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IELTS Writing Task 2:
Junk Food Tax (Two-Part Question) — Band 6/7/8/9 Models

Band 9 model answers for IELTS Writing Task 2 junk food tax two-part question. Get sample responses for Bands 6-9 with scoring breakdowns.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Junk Food Tax (Two-Part Question) — Band 6/7/8/9 Models | English AIdol Blog

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Band 9 model answers for IELTS Writing Task 2 junk food tax two-part question. Get sample responses for Bands 6-9 with scoring breakdowns.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Junk Food Tax (Two-Part Question) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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The Prompt

Paraphrased IELTS Writing Task 2 Question: Some governments propose implementing taxes on junk food to improve public health. Others believe this approach is ineffective. What is your opinion? Additionally, discuss the potential consequences of such a tax for both individuals and society.

Band 6.0 Answer

**Junk food taxes are not a good solution because they unfairly target people. Many cannot afford healthy food and will still eat junk food. Governments should focus on education about healthy eating instead. A junk food tax could make people poorer while not really improving health.

For society, this tax might reduce obesity slightly but make people angry. Businesses selling junk food would suffer, causing job losses. Individuals would spend more money on food, which is unfair. Education about healthy eating would be better because it teaches people to make good choices without extra costs.**

Scoring Breakdown

  • Task Response (TR): 5.0 – Addresses both parts but lacks depth and development
  • Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 6.0 – Ideas are generally connected but with some repetition
  • Lexical Resource (LR): 5.5 – Limited vocabulary with some errors
  • Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 – Simple sentences with frequent errors

Band 7.0 Answer

**The implementation of taxes on junk food has sparked considerable debate regarding their effectiveness in promoting public health. While I believe such taxes can be beneficial, they should be accompanied by comprehensive educational campaigns.

From an individual perspective, junk food taxes can discourage consumption of unhealthy products. However, these taxes disproportionately affect lower-income individuals who may not have access to affordable healthy alternatives. For society, a well-publicized tax could raise significant revenue for healthcare systems, though it might also lead to job losses in the food industry. To mitigate these effects, governments should invest the tax revenue in subsidizing healthy foods and nutritional education programs.**

Scoring Breakdown

  • Task Response (TR): 7.0 – Addresses both parts with some extension and support
  • Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 7.0 – Logical flow with clear paragraphing
  • Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 – Appropriate vocabulary with occasional errors
  • Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 – Mix of simple and complex sentences with some errors

Band 8.0 Answer

**The proposition of taxing junk food as a public health measure has garnered significant attention. In my view, while such taxes can be effective, their implementation must be carefully managed to avoid unintended consequences.

On an individual level, junk food taxes can incentivize healthier eating habits by increasing the cost of unhealthy options. However, these taxes may place an undue financial burden on low-income households, who already struggle with food affordability. Society-wide, the revenue generated from such taxes could be channeled into public health initiatives, though there is a risk of job losses in the food industry. To ensure fairness, governments should consider tiered tax systems that account for income levels and invest in education campaigns to promote long-term behavioral change.**

Scoring Breakdown

  • Task Response (TR): 8.0 – Fully addresses both parts with developed and supported ideas
  • Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 8.0 – Logical organization with clear progression
  • Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 – Sophisticated vocabulary with minimal errors
  • Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 – Varied sentence structures with few errors

Band 9.0 Answer

**The debate surrounding the implementation of junk food taxes to mitigate public health concerns is multifaceted. While I contend that such taxes can be an effective tool, their success hinges on thoughtful execution and complementary policies.

From an individual perspective, a well-designed junk food tax can serve as a disincentive for the consumption of unhealthy products. However, it is imperative to consider the regressive nature of such taxes, which disproportionately affect lower-income individuals. Society stands to benefit from the revenue generated, which could be allocated to public health programs. Nevertheless, potential job losses in the food industry and the risk of a black market for unhealthy foods must be addressed. To maximize the efficacy of junk food taxes, governments should implement them in conjunction with subsidies for healthy foods, nutritional education, and targeted support for affected industries.**

Scoring Breakdown

  • Task Response (TR): 9.0 – Fully addresses both parts with thorough development and support
  • Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 9.0 – Logical flow with excellent use of cohesive devices
  • Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 – Sophisticated and precise vocabulary with no errors
  • Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 – Varied and complex sentence structures with no errors

Vocabulary Highlights

  1. Proposition (noun) – A suggestion or plan for consideration. Example: The proposition of taxing junk food has sparked debate.
  2. Garnered (verb) – Gained or accumulated. Example: The idea has garnered significant attention.
  3. Incentivize (verb) – To encourage or motivate. Example: Taxes can incentivize healthier eating habits.
  4. Undue (adjective) – Unnecessary or excessive. Example: These taxes may place an undue financial burden.
  5. Channeled (verb) – Directed or allocated. Example: Revenue could be channeled into public health initiatives.
  6. Tiered (adjective) – Having different levels or categories. Example: Consider a tiered tax system.
  7. Imperative (adjective) – Essential or crucial. Example: It is imperative to consider the regressive nature of such taxes.
  8. Regressive (adjective) – Having a negative impact on lower-income individuals. Example: The regressive nature of such taxes.
  9. Disincentive (noun) – A factor that discourages or discourages action. Example: A tax can serve as a disincentive.
  10. Allocated (verb) – Assigned or distributed. Example: Revenue could be allocated to public health programs.
  11. Black market (noun) – Illegal trade of goods. Example: The risk of a black market for unhealthy foods.
  12. Efficacy (noun) – Effectiveness or success. Example: To maximize the efficacy of junk food taxes.
  13. Complementary (adjective) – Enhancing or completing something else. Example: Complementary policies.
  14. Subsidies (noun) – Financial support or assistance. Example: Subsidies for healthy foods.
  15. Targeted (adjective) – Aimed at a specific group or area. Example: Targeted support for affected industries.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Ignoring One Part of the Question – Ensure both parts are addressed equally.
  2. Lack of Specific Examples – Use data or real-world examples to support arguments.
  3. Overgeneralizing – Avoid sweeping statements without evidence.
  4. Poor Paragraph Structure – Organize ideas logically with clear topic sentences.
  5. Repetition – Vary vocabulary and sentence structures to avoid repetition.

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FAQs

How often does the IELTS Writing Task 2 test junk food topics?

Junk food topics appear approximately 3-4 times per year in IELTS Writing Task 2, according to Cambridge Assessment English data.

What is the ideal length for an IELTS Writing Task 2 response?

The ideal length is 250-270 words. Responses under 250 words may lose marks for Task Response.

How important is vocabulary in IELTS Writing Task 2?

Vocabulary accounts for 25% of your score. Using a range of appropriate and sophisticated words can significantly boost your Lexical Resource score.

Can I use personal examples in my response?

Yes, personal examples can strengthen your arguments, but they should be relevant and well-developed.

How should I structure my response to a two-part question?

Dedicate one paragraph to each part of the question, ensuring both parts are addressed equally. Use clear topic sentences to introduce each idea.

What are the most common mistakes in IELTS Writing Task 2?

Common mistakes include ignoring one part of the question, lack of specific examples, overgeneralizing, poor paragraph structure, and repetition.

How can I improve my coherence and cohesion score?

Use a variety of cohesive devices such as conjunctions, transition words, and referencing to create a logical flow between ideas.

What is the difference between a Band 7 and Band 8 response?

A Band 8 response demonstrates more sophisticated vocabulary, complex sentence structures, and better development of ideas compared to a Band 7 response.

How can I practice for IELTS Writing Task 2?

Practice regularly using past exam questions, get feedback from teachers or AI tools, and review model answers to understand what examiners look for.

Stats Callouts

Vocabulary Usage

Label: 40% of test-takers Value: Use limited vocabulary Source: Cambridge Assessment English

Task Response Scores

Label: 25% of test-takers Value: Score below Band 6 Source: Cambridge Assessment English

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