IELTS Writing Task 2: Junk Food Tax (Problem Solution) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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The Prompt

> Some governments propose taxing junk food to encourage healthier eating habits. Do you think this is an effective measure? What other solutions can help address this problem?

Write at least 250 words.

Band 6.0 Model Answer

Problems and solutions for junk food tax

Some people say that junk food is bad for health. Governments should tax it to make people eat healthy food. I agree with this idea. There are some problems, but we can solve them.

Firstly, junk food is cheap and tasty. Many people like to eat it. If the government taxes junk food, the price will go up. People will think twice before buying it. They might choose healthy food instead. This is good for health. However, some people say that taxing junk food is not fair. Poor people will suffer more because they cannot afford healthy food. But I think the government can help them. They can give money to poor families to buy healthy food.

Secondly, some people say that taxing junk food will not work. They think people will still eat junk food. But I disagree. If the government makes rules, people will follow. For example, they can ban junk food in schools. Children will eat healthy food and they will grow up healthy.

In conclusion, taxing junk food is a good idea. There are some problems, but we can solve them. The government should tax junk food to make people healthier.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 – Presents a clear position but with some relevant, supported ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 – Uses cohesive devices but sometimes inappropriately or overuses simple connectors.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 – Attempts varied vocabulary but with frequent inaccuracies and some repetitive phrasing.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 – Produces simple sentence forms with frequent errors and some complex structures with errors.

Band 7.0 Model Answer

The impact of junk food taxes and alternative solutions

The consumption of junk food has become a significant public health concern. Governments have proposed taxing junk food to promote healthier eating habits. While this measure has merits, I believe it should be combined with other solutions to maximize effectiveness.

On one hand, taxing junk food can discourage consumption. Higher prices may lead individuals to opt for healthier alternatives. For instance, countries like Hungary and Mexico have implemented junk food taxes, resulting in reduced consumption. However, this approach has limitations. Low-income individuals may struggle with increased food costs, and some may continue purchasing junk food due to addiction or habit.

To address these issues, governments should implement complementary strategies. Public awareness campaigns can educate citizens about the health risks of junk food. Schools can incorporate nutrition education into curricula to instill healthy eating habits from a young age. Additionally, subsidies for fruits and vegetables can make healthy foods more affordable. These measures can create a supportive environment for healthier choices.

In conclusion, while taxing junk food can be an effective measure, it should be part of a broader strategy that includes education and affordability initiatives. By combining these approaches, governments can better address the public health concerns associated with junk food consumption.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 – Presents a clear, relevant position with supported, extended ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 – Uses cohesive devices effectively but with some redundancy.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 – Uses some less common vocabulary appropriately but with occasional errors and limited range.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 – Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent errors but some effective structures.

Band 8.0 Model Answer

Balancing junk food taxes with holistic health initiatives

The prevalence of junk food consumption has necessitated governmental intervention, with some proposing taxes on such items to encourage healthier eating habits. While this measure can be effective, it should be part of a comprehensive strategy that includes education and accessibility initiatives.

Taxing junk food can be a powerful deterrent. Higher prices can dissuade consumption, particularly among price-conscious individuals. For example, the UK's soft drink industry levy has successfully reduced sugar content and raised funds for school sports programs. However, reliance on taxation alone may disproportionately affect low-income populations and fail to address addictive behaviors.

To create a supportive environment for healthy eating, governments should implement multifaceted solutions. Public health campaigns can raise awareness about the dangers of junk food, while nutrition education in schools can foster long-term healthy habits. Furthermore, subsidizing fruits and vegetables can make these options more appealing and accessible. Collaborations with food industries to reformulate products and improve labeling can also contribute to positive outcomes.

In conclusion, while junk food taxes can play a significant role in promoting healthier eating habits, they should be complemented by education and accessibility initiatives. A holistic approach can address the complex factors contributing to junk food consumption and create lasting change.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 – Presents a clear, relevant position with fully developed, supported ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 – Uses cohesive devices effectively with clear progression and some sophisticated connectors.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 – Uses a wide range of vocabulary appropriately with some less common lexical items and only occasional errors.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 – Uses a variety of complex sentence forms with frequent errors but some error-free sentences.

Band 9.0 Model Answer

Navigating the complexities of junk food taxation and prevention

The global rise in junk food consumption has prompted governments to consider taxation as a means to curtail this trend and promote healthier eating habits. While this measure can be effective, it is not a panacea. A nuanced approach that combines taxation with education and accessibility initiatives is essential for sustained impact.

The implementation of junk food taxes can yield positive results by increasing prices and discouraging consumption. Empirical evidence from Denmark's saturated fat tax and Mexico's sugar-sweetened beverage tax demonstrates the potential of such measures to reduce intake. However, taxation alone may exacerbate health disparities, as low-income individuals may continue to purchase junk food due to affordability constraints or addictive tendencies.

To address these challenges, governments should adopt a multifaceted strategy. Public awareness campaigns can effectively communicate the health risks associated with junk food consumption, while nutrition education in schools can cultivate lifelong healthy habits. Subsidies for fruits and vegetables can enhance affordability and appeal, encouraging healthier choices. Moreover, collaboration with food industries to reformulate products, improve labeling, and promote healthier options can contribute to a supportive environment for positive change.

In conclusion, while junk food taxes can be a valuable tool in promoting healthier eating habits, they should be integrated into a comprehensive strategy that encompasses education, accessibility, and industry collaboration. By addressing the multifaceted nature of junk food consumption, governments can create lasting improvements in public health.

Scoring Breakdown

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

15+ Vocabulary Highlights

1. Prevalence (noun) – The fact of being widespread or common. Example: The prevalence of junk food consumption has increased significantly.
2. Necessitated (verb) – Made necessary by circumstances. Example: The rise in obesity rates has necessitated governmental intervention.
3. Dissuade (verb) – Persuade someone not to take a particular course of action. Example: Higher prices can dissuade consumption of junk food.
4. Addictive (adjective) – Causing or likely to cause addiction. Example: Some individuals may continue purchasing junk food due to addictive behaviors.
5. Foster (verb) – Encourage the development of something, especially something desirable. Example: Nutrition education in schools can foster long-term healthy habits.
6. Multifaceted (adjective) – Having many different aspects or features. Example: A multifaceted strategy is essential for sustained impact.
7. Empirical (adjective) – Based on observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic. Example: Empirical evidence demonstrates the potential of junk food taxes.
8. Exacerbate (verb) – Make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse. Example: Taxation alone may exacerbate health disparities.
9. Cultivate (verb) – Foster the growth or development of something. Example: Nutrition education can cultivate lifelong healthy habits.
10. Reformulate (verb) – Change the composition or structure of something. Example: Collaboration with food industries can reformulate products to be healthier.
11. Affordability (noun) – The quality of being affordable or within one's financial means. Example: Subsidies can enhance the affordability of fruits and vegetables.
12. Panacea (noun) – A solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases. Example: Taxing junk food is not a panacea for unhealthy eating habits.
13. Holistic (adjective) – Characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can only be understood in relation to the whole. Example: A holistic approach is necessary to address junk food consumption.
14. Sustained (adjective) – Continuing for an extended period or maintained at a particular level. Example: A comprehensive strategy is essential for sustained impact.
15. Disproportionately (adverb) – In a way that is too large or too small in comparison with something else. Example: Taxation alone may disproportionately affect low-income populations.
16. Collaborations (noun) – The situation of two or more people working together to achieve the same result or share information. Example: Collaborations with food industries can improve labeling and promote healthier options.
17. Instill (verb) – Gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person's mind. Example: Schools can instill healthy eating habits in children.

5 Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Overgeneralizing Solutions: Students often present solutions that are too broad or unrealistic. For example, suggesting that the government should ban all junk food without considering the practicality or potential backlash.
2. Ignoring Counterarguments: Failing to acknowledge the limitations or drawbacks of proposed solutions can weaken the argument. It's important to address counterarguments to demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the topic.
3. Repetitive Vocabulary: Using the same words or phrases repeatedly can make the writing appear less sophisticated. Students should strive to use a wide range of vocabulary to enhance their writing.
4. Poor Organization: Presenting ideas in a disorganized manner can make it difficult for the reader to follow the argument. A clear structure with well-defined paragraphs is essential for effective communication.
5. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can detract from the overall quality of the writing. Students should pay close attention to grammar and sentence structure to ensure clarity and coherence.

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