In Many Countries Traditional Foods are being Replaced by International Fast Foods – IELTS Writing Task 2

The Essay Writing section in the IELTS Writing module can be challenging for many test-takers. That’s why building strong essay writing skills is essential for success. IELTS Writing Task 2 appears in both the Academic and General Training versions of the exam and tests your ability to write a clear, well-structured essay on a given topic.

An IELTS opinion essay requires you to clearly state your point of view on a topic and support it with relevant reasons and examples. In this blog, you’ll find three sample answers to the prompt: “In many countries, traditional foods are being replaced by international fast foods. This is having a negative effect on both families and societies.” Along with the samples, we provide useful vocabulary to help you write a strong, coherent IELTS Writing Task 2 essay and improve your band score.

Question

In many countries, traditional foods are being replaced by international fast foods. This is having a negative effect on both families and societies. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Outline

Essay type

• Opinion Essay (Agree or Disagree)

Introduction

• Sentence 1: Introduce the given topic about the fast-food industry replacing traditional foods and how it impacts families.
• Sentence 2: Clearly and directly state your point of view with one short and simple sentence (totally agree).

Body

• Paragraph 1: The negative impact of fast food on health.
• Paragraph 2: The reason why families prefer fast food over traditional food and its effects on the individual and the healthcare system

Conclusion

• Restate your opinion with a clear and direct sentence (totally agree).

In Many Countries Traditional Foods are being Replaced by International Fast Foods  - Sample Answer 1

Despite debarment, fast food is becoming a norm. Fast food diets are becoming increasingly popular since they are easier to prepare and less expensive than traditional meals. However, I agree that fast food has a detrimental impact on people’s health in society. In the forthcoming paragraphs, I shall examine how fast food is replacing traditional food and its ramifications on individuals and society.

According to a recent survey, over 25% of individuals worldwide consume fast food on a daily basis. Fast food is clearly linked to an increase in obesity in families and communities. Fast food is high in saturated fats, sugar, salt, and calories, all of which are harmful to the body if consumed on a daily basis. Unfortunately, people fail to examine the intrinsic risks of poor nutrition and obesity. As a result, weight gain is one of the most well-known negative impacts of fast food. Burgers, French fries, milkshakes, and fried chicken are just a few examples of quick meals that are high in calories and saturated fats. Some fast-food meals may even surpass your daily calorie and fat requirements.

Fast food is popular because it is readily available, many people find it good, relatively inexpensive, and it can be procured from any fast food establishment. However, cooking oil, which is used to prepare a wide variety of such foods, causes issues like diabetes and heart disease. In contrast, traditional home-cooked food is fresh, made from naturally grown ingredients, free from preservatives, and good for our immune system. However, cooking traditional food takes time, and due to the busy schedule of people, they prefer to choose accessible alternatives. As a result, the younger generation is losing connection with its traditional cuisines. Furthermore, the health issues do not only affect individual people but also negatively impacts healthcare at national levels.

Despite the fact that people spend money on fast food because fast food restaurants provide a safe and convenient place for people to eat and enjoy, it is undeniable that it has a huge negative impact on health and overall well being.

To sum up, people in modern societies suffer from a variety of health problems. And the healthcare system sees an increase in the number of patients each year. Even though fast food is easy to prepare and is widely available in the market, it is likely to worsen people’s health.

In Many Countries Traditional Foods are being Replaced by International Fast Foods  - Sample Answer 2

In recent years, the increasing popularity of international fast foods has led to the gradual replacement of traditional cuisines in many countries. I strongly agree that this trend has adverse effects on both families and societies.

One of the main negative consequences is the deterioration of family bonds. Traditional meals often serve as occasions for family members to gather, share stories, and strengthen relationships. However, fast foods are typically consumed quickly and individually, reducing these valuable social interactions. For example, in many cultures, dinner is a ritual where family members reconnect, but fast food culture encourages eating on the go or in front of screens, which weakens these ties.

Furthermore, the widespread consumption of fast food poses serious health risks, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, which burden public health systems. On a societal level, the loss of traditional foods also means the erosion of cultural heritage. Traditional recipes are passed down through generations and represent a country’s history and identity. When these are replaced by uniform international fast food chains, cultural diversity diminishes.

In conclusion, the replacement of traditional foods by fast foods has significant negative effects on both family cohesion and societal health and culture. Therefore, I believe efforts should be made to preserve traditional culinary practices.

In Many Countries Traditional Foods are being Replaced by International Fast Foods  - Sample Answer 3

The global rise of international fast food chains has led to a noticeable decline in the consumption of traditional foods across numerous countries. I wholeheartedly agree that this shift exerts a detrimental influence on both familial relationships and broader societal structures.

Primarily, traditional food culture plays a pivotal role in fostering family unity. In many societies, preparing and sharing traditional meals is an important ritual that facilitates communication and bonding among family members. The fast food culture, characterized by convenience and speed, often disrupts these meaningful interactions. For instance, families accustomed to gathering around the dinner table to enjoy home-cooked meals increasingly resort to quick fast food meals eaten separately, which undermines family cohesion and communication.

Moreover, the proliferation of fast food has severe implications for public health. Fast food is typically high in calories, saturated fats, and sugars, contributing to a surge in lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity and cardiovascular problems. This not only affects individuals but also places substantial strain on healthcare systems. From a cultural perspective, the displacement of traditional foods signifies a loss of heritage and identity. Traditional cuisine embodies centuries of history, regional diversity, and cultural expression. The dominance of standardized fast food options leads to cultural homogenization, eroding unique culinary traditions that define communities.

In summary, the growing preference for international fast foods over traditional dishes has profound negative repercussions on both family dynamics and societal well-being. It is essential to promote and preserve traditional food cultures to maintain social cohesion and cultural diversity.

In Many Countries Traditional Foods are being Replaced by International Fast Foods  - IELTS Vocabulary

Have a look at the IELTS Vocabulary for sample answers on 'In Many Countries Traditional Foods are being Replaced by International Fast Foods'. Now check out some relevant vocabulary used in the IELTS Writing Task 2 sample essay.

• Detrimental

Meaning: tending to cause harm.
Eg: Eating too many chocolates will have detrimental effects on your health.

• Intrinsic

Meaning: (noun) belonging naturally; essential.
Eg: Manuscripts are intrinsic components of history.

• Accessible

Meaning: (adj) able to be reached or entered.
Eg: The supermarket is easily accessible from my home.

• Cuisine

Meaning: (noun) a style or method of cooking, especially as characteristic of a particular country or region.
Eg: Indian cuisines are rich in spices.

• Debarment

Meaning: (noun) to exclude or shut out.
Eg: These committee members are candidates for debarment.

• Norm

Meaning: (noun) something that is usual, typical, or standard.
Eg: Coming early to the office is a norm in most workplaces.

• Surpass

Meaning: (verb) exceed, be greater than.
Eg: The profits of the investment company surpassed last year’s record.

• Procure

Meaning: (verb) obtain (something)
Eg: In order to excel in a particular subject, you must procure the adequate knowledge.

• Ingredients

Meaning: (noun) any of the food or substance that are combined to make a particular dish.
Eg: Ginger is the main ingredient in many Indian cuisines.

• Establishment

Meaning: (noun) the action of establishing something or being established.
Eg: NDRA is an establishment of the government.

This blog concludes with three detailed sample answers to the topic of traditional foods being replaced by international fast foods, showcasing different writing styles and band levels. Alongside the samples, you’ll find a carefully selected list of useful vocabulary and phrases to help you express your ideas clearly and accurately. Using these resources will enhance your essay structure and lexical resource, helping you improve your band score in IELTS Writing Task 2.

Now that you have explored sample answers on this topic, it’s time to write your own! Leave your response in the comments or try our FREE evaluation service. For more practice, check out our IELTS Writing practice tests!

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