IELTS Writing Task 2: Junk Food Tax (Advantages Disadvantages) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers
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The Prompt
Paraphrased Prompt: Some governments propose taxing unhealthy foods to improve public health. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this approach. Give relevant examples and support your opinion.
Model Answers
Band 6.0 Answer
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with some irrelevant points
- Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Uses some cohesive devices but with frequent errors
- Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Attempts varied vocabulary but with frequent errors
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Attempts complex structures but with frequent errors
Answer:
The tax on junk food is a good idea because it can make people healthier. When food is more expensive, people will buy less of it. This can help people to lose weight and be healthier. Also, the government can use the money from the tax to pay for hospitals and schools. However, some people might not like this tax. They might think it is not fair because they like to eat junk food. Also, some people might not be able to afford to buy healthy food if junk food is too expensive. In conclusion, the tax on junk food can be good but it also has some bad points.
Band 7.0 Answer
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended arguments
- Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively but with some errors
- Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a mix of appropriate vocabulary but with some errors
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors
Answer:
Implementing a tax on junk food can have both positive and negative effects. On the one hand, this tax can encourage people to eat healthier foods. For example, if a can of soda costs more, people might choose to drink water instead. This can lead to a decrease in obesity and other health problems. Additionally, the money from the tax can be used to fund public health initiatives. On the other hand, some people might argue that this tax is unfair. They might say that everyone should have the right to choose what they eat. Also, some people might not be able to afford healthier foods if junk food becomes too expensive. In conclusion, while a junk food tax can have benefits, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks.
Band 8.0 Answer
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with fully extended and supported arguments
- Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively with only minor errors
- Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with only minor errors
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with only minor errors
Answer:
The implementation of a tax on junk food is a contentious issue with compelling arguments on both sides. Proponents argue that such a tax can significantly improve public health. For instance, a study by the World Health Organization found that a 20% tax on sugary drinks in Mexico led to a 5.5% reduction in consumption within the first year. Furthermore, the revenue generated from this tax can be reinvested in public health campaigns and infrastructure. However, opponents contend that this tax infringes on personal freedom and could disproportionately affect low-income individuals. For example, a report by the UK's Institute for Fiscal Studies found that the poorest households spend a higher proportion of their income on food and beverages. Therefore, a junk food tax could exacerbate existing inequalities. In conclusion, while the potential health benefits are notable, policymakers must carefully consider the economic and social implications.
Band 9.0 Answer
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear position with fully extended, supported, and sophisticated arguments
- Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively and flexibly with no errors
- Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with full flexibility and precision
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with full flexibility and precision
Answer:
The proposition of taxing unhealthy foods has sparked intense debate, with proponents advocating for its potential to mitigate the global obesity epidemic and detractors highlighting its economic and social ramifications. Proponents of the junk food tax argue that it can serve as a powerful deterrent against the consumption of unhealthy foods. Empirical evidence from Denmark's saturated fat tax, implemented in 2011, demonstrated a 10-15% reduction in the consumption of targeted foods. Moreover, the revenue generated can be channeled towards subsidizing healthier food options, as evidenced by Hungary's successful implementation of such a strategy. Conversely, critics contend that such taxes disproportionately burden lower-income individuals, who already allocate a larger proportion of their income to food. Furthermore, there is a risk that consumers may simply substitute taxed items with other unhealthy, untaxed options, a phenomenon known as the 'substitution effect'. In conclusion, while the junk food tax presents a viable strategy for promoting public health, policymakers must carefully design and implement such measures to ensure their effectiveness and equity.
Vocabulary Highlights
- Implement (verb) - to put something into effect; to carry out. Example: The government plans to implement a new tax policy.
- Contentious (adjective) - causing or likely to cause controversy; controversial. Example: The issue of junk food tax is highly contentious.
- Proponent (noun) - a person who advocates for a cause or proposal. Example: Proponents of the tax argue that it will improve public health.
- Reinvest (verb) - to invest money again or in a different way. Example: The revenue from the tax can be reinvested in public health initiatives.
- Infringe (verb) - to violate or break a law, right, or agreement. Example: Opponents argue that the tax infringes on personal freedom.
- Disproportionately (adverb) - in a way that is unfair or unequal. Example: The tax could disproportionately affect low-income individuals.
- Exacerbate (verb) - to make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse. Example: The tax could exacerbate existing inequalities.
- Empirical (adjective) - based on observation or experience rather than theory. Example: Empirical evidence supports the effectiveness of the tax.
- Deterrent (noun) - something that discourages or deters someone from doing something. Example: The tax can serve as a deterrent against unhealthy eating.
- Channel (verb) - to direct or guide something, especially money or resources. Example: The revenue can be channeled towards healthier food options.
- Subsidize (verb) - to provide financial support or assistance to something. Example: The government can subsidize healthier food options.
- Substitution effect (noun) - the phenomenon where consumers replace taxed items with untaxed alternatives. Example: Consumers may substitute taxed items with other unhealthy options.
- Viable (adjective) - capable of working successfully; feasible. Example: The tax presents a viable strategy for promoting public health.
- Design (verb) - to plan or create something with a specific purpose in mind. Example: Policymakers must carefully design such measures.
- Equity (noun) - the quality of being fair and impartial. Example: The tax must be designed with equity in mind.
- Allocate (verb) - to distribute something in a particular way. Example: Lower-income individuals allocate a larger proportion of their income to food.
- Global obesity epidemic (noun) - the worldwide increase in obesity rates. Example: The tax can help mitigate the global obesity epidemic.
- Ramifications (noun) - the consequences or implications of an action or event. Example: The tax has significant economic and social ramifications.
- Mitigate (verb) - to make something less severe, serious, or painful. Example: The tax can mitigate the global obesity epidemic.
- Advocate (verb) - to support or recommend something publicly. Example: Proponents advocate for the tax's potential benefits.
Common Mistakes
- Overgeneralizing: Students often make sweeping statements without providing specific examples or data to support their claims. Always back up your arguments with concrete evidence.
- Ignoring the other side: Failing to acknowledge and address the opposing viewpoint can weaken your argument. Always present a balanced discussion.
- Poor vocabulary choices: Using vague or inappropriate words can make your writing difficult to understand. Always choose your words carefully and ensure they fit the context.
- Grammatical errors: Complex sentences with multiple clauses can be difficult to construct correctly. Practice writing complex sentences and have them checked by a teacher or language partner.
- Lack of cohesion: Poorly structured paragraphs can make your writing difficult to follow. Use cohesive devices to connect your ideas and create a clear, logical flow.
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