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IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

In some countries, an increasing number of people are suffering from health problems as a result of eating too much fast food. It is, therefore, necessary for governments to impose a higher tax on this kind of food. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion? Use your own knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence.

Write at least 250 words.

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🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

In some countries, an increasing number of people are suffering from health problems as a result of eating too much fast food. It is, therefore, necessary for governments to impose a higher tax on this kind of food. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

In many countries, the consumption of fast food has led to a rise in health issues among the population. Some people believe that the government should impose a higher tax on fast food to address this problem. I completely agree with this opinion due to the detrimental effects of excessive fast food consumption on public health.

Firstly, fast food is often high in unhealthy ingredients such as trans fats, sodium, and refined sugars, which can lead to obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. By imposing a higher tax on fast food, the government can discourage people from consuming it excessively, thus reducing the prevalence of these health issues. For example, in countries where a higher tax has been levied on sugary drinks, there has been a decrease in their consumption and a subsequent improvement in public health.

Additionally, the revenue generated from the higher tax on fast food can be used to fund public health initiatives and education programs. This can include campaigns promoting healthier eating habits and subsidizing the cost of nutritious food options, making them more accessible to the general population. As a result, people may be more inclined to choose healthier food options, leading to a decline in health problems associated with fast food consumption.

However, it is important for governments to also address the root causes of the popularity of fast food, such as the convenience and affordability it offers. By implementing policies that make healthy food more convenient and affordable, in addition to imposing a higher tax on fast food, governments can create a more sustainable impact on public health.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that governments should impose a higher tax on fast food to combat the rising health problems associated with its consumption. This measure, coupled with initiatives to promote healthy eating, can contribute to a healthier population and reduce the burden on public healthcare systems.

Model Essay #2:

In some countries, an increasing number of people are suffering from health problems as a result of eating too much fast food. It is, therefore, necessary for governments to impose a higher tax on this kind of food. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

In some nations, there is a growing concern about the adverse health effects of excessive fast food consumption. Some individuals argue that governments should enforce a higher tax on fast food to address this issue. However, I disagree with this opinion as I believe that imposing a higher tax on fast food may not effectively address the root causes of health problems and could disproportionately affect low-income individuals.

To begin with, while it is true that fast food consumption can contribute to health issues such as obesity and heart disease, simply raising taxes on these foods may not significantly deter people from consuming them. Studies have shown that price increases alone may not be enough to change eating habits, especially for individuals who rely on fast food due to time constraints or financial limitations. Therefore, a higher tax may not be the most effective way to promote healthier eating habits.

Moreover, imposing a higher tax on fast food could disproportionately impact low-income individuals and families who rely on these options due to their affordability and convenience. Such a tax may further strain the budgets of individuals already struggling to make ends meet, potentially leading to food insecurity or the need to allocate funds from other essential expenses. This could exacerbate socioeconomic inequalities and create additional financial burdens for vulnerable populations.

Instead of focusing solely on taxation, governments should consider implementing comprehensive strategies to promote healthier food choices and improve public awareness about nutrition. This could include initiatives such as subsidizing the cost of nutritious foods, enhancing nutrition education in schools and communities, and collaborating with food industries to offer healthier options at affordable prices. By addressing the underlying factors contributing to fast food consumption, governments can better support individuals in making healthier choices.

In conclusion, while the health concerns associated with fast food consumption are valid, I do not support the idea of imposing a higher tax on fast food. Instead, governments should prioritize holistic approaches that promote healthier eating habits without disproportionately burdening low-income individuals. By addressing the root causes of unhealthy eating patterns, sustainable improvements in public health can be achieved.

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