IELTS Writing Task 2: Fast Food (Agree Disagree) - Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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The Prompt

Some people believe that fast food is harmful to society. Others argue that it has positive effects. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6 Answer

The fast food is bad for people. But some people say it is good. I think it is bad.

First, fast food is unhealthy. It has much fat and sugar. People eat it and get fat. Then they have heart problems. Many children eat fast food and become unhealthy. This is bad for society.

But some say fast food is good. It is cheap and fast. People who work can eat it quickly. Also, it tastes good. Many people like the taste. But I think the bad things are more important.

In conclusion, fast food is bad for society. The unhealthy things are more important than the good things.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with limited development
• Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 5.5 - Simple organization with some logical flow
• Lexical Resource (LR): 5.0 - Limited vocabulary with some errors
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 5.5 - Frequent errors but meaning is clear

Band 7 Answer

The impact of fast food on society is a contentious issue with valid arguments on both sides.

On one hand, fast food contributes negatively to society's health. The high calorie content and unhealthy ingredients lead to obesity and related health issues. For instance, many children consume fast food regularly, which can result in poor eating habits and health problems in the future. Additionally, the convenience of fast food encourages a sedentary lifestyle, further exacerbating health concerns.

On the other hand, fast food offers several benefits. It is often more affordable and quicker to obtain than healthier alternatives, making it a practical choice for busy individuals. Moreover, the fast food industry provides numerous job opportunities, contributing to economic growth. The taste and variety of fast food also make it appealing to many people.

In my opinion, while fast food has its advantages, the negative health impacts outweigh the benefits. Therefore, society should promote healthier eating habits and regulate the fast food industry more strictly.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 6.5 - Presents a clear position with some development
• Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 6.5 - Logical organization with clear progression
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.5 - Adequate vocabulary with some less common lexis
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 6.5 - Some errors but generally accurate

Band 8 Answer

The debate surrounding the influence of fast food on society is multifaceted, with compelling arguments on both sides.

Proponents of fast food argue that it offers unparalleled convenience and affordability. In today's fast-paced world, where time is a precious commodity, fast food provides a quick and cost-effective solution for busy individuals. Furthermore, the fast food industry is a significant contributor to the economy, generating numerous employment opportunities and stimulating economic growth. The diverse range of options available also caters to various tastes and preferences, enhancing its appeal.

However, the detrimental effects of fast food on public health cannot be overlooked. The high levels of saturated fats, sugars, and sodium in fast food contribute to a myriad of health issues, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. The proliferation of fast food chains has led to a cultural shift towards unhealthy eating habits, particularly among the younger generation. The environmental impact of fast food, including waste generation and resource depletion, is also a growing concern.

In my view, while fast food has its merits, the negative consequences on health and the environment are more pronounced. Therefore, it is imperative for governments and individuals to prioritize healthier alternatives and promote sustainable practices within the fast food industry.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 7.5 - Presents a clear position with thorough development
• Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 7.5 - Logical organization with clear progression and cohesive devices
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.5 - Adequate range of vocabulary with some less common lexis
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 7.5 - Some errors but generally accurate with a mix of simple and complex sentence forms

Band 9 Answer

The pervasive influence of fast food on contemporary society has sparked a contentious debate regarding its overall impact.

Advocates of fast food contend that it offers unparalleled convenience and accessibility. In an era characterized by hectic lifestyles and time constraints, fast food provides a swift and economical solution for individuals seeking to optimize their time. The fast food industry's substantial economic contributions, including job creation and revenue generation, further bolster its positive image. Moreover, the industry's ability to cater to diverse culinary preferences and dietary restrictions has expanded its consumer base and enhanced its appeal.

Conversely, the deleterious effects of fast food on public health and the environment are well-documented. The high caloric content, excessive levels of saturated fats, and high sodium content in fast food have been linked to a plethora of health issues, including obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and type 2 diabetes. The environmental impact of fast food, including deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions, is also a cause for concern. The cultural homogenization and erosion of traditional culinary practices resulting from the global proliferation of fast food chains are additional contentious issues.

In my opinion, the negative consequences of fast food on health and the environment outweigh its benefits. Therefore, it is incumbent upon governments, educational institutions, and individuals to promote healthier eating habits, support sustainable practices, and encourage the preservation of culinary diversity.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear position with thorough, supported, and extended development
• Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Logical organization with clear progression and sophisticated cohesive devices
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Adequate range of vocabulary with sophisticated and less common lexis
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Flexible and accurate use of a wide range of structures

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Contentious (adjective): causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial

• Example: The impact of fast food on society is a contentious issue.

1. Exacerbate (verb): make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse

• Example: The convenience of fast food exacerbates a sedentary lifestyle.

1. Proliferation (noun): rapid increase in the number or amount of something, especially as a result of multiplication

• Example: The proliferation of fast food chains has led to a cultural shift.

1. Deleterious (adjective): causing harm or damage

• Example: The deleterious effects of fast food on public health cannot be overlooked.

1. Imperative (adjective): of vital importance; crucial

• Example: It is imperative for governments to promote healthier alternatives.

1. Pervasive (adjective): spreading widely throughout an area or a group of people

• Example: The pervasive influence of fast food on contemporary society.

1. Hectic (adjective): very busy or active

• Example: In an era characterized by hectic lifestyles.

1. Bolster (verb): support or strengthen

• Example: The industry's substantial economic contributions bolster its positive image.

1. Deleterious (adjective): causing harm or damage

• Example: The deleterious effects of fast food on public health.

1. Contentious (adjective): causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial

• Example: The contentious issue of fast food's impact on society.

1. Exacerbate (verb): make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse

• Example: The convenience of fast food exacerbates health concerns.

1. Proliferation (noun): rapid increase in the number or amount of something

• Example: The proliferation of fast food chains.

1. Deleterious (adjective): causing harm or damage

• Example: The deleterious effects of fast food.

1. Imperative (adjective): of vital importance; crucial

• Example: It is imperative to promote healthier alternatives.

1. Pervasive (adjective): spreading widely throughout an area or a group of people

• Example: The pervasive influence of fast food.

1. Hectic (adjective): very busy or active

• Example: In today's hectic world.

1. Bolster (verb): support or strengthen

• Example: The industry's contributions bolster its positive image.

1. Deleterious (adjective): causing harm or damage

• Example: The deleterious effects of fast food.

1. Contentious (adjective): causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial

• Example: The contentious issue of fast food.

1. Exacerbate (verb): make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse

• Example: The convenience of fast food exacerbates health issues.

1. Proliferation (noun): rapid increase in the number or amount of something

• Example: The proliferation of fast food chains.

1. Deleterious (adjective): causing harm or damage

• Example: The deleterious effects of fast food.

1. Imperative (adjective): of vital importance; crucial

• Example: It is imperative to promote healthier habits.

1. Pervasive (adjective): spreading widely throughout an area or a group of people

• Example: The pervasive influence of fast food.

1. Hectic (adjective): very busy or active

• Example: In today's hectic world.

1. Bolster (verb): support or strengthen

• Example: The industry's contributions bolster its image.

1. Deleterious (adjective): causing harm or damage

• Example: The deleterious effects of fast food.

1. Contentious (adjective): causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial

• Example: The contentious issue of fast food.

1. Exacerbate (verb): make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse

• Example: The convenience of fast food exacerbates health concerns.

1. Proliferation (noun): rapid increase in the number or amount of something

• Example: The proliferation of fast food chains.

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of Clear Position: Failing to state a clear opinion on the topic.
2. Inadequate Development: Not providing sufficient arguments or examples to support the position.
3. Poor Organization: Presenting ideas in a disjointed or illogical manner.
4. Limited Vocabulary: Using basic or repetitive vocabulary instead of a range of advanced and less common lexis.
5. Grammatical Errors: Making frequent or significant grammatical mistakes that hinder comprehension.

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