Increasing Number of People are Suffering from Health Problems- IELTS Writing Task 2

In some countries, an increasing number of people are suffering from health problems as a result of eating too much fast food. It is, therefore, necessary for the government to impose a higher tax on this kind of food. Do you agree?

Outline

Essay Type

Opinion Essay

Introduction

Sentences 1&2 – Mention that this topic has both aspects to discuss using synonyms to create a basic understanding.

Sentence 3 – Mention your stand on the topic.

Body paragraphs

Paragraph 1 – Talk about how a higher tax shall be imposed on fast food because the health of the citizens is essential to the country’s development.

Paragraph 2 – Mention how a higher tax shall be imposed on fast food because it can remove people’s choice when choosing what type of food to consume.

Paragraph 3 – Acknowledge the flip side of the argument.

Conclusion

Restate your views.

Sample Essay

Nowadays, a high proportion of people consume fast food around the globe. This has caused some severe health problems for these people. Everyone loves fast food because it is delicious. Additionally, people can save time preparing food for their children, especially workaholic parents. However, they ignore the harmful effects of fast food, such as obesity. Therefore, I agree that governments shall impose a tax on fast food.

First of all, I think a higher tax shall be imposed on fast food because the health of the citizens is essential to the country’s development. For instance, if a person consumes fast food daily, he is likely to face the problem of obesity after a while, followed by high blood pressure and high cholesterol. With the health problems suffered, he is likely to be the worker with the lowest productivity. It will affect the economy of the country as a result.

Secondly, fast food can impact people’s choices when choosing what food to consume. People undeniably decide to devour junk food as it is cheaper and can be prepared within minutes. With an increased tax imposed, people will not choose these foods as the cost of consuming fast food will burden their expenditures. Consequently, people will prefer home-cooked food, which is much healthier and cheaper.

Regardless, imposing a tax on fast food will not reduce the number of people suffering from health problems. The fast-food advertisements telecasted on multimedia, such as television, could be a reason for people to consume fast food. As fast-food advertisements are often relayed during dinner time, children are attracted to the images of fried chicken. The result is that children will ask their parents to bring them to fast-food restaurants and enjoy the meals there. It explains why children face health hazards at a younger age. Therefore, I suggest governments limit the time of fast food advertisements broadcast on television. The advertisements should be beamed at midnight instead of at dinner time.

In conclusion, I agree that with the higher taxes imposed on fast food, the number of people ingesting fast food will decrease significantly, thereby reducing the health problems people face.

Vocabulary

• Severe

Meaning – (of something bad or undesirable) very great; intense.
Example – Strikes are causing severe disruption to all the bus services.

• Workaholic

Meaning – a person who compulsively works excessively hard and long hours.
Example – My father claims that he is not a driven workaholic.

• Impose

Meaning – force (an unwelcome decision or ruling) on someone.
Example – The UN has decided to impose sanctions on the matter.

• Ingesting

Meaning – take (food, drink, or another substance) into the body by swallowing or absorbing it.
Example – Lead will poison anyone if enough is ingested.

• Obesity

Meaning – the state of being grossly fat or overweight.
Example – My brother is suffering from obesity.

• Burden

Meaning – load heavily.
Example – Every father carries a heavy burden of responsibility.

• Broadcast

Meaning – transmit (a programme or some information) by radio or television.
Example – The news will broadcast live tomorrow morning.

• Relayed

Meaning – receive and pass on (information or a message).
Example – The broadcasts were relayed by the satellites.

• Beamed

Meaning – transmit (a radio signal or broadcast) in a specified direction.
Example – The company decided to beam the program to America.

• Devour

Meaning – eat (food or prey) hungrily or quickly.
Example – He devoured half of his burger in one bite.