IELTS Writing Task 2: Fast Food - Band 7.5 Sample with Full Breakdown

Related guides:

• IELTS Writing Task 2: Recycling (Discussion) — Band 6/7/8/9…
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Renewable Energy Two Part Question…
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Deforestation Two Part Question Sample…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Climate Change Discussion Sample Band…
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Renewable Energy Agree Disagree Sample…

Prompt

Some people argue that the widespread availability of fast food is a significant problem in many countries. Discuss the negative impacts of fast food on health and society. Give relevant examples and include your own opinions.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

The prevalence of fast food in many countries has led to several negative consequences. Firstly, fast food is often high in calories and low in nutritional value, which can lead to obesity and other health problems. For example, in the United States, the consumption of fast food has been linked to an increase in obesity rates. Additionally, fast food is often cheap and convenient, which can lead to people choosing it over healthier options. This can have negative impacts on society as a whole, as it can lead to a decrease in overall health and productivity. In my opinion, governments should take steps to regulate the fast food industry and promote healthier eating habits.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a clear position but lacks development and support.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Ideas are logically organized but with some repetition and lack of clear progression.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Uses some less common vocabulary but with some errors and limited range.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms but with frequent errors.

Band 7.5 Answer

The proliferation of fast food outlets in many countries has led to a plethora of negative consequences, both for individual health and societal well-being. One of the most pressing issues is the detrimental impact on physical health. Fast food is typically laden with unhealthy fats, sugars, and salts, which can lead to a myriad of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. For instance, in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, the consumption of fast food has been directly correlated with rising obesity rates and associated health issues. Furthermore, the convenience and affordability of fast food have led to a decline in the consumption of nutritious home-cooked meals, which can have long-term negative effects on public health. From a societal perspective, the fast food industry has been criticized for contributing to environmental degradation through excessive packaging and waste. Additionally, the industry's labor practices, including low wages and poor working conditions, have been a source of contention. In my view, governments should implement stricter regulations on the fast food industry, promote public awareness campaigns about healthy eating, and invest in education to foster a culture of nutritional literacy.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.5 - Uses a range of cohesive devices effectively, with clear progression and logical organization.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.5 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items, with only occasional errors.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.5 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences.

Band 9.0 Answer

The ubiquitous presence of fast food establishments in contemporary society has precipitated a myriad of adverse effects, encompassing both individual health and broader societal implications. The most salient issue pertains to the deleterious impact on physical well-being. Fast food is characterized by its high caloric content, excessive levels of unhealthy fats, sugars, and salts, which can precipitate a panoply of health issues, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Empirical data from countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom unequivocally demonstrates a correlation between the proliferation of fast food outlets and escalating obesity rates. Moreover, the convenience and affordability of fast food have engendered a cultural shift away from the preparation of nutritious home-cooked meals, thereby exacerbating public health concerns. From a societal standpoint, the fast food industry has been censured for its environmental footprint, stemming from the prodigious generation of packaging waste and the exploitation of natural resources. Additionally, the industry's labor practices, including the remuneration of substandard wages and the provision of inadequate working conditions, have been the subject of intense scrutiny and criticism. In my estimation, a multifaceted approach is requisite to mitigate the negative impacts of fast food. Governments should enact stringent regulations on the industry, including the imposition of taxes on unhealthy food items and the implementation of subsidies for nutritious alternatives. Concurrently, public awareness campaigns should be launched to educate consumers about the importance of a balanced diet and the perils of excessive fast food consumption. Furthermore, investment in culinary education and the promotion of home cooking should be prioritized to foster a cultural shift towards healthier eating habits.

Scoring Breakdownn

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas, with a clear conclusion.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Uses a range of cohesive devices effectively, with clear progression and logical organization, and a clear conclusion.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with less common lexical items, with only rare errors.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences and a variety of sentence structures.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Proliferation: The rapid increase in the number or spread of something.

• Example: The proliferation of fast food outlets has led to a decline in public health.

1. Detrimental: Causing harm or damage.

• Example: The detrimental impact of fast food on health is well-documented.

1. Laden: Filled or heavily loaded with something.

• Example: Fast food is often laden with unhealthy fats and sugars.

1. Myriad: A large number of something.

• Example: The fast food industry has a myriad of negative consequences.

1. Correlated: Having a mutual relationship or connection.

• Example: The consumption of fast food has been correlated with rising obesity rates.

1. Affordability: The quality of being affordable or within one's financial means.

• Example: The affordability of fast food has led to its widespread consumption.

1. Degradation: The process of deterioration or decline.

• Example: The fast food industry has contributed to environmental degradation.

1. Contention: A point of dispute or disagreement.

• Example: The industry's labor practices have been a source of contention.

1. Implement: To put something into effect or practice.

• Example: Governments should implement stricter regulations on the fast food industry.

1. Promote: To support or encourage something.

• Example: Public awareness campaigns should be promoted to educate consumers.

1. Investment: The act of putting money or resources into something with the expectation of a return.

• Example: Investment in culinary education is crucial for fostering healthier eating habits.

1. Ubiquitous: Present, appearing, or found everywhere.

• Example: The ubiquitous presence of fast food establishments is a concern for public health.

1. Precipitated: Caused or brought about something, especially something bad or unwanted.

• Example: The proliferation of fast food has precipitated a decline in public health.

1. Deleterious: Harmful or damaging.

• Example: The deleterious impact of fast food on health is well-documented.

1. Panoply: A complete or impressive collection of things.

• Example: Fast food can precipitate a panoply of health issues.

1. Empirical: Based on observation or experience rather than theory.

• Example: Empirical data demonstrates a correlation between fast food and obesity.

1. Engendered: Caused or given rise to something.

• Example: The convenience of fast food has engendered a cultural shift away from home cooking.

1. Exacerbating: Making a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse.

• Example: The decline in home cooking is exacerbating public health concerns.

1. Censured: Criticized or condemned publicly.

• Example: The fast food industry has been censured for its environmental footprint.

1. Scrutiny: Critical observation or examination.

• Example: The industry's labor practices have been the subject of intense scrutiny.

1. Multifaceted: Having many different aspects or features.

• Example: A multifaceted approach is requisite to mitigate the negative impacts of fast food.

1. Enact: To make something, especially a law, officially valid.

• Example: Governments should enact stringent regulations on the fast food industry.

1. Imposition: The act of imposing something, especially a law or regulation.

• Example: The imposition of taxes on unhealthy food items can help regulate the industry.

1. Subsidies: Financial assistance provided by the government to support a particular industry or sector.

• Example: Subsidies for nutritious alternatives can promote healthier eating habits.

1. Culinary: Relating to or involving cooking or the kitchen.

• Example: Investment in culinary education is crucial for fostering healthier eating habits.

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of Specific Examples: Many students fail to provide specific examples to support their arguments, leading to a lower score in the Task Response criterion.
2. Poor Vocabulary Choice: Using vague or repetitive vocabulary can limit the Lexical Resource score. Students should aim to use a wide range of vocabulary, including less common lexical items.
3. Inadequate Coherence and Cohesion: Poor organization and lack of clear progression can result in a lower score in the Coherence and Cohesion criterion. Students should use a range of cohesive devices to connect their ideas effectively.
4. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can significantly impact the Grammatical Range and Accuracy score. Students should aim to use a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences.
5. Off-Topic Responses: Some students may stray from the topic or fail to address the task fully, leading to a lower score in the Task Response criterion. It is essential to stay focused on the prompt and provide a clear, relevant response.

Get Your Own Response Scored by AI on English AIdol

Ready to improve your IELTS Writing Task 2 score? Get your own response scored by AI on English AIdol and receive personalized feedback to help you achieve your target band score.