day.
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, discussing both views and stating the writer’s opinion. However, the development of ideas is less thorough than in the Band 8 essay.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. It uses cohesive devices, although less varied than the Band 8 essay.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a good range of vocabulary, but with less sophistication and precision compared to the Band 8 essay.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with good control. There may be occasional errors, but they do not impede communication.
Band 6 Sample Essay
The question of who should provide healthy lunches for students is often debated. Some people think schools should do this, while others believe it’s the parents’ job. I will discuss both ideas and give my opinion.
People who think schools should provide healthy lunches say it’s a good way to make sure all students eat well. Schools can make large amounts of healthy food, which might be cheaper than if parents buy food separately. Also, if schools give lunches, all children can eat healthy food, even if their parents don’t have much money.
But some people say parents should be responsible for their children’s lunches. They think parents know what their children like to eat and can make sure the food fits with their family’s culture or religion. When parents make lunches, they learn more about nutrition, which can help the whole family eat better.
I think the best way is for schools and parents to work together. Schools could offer some healthy food options, and parents could add extra food or send different lunches if they want. This way, all children would have some healthy food at school, but parents could still have a say in what their children eat.
To conclude, both schools and parents have good reasons for wanting to provide lunches. I believe that if they work together, they can make sure all children eat healthy food at school.
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 all parts of the task, but the ideas are less developed compared to higher band essays.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes repetitive.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses an adequate range of vocabulary, but lacks the precision and sophistication of higher band essays.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay mainly uses simple sentence structures with some attempts at more complex sentences. There may be some errors, but the meaning is generally clear.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Nutritious (adjective) /njuːˈtrɪʃəs/ – containing substances necessary for growth and health
- Dietary guidelines (noun phrase) /ˈdaɪətəri ˈɡaɪdlaɪnz/ – official recommendations for healthy eating
- Food insecurity (noun phrase) /fuːd ɪnˌsɪkjʊəˈrɪti/ – lack of reliable access to sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food
- Holistic approach (noun phrase) /həʊˈlɪstɪk əˈprəʊtʃ/ – considering the whole situation or person rather than just a part
- Autonomy (noun) /ɔːˈtɒnəmi/ – freedom to make one’s own decisions
- Collaborative effort (noun phrase) /kəˈlæbərətɪv ˈefət/ – working together to achieve a goal
- Cost-effective (adjective) /kɒst ɪˈfektɪv/ – providing good value for the amount of money spent
- Accommodate (verb) /əˈkɒmədeɪt/ – to provide for or meet the needs of someone
- Supplement (verb) /ˈsʌplɪment/ – to add an extra element or amount to something
- Well-nourished (adjective) /wel ˈnʌrɪʃt/ – having received adequate nutrition for proper growth and development
In conclusion, the topic of healthier school lunches is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Candidates should be prepared to discuss various aspects of this issue, including the roles of schools, parents, and government policies in promoting healthy eating habits among students. To practice, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active approach to learning can significantly improve your writing skills and prepare you for success in the IELTS exam.