justIELTS

Write better, score higher.

IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Many manufactured food and drink products contain high levels of sugar, which causes many health problems. So, sugary products should be made more expensive to encourage people to consume less sugar. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

😩 Feeling stuck? View sample answers below ⬇️ or get another random Task 2 topic.

🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

Many manufactured food and drink products contain high levels of sugar, which causes many health problems. So, sugary products should be made more expensive to encourage people to consume less sugar. Do you agree or disagree?

I believe that increasing the price of sugary products is an effective way to reduce sugar consumption and improve public health. There are several reasons to support this view.

Firstly, high sugar intake is linked to a wide range of health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. By making sugary products more expensive, people are likely to think twice before purchasing them, leading to a decrease in overall sugar consumption. For instance, a study conducted in the UK found that a 10% increase in the price of sugary drinks resulted in a 12% decrease in sales, indicating that price hikes can indeed deter excessive sugar consumption.

Moreover, raising the cost of sugary products can help offset the burden on healthcare systems caused by sugar-related illnesses. When people consume less sugar, the incidence of health problems decreases, resulting in lower healthcare costs for both individuals and governments. This can free up resources to be allocated to other pressing healthcare needs, thereby benefiting the society as a whole.

On the other hand, some may argue that making sugary products more expensive unfairly targets low-income individuals. However, it is important to note that there are alternative, healthier food and drink options available that are often more affordable. By reallocating their spending towards these alternatives, individuals can still maintain a balanced diet without relying on cheap, sugary products.

In conclusion, I strongly agree that increasing the price of sugary products is a crucial step in addressing the public health issues associated with excessive sugar consumption. Not only does it discourage overindulgence in unhealthy foods and drinks, but it also has the potential to alleviate the strain on healthcare systems and promote overall well-being.

Model Essay #2:

Many manufactured food and drink products contain high levels of sugar, which causes many health problems. So, sugary products should be made more expensive to encourage people to consume less sugar. Do you agree or disagree?

I disagree with the idea that sugary products should be made more expensive to encourage people to consume less sugar. While it is true that excessive sugar consumption can lead to health problems, raising prices may not be the most effective solution.

Firstly, increasing the cost of sugary products disproportionately affects low-income individuals and families. These groups may already struggle to afford basic necessities, and making their favorite food and drink items more expensive only adds to their financial burden. This can lead to a situation where those with lower incomes are further marginalized and deprived of the ability to enjoy certain foods and drinks.

Additionally, simply raising prices may not address the root cause of excessive sugar consumption. Education and awareness about the health risks of consuming too much sugar are crucial in changing people's behavior. Instead of focusing solely on making sugary products unaffordable, efforts should be directed towards promoting healthier alternatives and providing nutritional education to empower individuals to make informed choices about their diet.

Furthermore, there is a risk that increasing the price of sugary products may lead to a black market for these items, where people seek out cheaper, unregulated sources for their favorite treats. This could potentially create additional health and safety risks as people turn to unreliable sources for their sugary cravings.

In conclusion, while it is important to address the issue of excessive sugar consumption, making sugary products more expensive may not be the most effective or equitable approach. Education, promotion of healthier alternatives, and a focus on empowering individuals to make informed choices about their diet are more sustainable and inclusive ways to tackle this public health concern.

✍️ Evaluate your essay for free

You can submit your essay for free evaluation. We will provide you with your score and give you feedback on how to improve your essay.

Sign in or register to submit your essay.

🤓 More IELTS Writing Task 2 topics

Get a random essay topic or choose from topics below:

Or view the list of all tasks.