Eating too Much Sugar is Harmful for Health - IELTS Writing Task 2

The IELTS Writing task 2 is similar for both Academic and General Training in terms of question types and scoring, but the topics for General Training will be slightly easier than those for Academic. 

In this IELTS Writing Task 2, your task is to address both sides of the argument and offer your viewpoint. You must write at least 250 words, in 4-5 paragraphs, based on the given writing task 2 essay topics. 

Before starting with this question on the topic, 'Eating too Much Sugar is Harmful for Health,' which presents two opposing points of view, you must be aware of how to write an IELTS Discussion essay. 

So why wait? Let us begin practising the topic of 'Eating too Much Sugar is Harmful for Health’, Writing Task 2 now!

Question

You should spend 40 minutes on this task.

Eating too much sugar is harmful to health. Some people think that it is the government’s responsibility to limit people’s sugar consumption, while others think that it is individuals responsibility to limit the amount of sugar they eat. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

You should write at least 250 words.

Structure Breakdown

Band 8 Sample Answer Eating too Much Sugar is Harmful for Health - IELTS Writing Task 2

Excessive eating of sugar is widely seen as a harmful habit to one’s health, contributing to problems such as obesity and diabetes. While some individuals believe that governments should take full responsibility for reducing sugar consumption, another set of people argue that people should try to control their own diets. This essay will completely discuss both views before giving my opinion and support them with appropriate examples.

On the one hand, supporters of government intervention argue that public health is a collective and shared responsibility. Governments can directly introduce policies such as sugar taxes, proper food labelling, or even restrictions on sugary products that are aimed at children. These kinds of measures can reduce the overall consumption of it and protect vulnerable groups who may lack nutritional knowledge. For instance, higher taxes on sugary drinks in certain countries have successfully lowered sales and encouraged healthier choices.

On the other hand, many individuals believe that people should only be responsible for what they eat. They argue that personal freedom is more important than any other thing and people should be allowed to make their own diet decisions. With easier access to health information, people can educate themselves about the risks of sugar and choose a balanced diet without any of government’s interferences

In my opinion, while personal responsibility is important, governments should also play a supportive role. Moreover, introducing education campaigns and reasonable regulations can clearly guide people toward healthier habits without completely limiting choice. A combination of individual awareness and government action is the best way to reduce the harmful effects of excessive sugar consumption.

Band 9 Sample Answer Eating too Much Sugar is Harmful for Health - IELTS Writing Task 2

Excess intake or exposure to anything can be vicious for the human body, and sugar is one of the many evils. While excess consumption of sugar is causing health emergencies worldwide, people are tussling with their opinion about whether individuals should curb and control this themselves or should the government step in. This essay will discuss the same.

Sweets are a savoury delight that almost everyone enjoys. Found in sweets, sugar is among the most addictive substances known to us. Consuming it without a cap is detrimental to us. Additionally, if resolute, an individual’s resolve is virtually unbreakable, and many people opt to either stop consuming sugar or switch to alternatives like Stevia and Sugarfree. This constitutes how individuals can be responsible for their own sugar consumption.

However, the government also contributes to this cause. One way to do this is by taxing the sugary delights and confectionary items. On top of that, the government can promote sugar alternatives and a healthy lifestyle or create their own choice which matches the taste of sugar since the existing substitutes have a flavor that requires time to get used to it, which can hold people back. From a personal standpoint, I feel people should take greater responsibility in this scenario. For instance, I’ve seen people who have diabetes forgo anything that has sugar in it. Similarly, cautious consumption can do greater good than government taxations and awareness campaigns.

To conclude, the growing concern regarding sugar consumption is indeed valid, as it causes various illnesses in the body. I feel that the people can take charge to change the current setting, and the government can assist them in doing so.

Vocabulary to Answer the 'Eating too Much Sugar is Harmful for Health' IELTS Writing Task 2

• Vicious 

Meaning – deliberately cruel or violent.
Example – Debt creates a vicious cycle.

• Tussling 

Meaning – engage in a dangerous struggle or scuffle.
Example – Politicians are tussling to sway votes in their favour.

• Curb 

Meaning – stop
Example – Her father did not curb her studies even after the mishap.

• Detrimental 

Meaning – negative.
Example – Eating too much junk food can cause obesity and other detrimental implications.

• Resolve 

Meaning – decide firmly on a course of action.
Example – He resolved to lose five kilograms in a month.

• Confectionery

Meaning- the art of making confections, which are food items that are rich in sugar and carbohydrates.
Example – He bakes delicious confectionery.

• Hold back

Meaning – keep or detain.
Example – “Never hold back your ambitions.”

• Hereditary 

Meaning – conferred by or based on inheritance.
Example – Schizophrenia and diabetes run in his hereditary roots.

• Profound 

Meaning – very great or intense.
Example – Meditation is a profound method to get in touch with yourself.

• Awareness 

Meaning – knowledge or perception of a situation or fact.
Example – We need to raise awareness regarding obesity and its implications.

Now that you have gone through the sample answers on the topic, “Eating too Much Sugar is Harmful for Health,” it is time for you to try writing on your own. For that, leave your answers as a comment below or you can use our FREE evaluation service!