International trade and its influence on food security is a topic that has gained significant importance in recent IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on the analysis of past exam questions and current global trends, this subject is likely to appear more frequently in future tests. Let’s explore a relevant question that has been featured in recent IELTS exams:
Some people believe that international trade has a negative impact on food security in developing countries. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to express their opinion on the relationship between international trade and food security in developing nations. Key points to consider:
- Understand the concept of food security
- Analyze the effects of international trade on developing countries
- Consider both positive and negative impacts
- Provide a clear stance and supporting arguments
Let’s examine three sample essays that demonstrate different levels of proficiency in addressing this topic.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
International trade has become an integral part of the global economy, but its impact on food security in developing countries is a subject of much debate. While some argue that it poses a threat to local food systems, I firmly believe that international trade, when properly managed, can significantly enhance food security in developing nations.
Firstly, international trade allows developing countries to access a wider variety of food products, which can improve nutritional diversity and food availability. By importing foods that are not locally produced or are out of season, these nations can ensure a more stable and varied food supply throughout the year. For example, countries in arid regions can import grains and fruits from more temperate climates, thereby enhancing their food security.
Moreover, participation in global markets can provide developing countries with additional income through agricultural exports, which can be reinvested in improving local food production systems. This economic boost can lead to enhanced agricultural technologies, better infrastructure, and more efficient farming practices, ultimately increasing domestic food production and reducing reliance on imports.
However, it is crucial to acknowledge that unregulated international trade can pose risks to food security. Large-scale importation of cheap, subsidized products from developed countries can undermine local farmers and disrupt domestic agricultural markets. To mitigate these risks, developing countries must implement effective trade policies and invest in their agricultural sectors to remain competitive.
In conclusion, while international trade presents both opportunities and challenges for food security in developing countries, its overall impact can be positive if managed judiciously. By leveraging the benefits of global markets while protecting local agricultural interests, developing nations can enhance their food security and work towards sustainable economic growth.
(Word count: 277)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellence in addressing the question and meets the criteria for a high band score:
Task Response: The essay presents a clear position and fully addresses all parts of the task with well-developed ideas and relevant examples.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. It uses a range of cohesive devices effectively.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is sophisticated and precise, with natural and accurate usage. Examples include “integral part,” “nutritional diversity,” and “undermining local farmers.”
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a wide range of complex structures used accurately. There is a good mix of simple and complex sentences with no noticeable errors.
International trade impact on food security in developing countries
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The impact of international trade on food security in developing countries is a complex issue. While some people think it has negative effects, I partially agree with this statement because there are both advantages and disadvantages to consider.
On one hand, international trade can harm food security in developing nations. When cheaper imported foods flood local markets, it can make it difficult for local farmers to compete. This may lead to a decrease in local food production and make countries more dependent on imports. For example, in some African countries, imported rice has become so cheap that local rice farmers struggle to sell their crops.
However, international trade can also have positive effects on food security. It allows countries to access a wider variety of foods, which can improve nutrition. Additionally, exporting agricultural products can bring income to developing countries, which can be used to improve farming techniques and infrastructure. For instance, countries like Vietnam have benefited from exporting rice and using the profits to modernize their agriculture sector.
To address the negative impacts, governments in developing countries should implement policies to protect local farmers and ensure a balance between imports and local production. They could provide subsidies to local farmers or set import quotas to maintain fair competition.
In conclusion, while international trade can pose challenges to food security in developing countries, it also offers opportunities for improvement. The key is to manage trade carefully to maximize its benefits while minimizing its drawbacks.
(Word count: 253)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates a good attempt at addressing the question but falls short of the highest band scores:
Task Response: The essay presents a clear position and addresses the main parts of the task. However, some ideas could be further developed and supported with more specific examples.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is sometimes repetitive (e.g., overuse of “however” and “additionally”).
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is generally appropriate, but lacks the sophistication and precision of a higher band score. There is some attempt at using less common vocabulary (e.g., “flood local markets,” “modernize their agriculture sector”).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control. There are no major errors, but the range of structures is not as wide as in the Band 8-9 essay.
Local farmers competing with imported food
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Nowadays, international trade is very important for many countries. Some people think it is bad for food security in poor countries. I think this is partly true, but not completely.
First, international trade can be bad for food security. When rich countries sell cheap food to poor countries, local farmers can’t sell their own food. This makes it hard for them to make money and grow food. For example, in my country, many farmers stopped growing rice because imported rice was cheaper.
But international trade can also be good. It helps poor countries get different kinds of food. This is good for people’s health because they can eat more types of food. Also, poor countries can sell their food to other countries and make money. This money can help them buy better farming tools.
I think the government should help local farmers. They can give them money or make rules to protect them from cheap imported food. This way, international trade won’t be so bad for food security.
In conclusion, international trade has both good and bad effects on food security in poor countries. It’s important to find a way to use trade that helps everyone.
(Word count: 188)
Analysis of Band 5-6 Essay
This essay demonstrates a limited attempt at addressing the question and falls into the lower band scores:
Task Response: The essay presents a basic position and attempts to address the main parts of the task. However, ideas are underdeveloped and lack specific examples or detailed explanations.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a simple organizational structure, but paragraphing is not always logical. Cohesive devices are limited and sometimes inaccurate.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited and repetitive. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary, but these are not always successful or precise.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay primarily uses simple sentences with occasional attempts at complex structures. There are some grammatical errors, but they do not significantly impede communication.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Food security (noun) – /fuːd sɪˈkjʊərəti/: The state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.
International trade (noun phrase) – /ɪntəˈnæʃənl treɪd/: The exchange of goods and services between countries.
Agricultural exports (noun phrase) – /ˌæɡrɪˈkʌltʃərəl ˈekspɔːts/: Farm products sold to other countries.
Subsidized (adjective) – /ˈsʌbsɪdaɪzd/: Supported financially by the government.
Undermine (verb) – /ˌʌndəˈmaɪn/: To gradually weaken or damage.
Nutritional diversity (noun phrase) – /njuːˈtrɪʃənl daɪˈvɜːsəti/: Variety in the types of nutrients consumed.
Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/: The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/: To make less severe or serious.
Reinvest (verb) – /ˌriːɪnˈvest/: To put money back into a business or system.
Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
In conclusion, the topic of international trade’s impact on food security in developing countries is a complex and nuanced issue that requires careful consideration. As demonstrated in the sample essays, there are various perspectives and arguments to explore. To prepare for potential IELTS Writing Task 2 questions on this topic, it’s advisable to practice writing essays that consider both the positive and negative aspects of international trade on food security.
Some potential future questions related to this topic might include:
- How can developing countries balance the benefits and risks of participating in international food trade?
- What role should governments play in protecting local food production while engaging in global trade?
- Discuss the long-term effects of reliance on food imports for developing nations.
To further improve your writing skills, we encourage you to practice writing your own essay on the topic provided in this article. Share your essay in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with other learners. This active practice is an effective way to enhance your IELTS Writing Task 2 performance.
How does globalization affect traditional food production is another related topic that you might find interesting to explore as you prepare for your IELTS exam. Additionally, understanding the impact of climate change on global food security can provide valuable insights into the broader context of food-related issues in international discussions.