IELTS Writing Task 2 with sample answer.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write at least 250 words.
Some think that governments should tax unhealthy foods to encourage people to eat healthier
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Sample Answer:
The idea of taxing unhealthy foods to encourage people to make healthier choices has long been debated. While this may be an effective measure to improve public health, there are various considerations to take into account if such a policy were to be introduced.
On the one hand, taxing unhealthy foods could potentially be beneficial for public health. This is because it would make unhealthy food more expensive, and thus discourage people from purchasing them. For example, if junk food was taxed, people may instead opt for healthier options such as fresh fruit and vegetables, which would help to reduce levels of obesity and associated illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease. Furthermore, the extra revenue generated by these taxes could be used to fund the promotion of healthier eating habits, by providing nutritional education, for example.
On the other hand, some people argue that such a measure would be unfair and ineffective. For instance, it has been suggested that such taxes would disproportionately affect those with lower incomes, who may not be able to afford healthier alternatives. Additionally, it has been argued that such taxes may not be effective as people may still choose to buy unhealthy food, even with the added cost.
In my opinion, governments should not solely rely on taxing unhealthy foods as a means of promoting healthier eating habits. Instead, I believe that a more comprehensive approach should be taken, one which involves providing more nutritional education, along with subsidies on healthier foods, and more stringent regulations on food advertising. This would ensure that people are aware of the health benefits of eating well and are able to make informed choices, while also making healthy food more accessible to those with lower incomes.
In conclusion, I believe that the taxation of unhealthy foods may have some benefits for public health. However, it is important to consider the wider implications of such a policy, and to ensure that it is part of a wider strategy which also includes educational and financial measures to promote healthier eating.