Food deserts and their impact on nutrition have become increasingly prevalent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. This theme intersects with broader subjects like public health, urban planning, and social inequality, making it a highly relevant topic for test-takers. Recent analysis of past IELTS exams shows this topic appearing in various forms, particularly in questions about community development and public health policies.
Similar to discussions about how inflation affects daily cost of living, food desert issues significantly impact communities’ wellbeing. Let’s examine a recent IELTS task 2 question on this topic.
Task Analysis
Some neighborhoods in cities lack access to fresh, healthy food options, creating what experts call “food deserts.” To what extent should governments be responsible for ensuring access to nutritious food in these areas? What solutions could be implemented to address this issue?
This question requires candidates to:
- Evaluate government responsibility in food accessibility
- Propose practical solutions
- Support arguments with relevant examples
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.0)
The prevalence of food deserts in urban areas has become a critical public health concern, similar to the role of fast food chains in promoting unhealthy lifestyles. While governments should play a significant role in addressing this issue, success requires a multi-faceted approach involving various stakeholders.
Governments have a fundamental responsibility to ensure food security for all citizens. First and foremost, they should implement zoning policies that incentivize grocery stores and fresh food markets to operate in underserved areas. This could include tax breaks, subsidies, or reduced regulatory burdens. Additionally, public transportation infrastructure should be enhanced to improve accessibility to existing food retailers.
The solution to food deserts requires both governmental and community-based initiatives. One effective approach is the development of urban gardens in food security, which can provide fresh produce while fostering community engagement. Mobile farmers’ markets and food cooperatives can also bridge the gap between communities and nutritious food sources. Furthermore, educational programs about nutrition and cooking can help residents maximize available resources.
In conclusion, while government intervention is crucial, sustainable solutions must incorporate community participation and private sector involvement. The success of these initiatives depends on coordinated efforts across multiple sectors of society.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Food deserts are a big problem in many cities today. The government should help solve this problem, but it’s not their job alone to fix everything.
I think the government needs to do several things to help. They can give money to shops that sell healthy food in poor areas. They can also make better bus routes so people can get to supermarkets easily. Sometimes, they can build new markets in areas that don’t have any food shops.
Communities can also help solve this problem. People can start growing food in community gardens. Local groups can organize food markets every week. Schools can teach children about healthy eating. All these ideas can work together with government help.
To finish, I believe both the government and local people need to work together. This problem needs everyone to help solve it. If we wait for just the government to fix it, it might take too long.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8.0 Essay:
- Cohesion & Coherence: Excellent paragraph organization
- Lexical Resource: Sophisticated vocabulary usage
- Grammar: Complex structures without errors
- Task Achievement: Comprehensive response with well-developed ideas
Band 6.5 Essay:
- Cohesion & Coherence: Basic but clear organization
- Lexical Resource: Limited but adequate vocabulary
- Grammar: Simple structures with some errors
- Task Achievement: Addresses main points but lacks depth
Key Vocabulary
- food desert (n) /fuːd ˈdezət/ – area with limited access to nutritious food
- accessibility (n) /əkˌsesəˈbɪləti/ – quality of being easily reached or obtained
- infrastructure (n) /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃər/ – basic physical systems of a country
- incentivize (v) /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ – motivate or encourage
- stakeholders (n) /ˈsteɪkˌhoʊldərz/ – people with interest in a situation
Looking ahead, similar topics about impact of urban farming on community health may appear in future IELTS exams. Practice writing about related themes like food security, community gardens, and public health initiatives. Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and discussion.