IELTS Writing Task 2 with sample answer.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write at least 250 words.
Some feel that countries should produce most of the food that is eaten in their country and import as little as possible
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Sample Answer:
Food security is a pressing concern for many countries, and the debate over the extent to which countries should rely on imports versus domestic production is a longstanding one. While some argue that countries should aim to produce most of the food that is consumed, I disagree with this assertion for several reasons.
Firstly, it is worth considering that production of food involves considerable resources. In many countries, land is a limited resource, and so it is not always feasible to dedicate large amounts of land solely for food production. For example, in the UK, around half of the land is used for agricultural and grazing purposes, with the remaining half being used for urban and industrial purposes. Thus, it is not always possible to produce enough food within a country’s borders to satisfy the needs of its population.
Secondly, it is important to remember that food production is a complex process that requires expert knowledge and advanced technology. In many cases, countries are not able to produce certain types of food due to a lack of expertise or the necessary technology. For example, many countries do not have the capability to produce dairy or meat products due to the need for specially designed facilities and the use of sophisticated techniques. Thus, it is often necessary for countries to rely on imports to meet the needs of their population.
Finally, it is worth considering that imports are often cheaper than domestic production. This is due to the fact that imports are often produced in countries which have lower labour and production costs. Additionally, imports often benefit from economies of scale, meaning that the cost per unit is lower due to the fact that they are produced in bulk. For this reason, it is often more cost-effective for countries to import certain types of food rather than produce them domestically.
In conclusion, while it is important for countries to strive for food security, I do not believe that they should aim to produce most of the food that is eaten within their borders. Instead, it is often more feasible and cost-effective to rely on imports in order to meet the needs of the population.