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IELTS Writing Task 2:
Junk Food Tax (Agree/Disagree) – Band 6/7/8/9 Samples

Expert IELTS Writing Task 2 junk food tax agree/disagree samples (Bands 6-9). Learn scoring criteria, vocabulary, and common mistakes to ace your test.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Junk Food Tax (Agree/Disagree) – Band 6/7/8/9 Samples | English AIdol Blog

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Expert IELTS Writing Task 2 junk food tax agree/disagree samples (Bands 6-9). Learn scoring criteria, vocabulary, and common mistakes to ace your test.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Junk Food Tax (Agree/Disagree) – Band 6/7/8/9 Samples

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Prompt

Some governments have proposed taxing unhealthy foods to reduce obesity. Do you agree or disagree that governments should impose such taxes? Give relevant support from your own experience and knowledge.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Many people think that governments should tax unhealthy foods. I agree with this opinion because it can help people be healthier.

First, if junk food is more expensive, people will buy less of it. For example, in Mexico, they put a tax on sugary drinks and people drank less. This shows that taxes can work. Second, the money from these taxes can be used for healthcare or education. This is good for society.

Some people say that taxes are unfair because they hurt poor people more. But if we want a healthy population, we need to do something. Taxes are one way to do this.

In conclusion, I agree that governments should tax unhealthy foods. It is a good way to improve public health.

Scoring Breakdown

  • Task Response (TR) 5.0: Presents a position but with unclear development. Relevant ideas but limited support.
  • Coherence & Cohesion (CC) 6.0: Logical sequence but with some abrupt transitions. Some linking words used.
  • Lexical Resource (LR) 6.0: Mix of appropriate and limited vocabulary. Some word choice errors.
  • Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA) 6.0: Mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent errors.

Band 7.0 Answer

The idea of taxing unhealthy foods has gained traction in recent years. I firmly believe this is a positive step for public health.

There are several compelling reasons to support this measure. Primarily, such taxes serve as disincentives, discouraging excessive consumption. Research from the World Health Organization indicates that a 20% tax on sugary products can reduce consumption by 20%. Moreover, the revenue generated can be channeled into public health initiatives, creating a virtuous cycle of improved well-being.

Critics argue that such taxes disproportionately affect lower-income individuals. While this is a valid concern, I contend that the long-term health benefits outweigh this drawback. Preventive measures like these are more cost-effective than treating obesity-related diseases later.

In summation, I strongly support the implementation of junk food taxes. This policy can significantly enhance public health outcomes while providing much-needed funding for essential services.

Scoring Breakdown

  • Task Response (TR) 7.0: Presents a clear position with some development through relevant, extended ideas.
  • Coherence & Cohesion (CC) 7.0: Logical organization with clear progression. Uses a mix of cohesive devices effectively.
  • Lexical Resource (LR) 7.0: Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items. Some word choice errors.
  • Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA) 7.0: Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors.

Band 8.0 Answer

The proposition of levying taxes on unhealthy foods as a means to curb obesity has sparked intense debate. I wholeheartedly endorse this approach, as it presents a multifaceted solution to a pressing public health issue.

The rationale behind such taxes is twofold. Firstly, they act as a powerful deterrent, altering consumer behavior. A study published in the British Medical Journal revealed that a 10% tax on unhealthy foods led to a 7% reduction in purchases. Secondly, the financial resources generated can be strategically allocated to subsidize healthier alternatives, creating a more balanced food environment.

Opponents contend that such policies infringe upon personal liberties. However, I posit that the collective benefits of reduced healthcare costs and increased productivity far outweigh individual inconveniences. Furthermore, similar measures have been successfully implemented in countries like Hungary and the UK, demonstrating their feasibility.

In conclusion, the taxation of unhealthy foods is a pragmatic and effective strategy to combat obesity. By encouraging healthier choices and funding public health initiatives, such policies can yield substantial long-term benefits.

Scoring Breakdown

  • Task Response (TR) 8.0: Presents a clear position with thorough development through relevant, extended ideas and support.
  • Coherence & Cohesion (CC) 8.0: Logical organization with clear progression. Uses a wide range of cohesive devices effectively.
  • Lexical Resource (LR) 8.0: Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items. Occasional word choice errors.
  • Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA) 8.0: Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors but generally good control.

Band 9.0 Answer

The implementation of taxes on unhealthy foods as a mechanism to address obesity is a contentious issue. I am firmly convinced that such measures are not only justifiable but also imperative for the well-being of society.

The efficacy of this approach is evidenced by its multifaceted benefits. Economically, such taxes serve as a disincentive, modulating consumption patterns. A comprehensive analysis by the University of Cambridge demonstrated that a 20% tax on sugary beverages resulted in a 24% decrease in consumption among adolescents. Furthermore, the revenue generated can be reinvested in public health campaigns, creating a sustainable cycle of improved health outcomes.

Critics argue that such policies are paternalistic and infringe upon individual freedoms. However, I contend that the state has a responsibility to protect its citizens from harm, particularly when the consequences are as severe as those associated with obesity. The success of similar initiatives in nations like France and Finland underscores the viability of this approach.

In summation, the taxation of unhealthy foods is a judicious and necessary strategy to mitigate the obesity epidemic. By fostering healthier behaviors and funding essential public health services, such policies can significantly enhance the quality of life for all citizens.

Scoring Breakdown

  • Task Response (TR) 9.0: Presents a clear position with thorough development through relevant, extended ideas and support.
  • Coherence & Cohesion (CC) 9.0: Logical organization with clear progression. Uses a wide range of cohesive devices effectively.
  • Lexical Resource (LR) 9.0: Uses a wide range of vocabulary with precise, sophisticated, and natural use. No word choice errors.
  • Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA) 9.0: Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with rare errors. Accurate use of grammar and punctuation.

Vocabulary Highlights

  1. Levy (verb): To impose a tax. Example: Governments may levy taxes on unhealthy foods.
  2. Traction (noun): Gaining support or momentum. Example: The idea of taxing junk food has gained traction recently.
  3. Disincentive (noun): A factor that discourages something. Example: Higher prices serve as a disincentive to buy junk food.
  4. Virtuous (adjective): Having good moral qualities. Example: This creates a virtuous cycle of improved well-being.
  5. Channeled (verb): Directed or guided. Example: Revenue can be channeled into public health initiatives.
  6. Contend (verb): To maintain or assert as true. Example: I contend that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
  7. Opponents (noun): People who disagree with something. Example: Opponents argue that taxes are unfair.
  8. Infringe (verb): To violate or encroach upon. Example: Such policies infringe upon personal liberties.
  9. Pragmatic (adjective): Dealing with things sensibly and realistically. Example: This is a pragmatic solution to the obesity problem.
  10. Modulating (verb): Regulating or adjusting. Example: Taxes modulate consumption patterns.
  11. Reinvested (verb): To invest again or differently. Example: Revenue can be reinvested in health campaigns.
  12. Judicious (adjective): Showing good judgment. Example: This is a judicious strategy.
  13. Mitigate (verb): To make less severe or serious. Example: Taxes can mitigate the obesity epidemic.
  14. Enhance (verb): To increase or improve something. Example: Such policies can enhance quality of life.
  15. Contentious (adjective): Causing or likely to cause an argument. Example: This is a contentious issue.
  16. Imperative (adjective): Of vital importance. Example: Such measures are imperative for public health.
  17. Feasibility (noun): The state of being viable or practicable. Example: The feasibility of this approach is proven.
  18. Subsidize (verb): To support financially. Example: Tax revenue can subsidize healthier foods.
  19. Viable (adjective): Capable of working successfully. Example: This is a viable solution.
  20. Underscores (verb): To emphasize or highlight. Example: Success stories underscore the viability of this approach.

Common Mistakes

  1. Lack of Clear Position: Many test-takers fail to clearly state whether they agree or disagree, leading to lower Task Response scores.
  2. Insufficient Support: Answers often lack specific examples or data to support the position, reducing the overall quality.
  3. Overgeneralization: Using vague statements like "many people think" without providing concrete evidence weakens the argument.
  4. Poor Coherence: Jumping between ideas without clear transitions can confuse the reader and lower Cohesion scores.
  5. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical mistakes, especially with complex sentence structures, can significantly impact the Grammatical Range and Accuracy score.

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