Details

Written by IELTS Mentor

IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Write at least 250 words.

Sample Answer 1:
The growing affordability of fast food is becoming prevalent in many parts of the world. I believe that the drawbacks of the ubiquity of convenience food outweigh the benefits it offers because although it proves to be an easily affordable food choice for lower-income families, these foods cause severe damage to health.

The main advantage of this phenomenon is the accessibility and convenience. The economical fast food makes it easily accessible to a generous portion of the population, especially those with meagre earnings. This, in fact, offers lower-income households an economy and convenient meal options, particularly those who lack access to costly food choices or face time constraints on home meal preparation.  Single parents, for example, may seem it is highly convenient and economical to resort to a prompt and cost-effective fast food meal for their family after a hectic day.

One considerable drawback of the affordability and prevalence of convenience food is that it can negatively impact health. The prevalent and affordable nature of junk food tends to drive individuals to frequent intake, thereby causing detrimental effects on health. This means that regular intake of fast food poses a grave risk of various diseases, such as obesity, diabetes and other non-communicable diseases. A study conducted in India revealed that regularly consuming fast food could have a negative effect on insulin sensitivity, and therefore poses an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Fast food has also been proven to be the underlying cause of various mental diseases, including insomnia, depression, and anxiety.

To conclude, although it is a good thing that lower-income groups have easy access to affordable meal options, I think the diseases caused by consuming fast food frequently prove to be much more disadvantageous for individuals.

Model Answer 2:
In many parts of the world, the increasing affordability and accessibility of fast food is a trend that has significantly transformed eating habits. While it offers some benefits, particularly in terms of convenience, I believe that the disadvantages far outweigh the advantages, especially when considering its impact on health and society.

One notable advantage of fast food becoming cheaper and more available is the convenience it offers, particularly for busy individuals and working families. With fast food outlets found in nearly every urban centre, people can quickly obtain meals without the time or effort required for home cooking. For example, in countries like the United States, where long working hours are common, fast food provides a quick solution for meals. This has made it an attractive option for those with busy lifestyles.

However, despite this benefit, the disadvantages of this trend are far more consequential. Firstly, the widespread consumption of fast food has contributed to a global rise in obesity and related health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. Fast food is often high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and salt, which can lead to long-term health issues. For instance, a study in the UK found that the increased consumption of fast food over the last two decades directly correlates with a surge in obesity rates among both adults and children. Additionally, fast food culture often undermines traditional food practices, leading to the decline of more nutritious, home-cooked meals, which are essential for balanced diets.

In conclusion, while the affordability and convenience of fast food may offer some short-term benefits, the negative impact on public health and the erosion of traditional dietary habits are far more concerning. Therefore, I believe the disadvantages clearly outweigh the advantages in this case.

• IELTS Essay
• IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Essay Sample
• Do advantages outweigh disadvantages

• Prev
• Next