The topic of whether governments should ban the sale of sugary drinks has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. This issue touches on public health, personal freedom, and government intervention, making it a complex and thought-provoking subject for essay writing. Based on past exam trends and current global health concerns, there’s a high probability that this topic will continue to appear in future IELTS tests.
Let’s examine a specific question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people think that governments should ban the sale of sugary drinks to improve public health. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Analyzing the Question
This question requires you to:
- Understand the concept of government intervention in public health
- Consider the pros and cons of banning sugary drinks
- Form an opinion on whether you agree or disagree with this approach
- Provide reasons and examples to support your stance
Sample Essays for Different Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Sample
In recent years, the detrimental effects of excessive sugar consumption on public health have become increasingly apparent, leading some to advocate for government intervention in the form of banning sugary drinks. While I acknowledge the good intentions behind such proposals, I ultimately disagree with this approach, as I believe it infringes on personal freedom and may not effectively address the root causes of health issues.
Firstly, banning sugary drinks outright represents an overreach of government power into personal choice. Individuals should have the right to make their own decisions about what they consume, even if those choices may not always be the healthiest. A ban on sugary drinks sets a concerning precedent that could lead to further restrictions on food and beverage choices, potentially eroding personal autonomy in other areas of life. Instead of imposing bans, governments should focus on educating the public about the health risks associated with excessive sugar consumption, empowering individuals to make informed decisions.
Moreover, a ban on sugary drinks may not effectively address the underlying health issues it aims to solve. Sugar consumption is just one factor contributing to problems like obesity and diabetes. A more comprehensive approach is needed, addressing issues such as sedentary lifestyles, overall dietary habits, and socioeconomic factors that influence health outcomes. For example, investing in public health education programs, promoting physical activity, and improving access to healthy food options could yield more significant and sustainable results than a simple ban on sugary drinks.
Additionally, such a ban could have unintended economic consequences. Many businesses, from small local shops to large beverage companies, rely on the sale of sugary drinks for a portion of their income. A sudden ban could lead to job losses and economic hardship for these businesses and their employees. Instead, governments could consider alternative measures, such as implementing a sugar tax or requiring clearer labeling of sugar content, which could discourage excessive consumption without completely eliminating consumer choice.
In conclusion, while the intention to improve public health is commendable, banning sugary drinks is not the most effective or appropriate solution. A more balanced approach that respects individual freedom, addresses multiple factors contributing to health issues, and considers potential economic impacts would be more beneficial. Governments should focus on education, promotion of healthy lifestyles, and targeted policies that encourage better choices without resorting to outright bans.
(Word count: 377)
Band 6-7 Essay Sample
The idea of governments banning sugary drinks to improve public health is a controversial topic. While I understand the concerns about health problems caused by too much sugar, I partly disagree with a complete ban on sugary drinks.
One reason I disagree is that banning sugary drinks takes away people’s freedom to choose what they want to drink. People should be able to decide for themselves what they consume, even if it’s not always healthy. Instead of a ban, the government could focus on educating people about the risks of drinking too many sugary drinks. This way, people can make informed choices about their health.
However, I do agree that the government should take some action to address the health problems caused by sugary drinks. For example, they could put a tax on these drinks to make them more expensive and discourage people from buying them too often. They could also require clear labels on drinks to show how much sugar they contain, helping people understand what they’re consuming.
Another reason I partly agree with government action is that sugary drinks contribute to serious health problems like obesity and diabetes. These health issues put a strain on healthcare systems and can reduce people’s quality of life. By taking steps to reduce the consumption of sugary drinks, the government could help improve overall public health.
On the other hand, a complete ban might not solve the whole problem. People might still find ways to consume too much sugar through other foods and drinks. Also, a ban could negatively affect businesses that sell these drinks, possibly leading to job losses.
In conclusion, while I believe the government should take some action to address the health problems caused by sugary drinks, a complete ban is not the best solution. A balanced approach that includes education, clearer labeling, and possibly taxation would be more effective and fair. This way, people can still have the freedom to choose, but with better information and incentives to make healthier decisions.
(Word count: 329)
Band 5-6 Essay Sample
Some people think the government should stop selling sugary drinks to make people healthier. I think this is partly a good idea, but also has some problems.
One good thing about banning sugary drinks is it might help people be healthier. These drinks have a lot of sugar, which can make people fat and sick. If people can’t buy them, they might drink water or other healthy drinks instead. This could help stop problems like being overweight or getting diabetes.
But banning sugary drinks also has some bad points. First, it’s not fair to tell people what they can and can’t drink. People should be able to choose for themselves, even if they sometimes choose unhealthy things. Also, many shops and companies make money from selling these drinks. If they are banned, some people might lose their jobs.
I think instead of banning sugary drinks completely, the government could do other things. They could teach people why these drinks are bad for health. They could also make the drinks more expensive by adding extra taxes. This way, people might buy them less often, but they can still choose to have them sometimes if they want.
Another idea is to make companies put big labels on drinks to show how much sugar they have. This would help people know what they are drinking and make better choices.
In conclusion, I think banning sugary drinks completely is not the best idea. It’s better for the government to help people make good choices by giving them information and making healthy options easier to choose. This way, people can still decide for themselves, but they might choose healthier drinks more often.
(Word count: 276)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates:
- Clear position with a balanced view
- Logical structure with well-developed ideas
- Wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures
- Coherent paragraphs with clear central topics
- Relevant examples and explanations
- Effective use of linking words
Band 6-7 Essay
This essay shows:
- Clear position, though less nuanced than the Band 8-9 essay
- Adequate paragraph development with some supporting ideas
- Sufficient range of vocabulary with some less precise word choices
- Mix of simple and complex sentence structures
- Some use of cohesive devices
- Relevant ideas, though less fully developed than the higher band essay
Band 5-6 Essay
This essay displays:
- A basic position on the topic
- Simple paragraph structure with limited development of ideas
- Basic vocabulary with some repetition
- Mostly simple sentence structures
- Limited use of cohesive devices
- Relevant ideas, but lacking in depth and detail
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Detrimental (adjective) /ˌdetrɪˈmentl/ – causing harm or damage
- Intervention (noun) /ˌɪntərˈvenʃn/ – the action of becoming involved in a situation to improve it
- Infringe (verb) /ɪnˈfrɪndʒ/ – to limit or restrict something, especially someone’s rights
- Precedent (noun) /ˈpresɪdənt/ – an action or decision that is used as an example for similar situations in the future
- Comprehensive (adjective) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – including all or nearly all elements or aspects of something
- Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
- Commendable (adjective) /kəˈmendəbl/ – deserving praise
- Controversial (adjective) /ˌkɒntrəˈvɜːʃl/ – causing disagreement or discussion
- Incentive (noun) /ɪnˈsentɪv/ – something that encourages a person to do something
- Autonomy (noun) /ɔːˈtɒnəmi/ – the right or condition of self-government; freedom to act independently
Conclusion
The topic of government intervention in public health through measures like banning sugary drinks is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare for such questions, practice writing essays that consider multiple perspectives, use a range of vocabulary, and develop your ideas with clear examples and explanations.
For additional practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- Should governments tax unhealthy foods to discourage their consumption?
- To what extent should governments be responsible for the health of their citizens?
- Is education or legislation more effective in promoting public health?
We encourage you to write your own essay on the topic discussed in this article and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS Writing Task 2.