IELTS Writing Task 2: Junk Food Tax (Positive Negative) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers
Related guides:
The Prompt
Topic: Some governments have introduced special taxes on junk food to encourage healthier eating. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this approach?
Model Answers
Band 6.0 Answer
Score Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR) 5.0: Presents a position but with limited development
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC) 6.0: Generally organized but with some clear structure
- Lexical Resource (LR) 6.0: Uses some task-specific vocabulary but with some errors
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA) 6.0: Makes frequent grammatical errors
Answer:
Some people think that tax on junk food is a good idea, but others disagree. I agree tax is good because it can help people eat healthy. When food is expensive, people will not buy it. But some say it is not good because poor people will suffer.
For example, in Mexico, they have tax on junk food and people eat less. But poor people still eat junk food because they cannot afford healthy food. So government should do more things like educate people about healthy food.
In conclusion, I think tax is good but not enough. Government should do more to help people eat healthy.
Band 7.0 Answer
Score Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR) 6.5: Presents a clear position with some development
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC) 7.0: Logically organized with clear progression
- Lexical Resource (LR) 7.0: Uses some less common vocabulary appropriately
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA) 7.0: Makes some errors but generally accurate
Answer:
The implementation of taxes on junk food has been a contentious issue. I believe that while it has potential benefits, it also has significant drawbacks.
On the positive side, taxing junk food can discourage consumption and improve public health. For instance, Denmark introduced a fat tax which led to a decrease in obesity rates. Moreover, revenue generated can be used to fund healthcare and education campaigns about nutrition.
However, there are valid concerns. Low-income individuals may be disproportionately affected as they often rely on cheaper, unhealthy food options. Additionally, some argue that taxation is an infringement on personal choice and that education would be a more effective solution.
In conclusion, while I agree that junk food taxes can have positive effects, I believe governments should implement them carefully and in conjunction with other health initiatives.
Band 8.0 Answer
Score Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR) 7.5: Presents a clear position with thorough development
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC) 8.0: Uses a range of cohesive devices effectively
- Lexical Resource (LR) 8.0: Uses less common vocabulary with some sophistication
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA) 8.0: Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
Answer:
The debate surrounding the imposition of taxes on junk food has gained momentum in recent years. I firmly believe that such measures are justified and beneficial for society.
Primarily, junk food taxes can mitigate the escalating healthcare costs associated with obesity and related diseases. A compelling example is Hungary's selective consumer tax, which targeted high-sugar and high-salt products, resulting in a notable reduction in consumption. Furthermore, the revenue generated can be reinvested in public health campaigns and subsidies for healthier food alternatives.
Critics argue that such taxes disproportionately affect lower-income individuals. However, I contend that this is a short-sighted perspective. The long-term health benefits and reduced healthcare costs outweigh the initial financial burden. Additionally, governments can implement subsidies and education programs to offset this impact.
In conclusion, I am strongly in favor of junk food taxes as they address critical public health issues and promote healthier lifestyles. Governments should consider this approach as part of a comprehensive strategy to combat obesity and related health problems.
Band 9.0 Answer
Score Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR) 9.0: Presents a clear position with thorough, relevant, and supported development
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC) 9.0: Uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately and flexibly
- Lexical Resource (LR) 9.0: Uses a wide range of vocabulary with precision and sophistication
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA) 9.0): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with flexibility and accuracy
Answer:
The discourse surrounding the imposition of taxes on junk food has intensified in recent years, with proponents advocating for its efficacy in promoting public health and detractors highlighting potential socioeconomic repercussions. I contend that, when thoughtfully implemented, such taxes can yield substantial benefits.
Proponents of junk food taxes argue convincingly that they can mitigate the escalating healthcare costs associated with obesity and related diseases. The implementation of a fat tax in Denmark serves as a compelling case study, demonstrating a notable reduction in obesity rates following its introduction. Furthermore, the revenue generated from such taxes can be strategically reinvested in public health campaigns and subsidies for healthier food alternatives, creating a virtuous cycle of improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare expenditures.
However, it is imperative to acknowledge the valid concerns raised by critics. Lower-income individuals may indeed bear a disproportionate burden, as they often rely on cheaper, unhealthy food options. To address this, governments should implement complementary measures, such as targeted subsidies for nutritious foods and comprehensive education campaigns about healthy eating habits. Additionally, the progressive nature of the tax should be carefully calibrated to ensure that it does not disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
In conclusion, I am firmly in favor of junk food taxes, provided they are part of a comprehensive and equitable public health strategy. Governments should consider this approach as a crucial component in the ongoing battle against obesity and related health problems, ensuring that the benefits outweigh the potential drawbacks.
Vocabulary Highlights
- Contentious (adjective): causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument
- Example: The issue of junk food taxes has become increasingly contentious.
- Mitigate (verb): make less severe, serious, or painful
- Example: Taxes can mitigate the escalating healthcare costs associated with obesity.
- Disproportionately (adverb): in a way that is not fair or reasonable in relation to something else
- Example: Low-income individuals may be disproportionately affected by junk food taxes.
- Reinvest (verb): invest (money) again or in a different way
- Example: Revenue generated can be reinvested in public health campaigns.
- Comprehensive (adjective): including or dealing with all or nearly all aspects of something
- Example: A comprehensive strategy is needed to combat obesity.
- Efficacy (noun): the ability to produce a desired or intended result
- Example: Proponents argue for the efficacy of junk food taxes in promoting public health.
- Calibrated (adjective): adjusted carefully to a particular condition or standard
- Example: The tax should be carefully calibrated to ensure fairness.
- Virtuous (adjective): having or showing high moral standards
- Example: Creating a virtuous cycle of improved health outcomes.
- Subsidies (noun): a grant or payment designed to encourage a specific activity or industry
- Example: Targeted subsidies for nutritious foods can help low-income individuals.
- Equitable (adjective): fair and impartial
- Example: An equitable public health strategy should consider all socioeconomic factors.
- Intensified (verb): make or become more intense
- Example: The debate surrounding junk food taxes has intensified in recent years.
- Concurrently (adverb): at the same time; simultaneously
- Example: Governments should implement education programs concurrently with taxes.
- Obesity (noun): the condition of being grossly fat or overweight
- Example: Junk food taxes aim to combat the rising rates of obesity.
- Repercussions (noun): an unintended consequence of an event or action
- Example: Critics highlight potential socioeconomic repercussions of junk food taxes.
- Strategically (adverb): in a manner involving careful planning to achieve a particular goal
- Example: Revenue can be strategically reinvested in public health campaigns.
Common Mistakes
- Lack of Clear Position: Some students fail to clearly state their opinion, leading to a lower Task Response score.
- Overgeneralization: Making broad statements without specific examples or data to support them.
- Inadequate Vocabulary: Using basic vocabulary instead of task-specific and advanced terms.
- Poor Organization: Failing to use cohesive devices effectively, resulting in a disjointed essay.
- Grammar Errors: Making frequent grammatical mistakes that detract from the overall clarity and coherence of the essay.
Get Your Own Response Scored by AI on English AIdol
Ready to test your skills? Get your own IELTS Writing Task 2 response scored by AI on English AIdol and receive detailed feedback to help you improve. Practice with our advanced AI scoring system and achieve your target band score!