Food Can Be Produced Much More Cheaply Today | IELTS Writing Task 2
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In this IELTS Writing Task 2 Agree/Disagree essay, we will support the notion that “Food Can Be Produced Much More Cheaply Today.” We will look into the cons of producing food with the help of machinery, exploring multifaceted perspectives, and real-world examples.
IELTS Writing Task 2 requires test-takers to compose a coherent essay in response to a given prompt. In Agree-Disagree essays, candidates express their stance on a statement and support it with relevant arguments. Graded on a scale of 1 to 9, achieving a Band 7, 8, or 9 indicates varying levels of proficiency.
Question
| You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Food can be produced much more cheaply today because of improved fertilizers and better machinery. However, some of the methods used to do this may be dangerous to human health and may have negative effects on local communities. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the above statement? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge. You should write at least 250 words for each answer. |
Structural Breakdown
Type: Agree/Disagree Essay
Introduction
Body Paragraph 1
Body Paragraph 2
Conclusion
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Here are some go-to strategies with proper explanations: IELTS Writing Task 2: Agree-Disagree Essay with Band 9 Answer
Band 7 Answer
Improved fertilizers have undoubtedly boosted crop yields, ensuring a more abundant food supply and sophisticated machinery has increased efficiency in farming operations. I partially agree with the statement that food production has become more economical due to enhanced fertilizers and machinery, but I also acknowledge the potential risks associated with these advancements.
However, the increased use of certain fertilizers and pesticides raises concerns about their impact on human health and the environment as they are not naturally grown anymore. Some of these chemicals have been linked to health issues, and their residues may find their way into the food chain, posing risks to consumers. Furthermore, the extensive use of machinery can lead to soil degradation and compaction, affecting the long-term sustainability of agriculture.
In terms of negative effects on local communities, the intensification of farming practices may lead to the displacement of small-scale farmers and traditional agricultural systems. Large-scale industrial farming can sometimes exploit natural resources and disrupt local ecosystems, threatening the livelihoods of those dependent on them.
In conclusion, it is to be noted that while the economic benefits are apparent, it is crucial to strike a balance by adopting sustainable practices for the long term that prioritize human health, environmental conservation, and the well-being of local communities.
Vocabulary
1 Economical
Meaning: Efficient in the use of resources, especially money.
Example Sentence: The new farming techniques proved to be more economical in terms of both time and expense.
2 Enhanced
Meaning: Improved or increased in quality, value, or strength.
Example Sentence: The introduction of advanced irrigation systems enhanced the productivity of the farmland.
3 Abundant
Meaning: Existing or available in large quantities.
Example Sentence: The use of enhanced fertilizers resulted in an abundant harvest this season.
4 Efficiency
Meaning: The ability to accomplish a task with minimum waste of time and effort.
Example Sentence: The new machinery significantly increased the efficiency of the farming process.
5 Pesticides
Meaning: Chemical substances used to control or kill pests.
Example Sentence: Farmers apply pesticides to protect their crops from insect infestations.
6 Residues
Meaning: Substances that remain after a process is completed.
Example Sentence: The residues of pesticides in the soil raised concerns about environmental contamination.
7 Sustainability
Meaning: The capacity to endure over the long term without causing harm to the environment or depleting resources.
Example Sentence: Sustainable farming practices aim to maintain ecological balance and ensure future food security.
8 Intensification
Meaning: The process of increasing in degree or strength.
Example Sentence: The intensification of farming practices led to higher yields but also raised environmental concerns.
9 Exploit
Meaning: To make full use of and derive benefit from a resource.
Example Sentence: Large agricultural corporations sometimes exploit natural resources, leading to environmental degradation.
10 Livelihoods
Meaning: The means of supporting oneself, especially financially.
Example Sentence: The decline in traditional farming methods threatened the livelihoods of many rural communities.
Band 8 Answer
I absolutely agree with the assertion that advancements in fertilizers and machinery have significantly reduced the cost of food production. The implementation of cutting-edge technologies in agriculture has undeniably revolutionized the sector, resulting in higher yields and more affordable food prices. However, it is essential to critically examine the potential ramifications of these innovations on both human health and local communities.
The widespread use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in increasing crop productivity. Nevertheless, the overreliance on these chemical inputs poses a threat to the health of consumers and can have long-term ecological consequences. The accumulation of pesticide residues in food items raises legitimate concerns about their impact on public health, necessitating rigorous monitoring and regulation.
Moreover, the mechanization of agriculture has brought about unprecedented efficiency, but it has also led to the displacement of traditional farming practices and communities. Small-scale farmers, unable to compete with large-scale industrial operations, often face economic hardships and social challenges. The disruption of local ecosystems due to intensive farming methods further exacerbates the negative effects on communities.
Balancing the economic benefits of modern agriculture with sustainable and socially responsible practices is imperative. The focus should be on developing and promoting technologies that enhance productivity without compromising human health or jeopardizing the well-being of local populations.
Vocabulary
1 Revolutionized
Meaning: To bring about a fundamental change or overhaul.
Example Sentence: The introduction of precision farming revolutionized the way crops were cultivated.
2 Ramifications
Meaning: Consequences or results that follow from an action or decision.
Example Sentence: The use of certain fertilizers has environmental ramifications that extend beyond the immediate impact on crops.
3 Synthetic
Meaning: Produced by chemical processes rather than by natural ones.
Example Sentence: Some modern fertilizers contain synthetic compounds designed to enhance plant growth.
4 Overreliance
Meaning: Excessive dependence or trust in someone or something.
Example Sentence: The overreliance on a single crop made the farming community vulnerable to market fluctuations.
5 Ecological
Meaning: Relating to or concerned with the relationships between living organisms and their environment.
Example Sentence: Ecological sustainability is a key consideration in modern agriculture.
6 Accumulation
Meaning: The gradual gathering or collecting of something.
Example Sentence: The accumulation of agricultural runoff in rivers poses a threat to water quality.
7 Rigorous
Meaning: Thorough and accurate; demanding strict attention to standards.
Example Sentence: Rigorous testing is necessary to ensure the safety of new agricultural chemicals.
8 Mechanization
Meaning: The process of introducing machines or automatic devices into a process.
Example Sentence: The mechanization of agriculture has led to increased productivity but also raised concerns about job displacement.
9 Displacement
Meaning: The action of moving something from its place or position.
Example Sentence: The displacement of traditional farming methods by industrial agriculture has societal implications.
10 Imperative
Meaning: Of vital importance; crucial.
Example Sentence: It is imperative that we find sustainable solutions to address the environmental impact of modern farming.
Band 9 Answer
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Band 9 Answer
The assertion that improved fertilizers and machinery have led to more cost-effective food production is indisputable, but the nuanced evaluation of the associated risks is imperative. The transformative impact of cutting-edge technologies on agriculture is undeniable, resulting in unprecedented yields and economic efficiencies. However, the profound consequences on human health and local communities necessitate a meticulous analysis of the trade-offs.
Enhanced fertilizers and pesticides have undoubtedly been instrumental in achieving higher crop yields, but the dark side of this progress lies in the potential threats to public health. The pervasive use of chemical inputs has raised alarming concerns about the accumulation of residues in food items, with potential long-term repercussions on human well-being. Rigorous monitoring and regulatory frameworks are essential to mitigate these risks and ensure the sustainability of modern agricultural practices.
Simultaneously, the mechanization of farming operations, while boosting efficiency, has brought forth complex social and environmental challenges. The displacement of traditional agricultural practices and small-scale farmers is a stark reality, leading to economic disparities and cultural disruptions. The pursuit of economic gains should be coupled with a commitment to sustainable practices that prioritize environmental conservation and the welfare of local communities.
In conclusion, the economic benefits of advanced fertilizers and machinery are undeniable, but the pursuit of progress should be tempered with a conscientious effort to address and mitigate the potential adverse effects on human health and local societies.
Check these 9 Tips for IELTS Writing Task 2.
Vocabulary
1 Indisputable
Meaning: Unable to be challenged or denied; unquestionable.
Example Sentence: The benefits of advanced agricultural technologies are indisputable, given the significant increase in productivity.
2 Nuanced
Meaning: Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression.
Example Sentence: The issue of agricultural sustainability requires a nuanced understanding of the complex interactions between human activities and the environment.
3 Transformative
Meaning: Causing a marked change in someone or something.
Example Sentence: The transformative impact of precision farming has reshaped the agricultural landscape.
4 Unprecedented
Meaning: Never done or known before; unparalleled.
Example Sentence: The use of satellite technology in agriculture represents an unprecedented leap in monitoring and precision.
5 Meticulous
Meaning: Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.
Example Sentence: Meticulous planning is essential when implementing sustainable farming practices.
6 Pervasive
Meaning: Spreading widely throughout an area or a group of people.
Example Sentence: The pervasive use of genetically modified crops has sparked debates about their long-term impact on ecosystems.
7 Repercussions
Meaning: Unintended consequences or effects that follow from an action or event.
Example Sentence: The use of certain fertilizers can have far-reaching repercussions on soil health and biodiversity.
8 Regulatory Frameworks
Meaning: A set of rules and regulations that govern a particular industry or activity.
Example Sentence: Strong regulatory frameworks are essential to ensure the responsible use of agricultural chemicals.
9 Disparities
Meaning: Differences or inequalities, especially in terms of social or economic conditions.
Example Sentence: The intensification of large-scale farming can exacerbate disparities between wealthy and marginalized communities.
10 Conscientious
Meaning: Governed by conscience; characterized by care and effort.
Example Sentence: Conscientious farming practices prioritize ethical considerations and environmental stewardship.
Effective Connectors That’ll Improve Your Writing Task 2 Score Significantly
Connectors play a crucial role in linking ideas and creating a smooth flow of information within a text. Here is a list of common connectors that can be used in the provided answers:
- However
- Nevertheless
- Furthermore
- Moreover
- While
- Although
- In terms of
- On the other hand
- In conclusion
- Given that
- Nonetheless
- In addition
- In spite of
- Conversely
- To ensure
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