The influence of advertising on children’s eating habits is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. This topic has appeared multiple times in past exams and is likely to continue featuring prominently due to its relevance in today’s media-saturated world. Based on our analysis of previous IELTS exams, we’ve identified a question that closely aligns with this theme:

Some people believe that advertisements targeting children should be banned, especially those promoting unhealthy food choices. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Analyzing the Question

This question requires candidates to express their opinion on banning advertisements aimed at children, particularly those promoting unhealthy foods. The key aspects to address include:

1. The impact of advertising on children
2. The role of advertisements in promoting unhealthy food choices
3. The potential consequences of banning such advertisements
4. Alternative solutions to address the issue

Sample Essays

Band 8-9 Essay

In recent years, there has been growing concern about the impact of advertising on children’s dietary habits, with some advocating for a ban on advertisements targeting young audiences, especially those promoting unhealthy food choices. While I acknowledge the potential negative influence of such advertisements, I believe that a complete ban is not the most effective solution to this complex issue.

Undoubtedly, advertisements can significantly shape children’s food preferences and consumption patterns. Children are particularly susceptible to persuasive marketing techniques, often lacking the critical thinking skills to discern between healthy and unhealthy options. Flashy commercials featuring colorful characters and catchy jingles can create strong associations with junk food, potentially leading to poor dietary habits that may persist into adulthood. Moreover, the ubiquity of these advertisements across various media platforms makes it challenging for parents to shield their children from their influence entirely.

However, implementing a blanket ban on advertisements targeting children is not without its drawbacks. Firstly, such a measure could be seen as an infringement on commercial free speech and might face legal challenges. Secondly, a complete ban could inadvertently eliminate advertisements for healthier food options, which could play a role in promoting balanced diets. Additionally, exposure to advertising can help children develop media literacy and critical thinking skills when guided by parents and educators.

Instead of an outright ban, a more nuanced approach would be more beneficial. This could include stricter regulations on the content and frequency of food advertisements during children’s programming hours. For instance, implementing mandatory nutritional information disclosures or limiting the use of cartoon characters in promoting unhealthy foods could help mitigate their negative impact. Furthermore, governments and educational institutions should focus on enhancing media literacy programs to equip children with the skills to critically evaluate advertising messages.

In conclusion, while the concern over children’s exposure to potentially harmful food advertisements is valid, a complete ban is not the optimal solution. A more balanced approach combining regulatory measures, educational initiatives, and parental guidance would be more effective in promoting healthier eating habits among children while still preserving the benefits of responsible advertising.

(Word count: 341)

Children watching food advertisement on TV

Band 6-7 Essay

The influence of advertising on children’s eating habits has become a major concern in recent years. Some people argue that advertisements targeting children, especially those promoting unhealthy food, should be banned. I partially agree with this opinion, as there are both advantages and disadvantages to consider.

On one hand, banning advertisements for unhealthy food aimed at children could have several benefits. Firstly, it would reduce children’s exposure to tempting images of junk food, which often lead to unhealthy cravings and poor food choices. Children are easily influenced by colorful and attractive ads, and they may not understand the long-term health consequences of consuming too much unhealthy food. Additionally, a ban could help parents in their efforts to promote healthier eating habits at home, as they wouldn’t have to compete with the persuasive power of advertisements.

However, completely banning all advertisements targeting children might not be the best solution. Advertisements can also be educational and informative, teaching children about new products and helping them develop critical thinking skills. Moreover, a total ban could negatively impact businesses that produce healthy food products for children, as they would lose a valuable marketing channel.

Instead of a complete ban, I believe a more balanced approach would be more effective. Stricter regulations on the content of food advertisements targeting children could be implemented, ensuring that only nutritious options are promoted during children’s programming. Furthermore, media literacy programs could be introduced in schools to teach children how to critically analyze advertisements and make informed decisions about their food choices.

In conclusion, while banning advertisements for unhealthy food aimed at children has its merits, a more nuanced approach combining regulation, education, and parental guidance would be more beneficial in promoting healthier eating habits among children.

(Word count: 285)

Healthy food advertisement targeting children

Band 5-6 Essay

Nowadays, many people think that advertisements for children should be banned, especially those about unhealthy food. I agree with this opinion because I think these ads can be harmful to children’s health.

Firstly, advertisements for unhealthy food can make children want to eat more junk food. When children see colorful ads with their favorite cartoon characters eating chips or drinking soda, they want to buy these products. This can lead to bad eating habits and health problems like obesity.

Secondly, banning these ads can help parents. Many parents try to teach their children to eat healthy food, but it’s hard when there are so many ads for unhealthy snacks on TV and the internet. If these ads are banned, it will be easier for parents to encourage good eating habits.

However, some people might say that banning ads is not fair to companies that sell food. They need to advertise their products to make money. Also, not all food ads are bad. Some ads can teach children about new healthy foods.

In conclusion, I think banning advertisements for unhealthy food targeting children is a good idea. It can help protect children’s health and support parents in teaching good eating habits. But maybe instead of banning all ads, we can make rules to only allow ads for healthy food during children’s TV shows.

(Word count: 219)

Essay Analysis

Band 8-9 Essay

This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic, warranting a high band score:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with a well-developed argument. It considers multiple perspectives and offers a nuanced view of the issue.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. It uses a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as “Undoubtedly,” “However,” and “Instead of.”

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is sophisticated and precise, with phrases like “susceptible to persuasive marketing techniques,” “ubiquity of these advertisements,” and “inadvertently eliminate.”

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a wide range of complex structures used accurately, such as “While I acknowledge…” and “Instead of an outright ban, a more nuanced approach would be more beneficial.”

Band 6-7 Essay

This essay demonstrates good writing skills but lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band essay:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task and presents a clear position, but the arguments are less fully developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated than in the higher band essay.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is appropriate and varied, but lacks some of the precision and sophistication seen in the Band 8-9 essay.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures accurately, but doesn’t demonstrate the same level of flexibility as the higher band essay.

Band 5-6 Essay

This essay demonstrates adequate writing skills but has noticeable limitations:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task, but the arguments are simplistic and lack depth.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but paragraphing is basic and cohesive devices are limited.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is sufficient to convey basic meanings, but lacks precision and sophistication.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses mostly simple sentence structures with some attempts at complex sentences, but with limited success.

Key Vocabulary

1. Persuasive (adjective) /pərˈsweɪsɪv/: Capable of convincing someone to do or believe something.

2. Ubiquity (noun) /juːˈbɪkwəti/: The state of being everywhere, especially at the same time.

3. Inadvertently (adverb) /ˌɪnədˈvɜːtəntli/: Without intention; accidentally.

4. Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/: To make less severe, serious, or painful.

5. Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/: Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression.

6. Media literacy (noun phrase) /ˈmiːdiə ˈlɪtərəsi/: The ability to identify different types of media and understand the messages they’re sending.

7. Infringement (noun) /ɪnˈfrɪndʒmənt/: The action of breaking the terms of a law, agreement, etc.

8. Susceptible (adjective) /səˈseptəbl/: Likely or liable to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing.

Media literacy education for children

In conclusion, the influence of advertising on children’s eating habits remains a crucial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. As you prepare for your exam, consider practicing with similar prompts such as:

1. “To what extent should governments regulate food advertising targeting children?”
2. “Discuss the role of parents versus advertisers in shaping children’s food preferences.”
3. “Some argue that education is more effective than banning ads in promoting healthy eating among children. Do you agree or disagree?”

We encourage you to practice writing essays on these topics and share them in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you refine your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.