IELTS Writing Task 2: Sugar Consumption - Band 7.0 Sample with Full Breakdown

Related guides:

• IELTS Writing Task 2: Recycling (Discussion) — Band 6/7/8/9…
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Renewable Energy Two Part Question…
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Deforestation Two Part Question Sample…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Plastic Pollution (Advantages…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Climate Change Discussion Sample Band…

Prompt

Some people believe that governments should take action to reduce sugar consumption. Others argue that individuals should be responsible for their own diets. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Score Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with some irrelevant details.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 5.0 - Ideas are logically organized but with some unclear arguments.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Vocabulary is sufficient but lacks precision.
• Grammar (GRA): 6.0 - Some errors in grammar and punctuation.

Answer:

The issue of sugar consumption has been a topic of debate for many years. Some people think that governments should take action to reduce sugar intake, while others believe that individuals should be responsible for their own diets. I agree with the latter view.

On one hand, governments can implement policies to reduce sugar consumption. For example, they can tax sugary drinks or limit the amount of sugar in processed foods. This can help people make healthier choices. However, some argue that these policies infringe on personal freedom. Moreover, not all people can afford healthier alternatives, which can lead to social inequality.

On the other hand, individuals should be responsible for their own diets. People know what is best for their bodies, and they should make their own choices. Education can play a role in helping people make informed decisions about their diets. For instance, schools can teach nutrition classes to help students understand the importance of a balanced diet.

In conclusion, while governments can take action to reduce sugar consumption, individuals should ultimately be responsible for their own diets. Education is key to helping people make healthier choices.

Band 7.0 Answer

Score Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with some development.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Ideas are logically organized with some unclear arguments.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Vocabulary is sufficient but may lack precision.
• Grammar (GRA): 7.0 - Some errors in grammar and punctuation.

Answer:

The debate surrounding sugar consumption has gained significant attention in recent years. While some advocate for government intervention to curb sugar intake, others argue that personal responsibility should be the primary focus. I believe that a combination of both approaches is necessary.

Proponents of government action argue that policies such as sugar taxes and regulations on food labeling can effectively reduce sugar consumption. For instance, Mexico's implementation of an 8% tax on sugary drinks led to a 5.5% decrease in purchases of taxed beverages. However, critics contend that such measures can be intrusive and may not address the root causes of unhealthy eating habits.

On the other hand, those who emphasize personal responsibility argue that individuals should be educated about the dangers of excessive sugar consumption. Schools and community programs can play a crucial role in promoting healthy eating habits. For example, nutrition education programs have been shown to improve dietary choices among children and adults alike. Nevertheless, relying solely on personal responsibility may not be sufficient, as socioeconomic factors can limit access to healthy food options.

In conclusion, while government intervention can be effective in reducing sugar consumption, it is equally important to empower individuals with the knowledge and resources to make healthier choices. A balanced approach that combines policy measures with education is likely to yield the best results.

Band 8.0 Answer

Score Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with thorough development.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear arguments.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Vocabulary is varied and precise.
• Grammar (GRA): 8.0 - Few errors in grammar and punctuation.

Answer:

The escalating concern over sugar consumption has sparked a contentious debate regarding the role of governments versus individual responsibility. While some advocate for stringent government regulations, others contend that personal accountability should take precedence. I firmly believe that a multifaceted approach is essential to address this complex issue.

Advocates for government intervention posit that regulatory measures such as sugar taxes and mandatory nutrition labeling can significantly curtail sugar intake. For example, the United Kingdom's sugar tax, implemented in 2018, has led to a reduction in sugar content in soft drinks by 28.8% per portion. Moreover, governments can subsidize healthier food options, making them more accessible to the general population. However, critics argue that such interventions may infringe upon personal freedoms and could lead to unintended consequences, such as the black-market sale of sugary products.

Conversely, proponents of personal responsibility assert that individuals should be held accountable for their dietary choices. Comprehensive education campaigns can equip people with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their diets. For instance, public health initiatives in Finland have successfully reduced cardiovascular disease rates through education and community programs. Nevertheless, relying solely on personal responsibility may exacerbate health disparities, as socioeconomic factors can hinder access to nutritious food.

In conclusion, addressing the issue of sugar consumption requires a balanced approach that combines government intervention with personal responsibility. By implementing effective policies and promoting education, societies can work towards reducing sugar intake and improving overall health outcomes.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Escalating (adj.): Increasing in intensity or severity.

• Example: The escalating concern over sugar consumption has sparked a debate.

1. Contentious (adj.): Causing or likely to cause disagreement.

• Example: The issue of sugar consumption has become contentious.

1. Curtail (v.): Reduce in extent or quantity.

• Example: Governments can curtail sugar intake through regulations.

1. Subsidize (v.): Provide financial assistance to.

• Example: Governments can subsidize healthier food options.

1. Comprehensive (adj.): Including all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.

• Example: Comprehensive education campaigns can equip people with knowledge.

1. Equip (v.): Provide with the necessary items for a purpose.

• Example: Education campaigns can equip people with knowledge.

1. Exacerbate (v.): Make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse.

• Example: Relying solely on personal responsibility may exacerbate health disparities.

1. Socioeconomic (adj.): Relating to social position or status.

• Example: Socioeconomic factors can hinder access to nutritious food.

1. Implement (v.): Put a decision, plan, or law into effect.

• Example: Governments can implement policies to reduce sugar consumption.

1. Informed (adj.): Having or showing knowledge of a subject or situation.

• Example: People should make informed decisions about their diets.

1. Multifaceted (adj.): Having many different aspects or features.

• Example: A multifaceted approach is essential to address sugar consumption.

1. Regulatory (adj.): Relating to or denoting rules or directives.

• Example: Regulatory measures can curtail sugar intake.

1. Mandatory (adj.): Required by law or rules.

• Example: Mandatory nutrition labeling can reduce sugar consumption.

1. Accessible (adj.): Easily obtained or used.

• Example: Healthier food options should be accessible to all.

1. Disparities (n.): Differences, typically ones that are considered unfair or unacceptable.

• Example: Health disparities can be exacerbated by socioeconomic factors.

1. Comprehensive (adj.): Including all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.

• Example: Comprehensive education campaigns can equip people with knowledge.

1. Equip (v.): Provide with the necessary items for a purpose.

• Example: Education campaigns can equip people with knowledge.

1. Exacerbate (v.): Make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse.

• Example: Relying solely on personal responsibility may exacerbate health disparities.

1. Socioeconomic (adj.): Relating to social position or status.

• Example: Socioeconomic factors can hinder access to nutritious food.

1. Implement (v.): Put a decision, plan, or law into effect.

• Example: Governments can implement policies to reduce sugar consumption.

1. Informed (adj.): Having or showing knowledge of a subject or situation.

• Example: People should make informed decisions about their diets.

1. Multifaceted (adj.): Having many different aspects or features.

• Example: A multifaceted approach is essential to address sugar consumption.

1. Regulatory (adj.): Relating to or denoting rules or directives.

• Example: Regulatory measures can curtail sugar intake.

1. Mandatory (adj.): Required by law or rules.

• Example: Mandatory nutrition labeling can reduce sugar consumption.

1. Accessible (adj.): Easily obtained or used.

• Example: Healthier food options should be accessible to all.

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of Clear Position: Some students fail to present a clear position on the issue, making their arguments unclear.
2. Irrelevant Details: Including unnecessary information that does not address the prompt.
3. Poor Vocabulary Choice: Using vague or imprecise vocabulary that does not effectively convey the intended meaning.
4. Grammar Errors: Frequent grammatical errors that detract from the overall quality of the response.
5. Inadequate Development: Providing insufficient support for arguments, leading to a weak overall response.

Get Your Own Response Scored by AI on English AIdol

Practice makes perfect. Get your own IELTS Writing Task 2 response scored by AI on English AIdol and receive detailed feedback to help you improve.