Traditional Food is Undergoing Great Changes - IELTS Writing Task 2 Direct Question Essay

In the IELTS Writing Task 2, the Direct Essay is a prominent question type, which is also known as the Two-Part Question Essay. In this type, you will be presented with a question statement followed by two different questions that are related to it. They are expected to answer both of them just within the essay. 

Many of them find this type of question to be a challenging one as it requires not only a clear understanding but also a proper and balanced response to both parts.

In this article, we will be learning what an IELTS Direct Question Essay is, steps to perfectly identify it, and the perfect way to plan and structure your answer. Let us begin!

Question

Structure Breakdown

Essay type

Direct question essay

Introduction

• Paraphrase your question. Use synonyms for the words used in the question.

Body

• Paragraph 1: Talk about the central idea and state how nuclear families are one of the reasons for this change.
• Paragraph 2: State reasons as this dietary shift is also attributed to recent leaps in technology. The enormous penetration of transnational cartels throughout the developing world is also inextricably linked to this transition.
• Paragraph 3: Give your opinion about this issue as negative consequences could be the demise of cultural norms and various ailments such as obesity, cardiovascular and diabetes.

Conclusion

• Paraphrase your question along with an emphasis on your opinion.

IELTS Band 8 Sample Answer - Traditional Food is Undergoing Great Changes

People are very busy nowadays. This fast-paced life has led to a shift in dietary consumption. Artisanal foods and culinary traditions have been left behind, and modern dishes have established themselves in our dining tables. This essay aims to explain the rationale behind this phenomenon.

Firstly, family size is the main reason for this change. In the early days, there was a joint family system where one family member dedicated his time for cooking and domestic tasks. But it is almost gone and is replaced by nuclear families. With both parents working in most families, processed foods, are no doubt substituting home-cooked meals.

Secondly, technological advancements have also contributed to this dietary shift. Daily tasks that were once laborious engagements are presently far more manageable with the help of technological advancements. Examples are appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and microwave ovens. Therefore, new ways of cooking have replaced the long-established ways of handling food.

Further, technology has rendered our lifestyles more sedentary, and fast food is the choice of people in white-collar jobs who are frequently chasing the clock. Thirdly, the enormous penetration of transnational cartels throughout the developing world is also inextricably linked to this transition. Liberalization policy, commercialization, and the penetration of western markets have caused the domestic markets to take the backseat. Also, improvements in the logistics and procurement systems of supermarkets have allowed them to compete, on cost, with the local outlets – the small mom-and-pop stores and wet markets for fruits, vegetables, and all other products.

There are a myriad of negative consequences. Firstly, the demise of cultural norms will be inevitable. Specific techniques and practices would die out with our ancestors as the younger generation aren’t willing to learn them. Moreover, various ailments such as obesity, cardiovascular and diabetes will invade our society.

Overall, I reckon that this phenomenon is triggered by many factors and has put our modern society in jeopardy.

IELTS Band 9 Sample Answer - Traditional Food is Undergoing Great Changes

In most parts of the world, traditional cuisines are now gradually being replaced by individuals’ modern eating habits and fast food culture. This major shift in dietary preferences of people is driven by some social and economic factors, and when it brings certain conveniences, I strongly believe that it has more negative consequences for people and societies.

One of the major reasons for this type of change is globalization and the availability of international fast foods. As many multinational fast food chains keep expanding, people are very much exposed to the Western eating styles that emphasize accessibility and speed rather than essential nutrition. Adding on, busy lifestyles these days leave little time for cooking at home which in turn pushes individuals to choose ready-made or processed foods. Advertising is also one another factor that plays a significant role in this, as young people are often influenced by social media campaigns that keep promoting modern foods as trendy and time-saving.

However, this matter has serious implications as well. The consistent decline of traditional foods now means a loss of cultural identity. Mainly because traditional cuisine is an important part of heritage and family traditions. Considering nutrition, fast foods usually contain high levels of fat and sugar content as well as preservatives, which leads to major health issues such as obesity and heart diseases. In contrast, traditional foods that are usually made from fresh and locally available ingredients, with authentic flavour are generally healthier and more balanced.

To conclude, while the replacement of traditional foods by modern foods may seem inevitable in this globalized world, it is also equally important to preserve our nation’s culinary traditions. Hence, encouraging home cooking, choosing local ingredients, and creating an awareness within people about healthy eating can definitely help them maintain a great cultural identity and good health.

Vocabulary

• Artisanal foods and culinary tradition
• Paved the way for
• The enormous penetration of transnational cartels
•  liberalization
• Commercialization
• The demise of cultural norms

Top 4 Tricks to Score a Band 8 + in IELTS Direct Question Essays

1. Understand the Question Type

Two-part or direct question essays usually contain two separate but equally related questions. You should answer both the given questions clearly in order to get a higher band score. If you ignore one part, it will lower your score in the Task Response criteria. 

2. Plan Before You Write

You should divide your time between planning your ideas and writing the response. 5 minutes of mind mapping and 35 minutes of writing is the key to a successful completion of an IELTS Writing Task 2 answer.

3. Use a Clear Structure

A logical and balanced structure works best. A proper introduction, 2 body paragraphs, and then a conclusion will help the examiner understand the flow of your essay and views. 

4. Support Ideas with Examples

Do not forget to use relevant and realistic examples to make your arguments stronger. Giving examples can be based on realistic situations that happen around the world. On the other hand, they do not need to be precise and factual. 

In conclusion, acing the art of writing IELTS Direct Question Essays is achievable with consistent practice, a clear understanding of the pattern, and attention to key points. By following the structure, analyzing sample questions like the ‘Traditional Food is Undergoing Great Changes’ and answers and taking more of the IELTS Writing practice tests, you can definitely enhance your performance in the IELTS Writing Task 2. Hence, start practicing now and make your writing shine on test day!

Also Check: 

• IELTS Writing tips
• IELTS writing practice test
• IELTS Writing recent actual test