IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)
IELTS Essay # 1513 - Fast food is becoming cheaper and more widely available
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
In many countries, fast food is becoming cheaper and more widely available.
Do the disadvantages of this outweigh the advantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer 1: [View: disadvantages of this trend outweigh the advantages]
The growing affordability of fast food is becoming prevalent in many parts of the world. I believe that the drawbacks of the ubiquity of convenience food outweigh the benefits it offers because although it proves to be an easily affordable food choice for lower-income families, these foods cause severe damage to health.
The main advantage of this phenomenon is the accessibility and convenience. The economical fast food makes it easily accessible to a generous portion of the population, especially those with meagre earnings. This, in fact, offers lower-income households an economy and convenient meal options, particularly those who lack access to costly food choices or face time constraints on home meal preparation. Single parents, for example, may seem it is highly convenient and economical to resort to a prompt and cost-effective fast food meal for their family after a hectic day.
One considerable drawback of the affordability and prevalence of convenience food is that it can negatively impact health. The prevalent and affordable nature of junk food tends to drive individuals to frequent intake, thereby causing detrimental effects on health. This means that regular intake of fast food poses a grave risk of various diseases, such as obesity, diabetes and other non-communicable diseases. A study conducted in India revealed that regularly consuming fast food could have a negative effect on insulin sensitivity, and therefore poses an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Fast food has also been proven to be the underlying cause of various mental diseases, including insomnia, depression, and anxiety.
To conclude, although it is a good thing that lower-income groups have easy access to affordable meal options, I think the diseases caused by consuming fast food frequently prove to be much more disadvantageous for individuals.
Model Answer 2: [View: disadvantages of this trend outweigh the advantages]
In many parts of the world, the increasing affordability and accessibility of fast food is a trend that has significantly transformed eating habits. While it offers some benefits, particularly in terms of convenience, I believe that the disadvantages far outweigh the advantages, especially when considering its impact on health and society.
One notable advantage of fast food becoming cheaper and more available is the convenience it offers, particularly for busy individuals and working families. With fast food outlets found in nearly every urban centre, people can quickly obtain meals without the time or effort required for home cooking. For example, in countries like the United States, where long working hours are common, fast food provides a quick solution for meals. This has made it an attractive option for those with busy lifestyles.
However, despite this benefit, the disadvantages of this trend are far more consequential. Firstly, the widespread consumption of fast food has contributed to a global rise in obesity and related health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. Fast food is often high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and salt, which can lead to long-term health issues. For instance, a study in the UK found that the increased consumption of fast food over the last two decades directly correlates with a surge in obesity rates among both adults and children. Additionally, fast food culture often undermines traditional food practices, leading to the decline of more nutritious, home-cooked meals, which are essential for balanced diets.
In conclusion, while the affordability and convenience of fast food may offer some short-term benefits, the negative impact on public health and the erosion of traditional dietary habits are far more concerning. Therefore, I believe the disadvantages clearly outweigh the advantages in this case.
Idea Generation for This IELTS Essay:
Essay Type: Advantage-disadvantage Essay
Main question of this IELTS Essay:
Do the disadvantages of the increasing availability and affordability of fast food outweigh the advantages?
Arguments in Favour of Fast Food Having More Advantages:
Affordability makes food accessible to low-income groups:
Fast food is often cheaper than home-cooked meals, making it a viable option for individuals with limited financial resources. It ensures that people, especially students and low-income workers, have access to meals without excessive spending.
Convenience suits modern busy lifestyles:
With increasing work demands and time constraints, many individuals do not have time to cook. Fast food provides a quick and hassle-free meal solution, helping people balance their professional and personal lives efficiently.
Improved variety and healthier options:
Fast-food chains have diversified their menus to include healthier alternatives such as salads, grilled items, and plant-based meals. This allows health-conscious consumers to make better choices while still benefiting from convenience.
Boosts employment and economic growth:
The fast-food industry generates millions of jobs worldwide, offering employment to individuals from various socio-economic backgrounds. It also contributes significantly to the economy through business expansion and tax revenues.
Arguments in Favour of Fast Food Having More Disadvantages:
Health risks due to high-calorie content:
Many fast-food meals contain excessive amounts of unhealthy fats, salt, and sugar, leading to obesity, diabetes, and heart diseases. Regular consumption without proper dietary balance can have long-term health consequences.
Encourages poor dietary habits:
The easy availability of fast food discourages home cooking and promotes unhealthy eating habits, particularly among children and young adults. This can lead to dependency on processed foods rather than nutritious home-prepared meals.
Environmental concerns and waste production:
Fast-food packaging, such as plastic containers and disposable utensils, contributes significantly to environmental pollution. The industry also plays a role in unsustainable agricultural practices, which negatively impact natural resources.
Decline in traditional food culture:
The dominance of fast-food chains threatens traditional culinary practices, as people increasingly opt for convenience over homemade meals. This shift reduces appreciation for cultural cuisine and cooking traditions.
Model Essay 3: [View: This trend has more advantages than drawbacks]
In recent years, the widespread availability and affordability of fast food items have transformed the dietary habits of people in many countries. While some argue that this trend has severe negative consequences, in this essay, I will explore both the advantages and disadvantages of this trend and opine that the advantages of fast food being accessible and inexpensive outweigh its drawbacks.
Concerns regarding the health implications of fast food cannot be ignored. Excessive consumption of processed foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats has been linked to obesity and chronic illnesses. However, these risks stem largely from individual dietary choices rather than the availability of fast food itself. Education and moderation are key factors in mitigating these concerns while still enjoying the convenience of such meals.
On the contrary, one of the key benefits of fast food is its affordability, which makes it accessible to a larger population, particularly those with limited financial resources. In many regions, fast food offers an economical alternative to home-cooked meals, helping individuals with busy schedules or low incomes sustain themselves without significant financial burden. For instance, students and low-wage workers often rely on fast food due to its cost-effectiveness compared to fresh produce or elaborate home-cooked meals.
Additionally, the convenience of fast food plays a crucial role in modern lifestyles. Many people, especially urban dwellers with demanding jobs, struggle to find the time to prepare meals at home. Fast food outlets provide a quick and efficient solution, allowing individuals to maintain productivity without compromising their nutritional needs entirely. For example, a corporate employee working long hours may not have time to cook dinner after a hectic day, so grabbing a quick meal from a fast-food outlet enables them to eat without disrupting their schedule.
In conclusion, while fast food has some drawbacks, its affordability and accessibility make it a valuable option for many people. With proper dietary awareness and moderation, its advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.
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