The topic of imposing taxes on sugary drinks to reduce obesity rates has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on analysis of past exam trends and current global health concerns, this issue is likely to continue appearing frequently in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people think that governments should introduce a higher tax on sugary drinks to reduce the obesity rate. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
This question directly addresses the core issue of using taxation as a means to combat obesity, making it an excellent representation of how this topic might be presented in an IELTS Writing Task 2 prompt.
Analyzing the Question
Before we dive into sample essays, let’s break down the key components of this question:
- Topic: Taxation on sugary drinks
- Purpose: To reduce obesity rates
- Task: Express your level of agreement or disagreement
- Scope: Government policy and public health
The question requires you to consider the effectiveness of fiscal measures in addressing a public health issue. Your response should clearly state your position and provide well-reasoned arguments to support it.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Obesity has become a global health crisis, prompting governments to consider various interventions. One proposed solution is to impose higher taxes on sugary beverages. I strongly agree with this approach, as it can effectively discourage consumption and promote healthier choices.
Firstly, increasing the price of sugary drinks through taxation can significantly reduce their consumption. Economic principles suggest that as prices rise, demand typically falls. This has been demonstrated in countries like Mexico, where a sugar tax led to a substantial decrease in the purchase of sweetened beverages. By making these drinks more expensive, people are incentivized to choose healthier alternatives or simply consume less, which can contribute to lower calorie intake and, consequently, reduced obesity rates.
Moreover, the revenue generated from such taxes can be reinvested into public health initiatives. Governments can use these funds to finance educational programs about nutrition, subsidize healthier food options, or improve healthcare services for obesity-related diseases. This creates a two-pronged approach: discouraging unhealthy choices while simultaneously promoting and facilitating healthier lifestyles.
However, it is important to acknowledge that taxation alone is not a panacea for obesity. Critics argue that it disproportionately affects lower-income groups and may lead to substitution with other unhealthy foods. Therefore, I believe that while a sugar tax is a powerful tool, it should be part of a comprehensive strategy that includes education, improved food labeling, and increased access to nutritious foods.
In conclusion, I strongly support the implementation of higher taxes on sugary drinks as a means to combat obesity. When combined with other public health measures, this fiscal approach can play a crucial role in promoting healthier dietary habits and reducing the prevalence of obesity in society.
(Word count: 292)
Explanation of Band 8-9 Score
This essay demonstrates several key features that contribute to its high band score:
- Clear position: The writer clearly states their strong agreement with the proposed measure.
- Well-developed arguments: Each paragraph presents a distinct point (reduced consumption, reinvestment of tax revenue) with specific examples and explanations.
- Balanced view: The essay acknowledges potential criticisms and limitations of the approach.
- Cohesion and coherence: Ideas flow logically, with appropriate use of linking words and phrases.
- Lexical resource: The essay employs a wide range of vocabulary accurately (e.g., “incentivized,” “panacea,” “disproportionately”).
- Grammatical range and accuracy: Complex sentence structures are used correctly throughout the essay.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
In recent years, many people have suggested that governments should put a higher tax on sugary drinks to help reduce obesity. I partially agree with this idea because it can have some positive effects, but I also think there are some problems with this approach.
On the one hand, increasing taxes on sugary drinks can be helpful in reducing obesity. When drinks become more expensive, some people might buy them less often or choose healthier options instead. This could lead to lower sugar consumption and help people maintain a healthier weight. Also, the extra money from taxes could be used by the government to fund health programs or education about healthy eating.
However, there are also some drawbacks to this approach. Firstly, it might not be fair to everyone. People with lower incomes might be affected more by the price increase, while wealthy people can still afford to buy these drinks. Secondly, some people might just switch to other unhealthy foods instead of sugary drinks, which wouldn’t solve the obesity problem.
I believe that taxing sugary drinks alone is not enough to solve the obesity crisis. Governments should also focus on educating people about healthy eating habits and encouraging exercise. Should governments regulate the sale of unhealthy food? This could include improving food labels, promoting physical activity in schools, and making healthy foods more affordable.
In conclusion, while I agree that taxing sugary drinks can help reduce obesity to some extent, I think it should be part of a bigger plan that includes education and other measures to promote a healthy lifestyle.
(Word count: 270)
Explanation of Band 6-7 Score
This essay demonstrates several characteristics that place it in the Band 6-7 range:
- Clear position: The writer expresses partial agreement with the proposition.
- Coherent arguments: The essay presents both advantages and disadvantages of the tax measure.
- Logical structure: The essay follows a clear introduction-body-conclusion format.
- Adequate vocabulary: The writer uses appropriate vocabulary to convey ideas, though with less sophistication than the Band 8-9 essay.
- Grammar: Sentences are generally well-formed, with some variety in structure.
- Development of ideas: While ideas are relevant and supported, they could be elaborated further with more specific examples or data.
The essay could be improved to reach a higher band by:
- Providing more specific examples or data to support arguments
- Using a wider range of complex sentence structures
- Employing more sophisticated vocabulary and idiomatic expressions
- Developing ideas more fully in each paragraph
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Obesity (noun) /əʊˈbiːsɪti/ – the state of being very fat or overweight
- Taxation (noun) /tækˈseɪʃn/ – the system of collecting money from citizens by the government
- Incentivize (verb) /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ – to encourage or motivate someone to do something
- Panacea (noun) /ˌpænəˈsiːə/ – a solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases
- Disproportionately (adverb) /ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːʃənətli/ – to a degree that is too large or too small in comparison with something else
- Comprehensive (adjective) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something
- Prevalence (noun) /ˈprevələns/ – the fact or condition of being widespread or common
- Reinvest (verb) /ˌriːɪnˈvest/ – to put money back into a business or system
- Subsidize (verb) /ˈsʌbsɪdaɪz/ – to support financially
- Fiscal (adjective) /ˈfɪskl/ – relating to government revenue, especially taxes
In conclusion, the topic of taxing sugary drinks to combat obesity is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as government intervention in public health, the role of education in promoting healthy lifestyles, and balancing individual freedom with societal well-being. Remember to structure your essays clearly, develop your arguments with specific examples, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your target band score.
We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active engagement will help reinforce your skills and prepare you for success in the IELTS Writing Task 2.