Many IELTS candidates find themselves writing about public health policies, particularly those relating to diet and lifestyle choices. Questions about government intervention in food markets appear regularly in the exam because they touch on universal concerns: health, economics, and personal freedom.
The Question
This is a “Discuss both views” question. You must present both perspectives fairly before giving your own opinion.
Some people believe that governments should impose higher taxes on unhealthy foods to encourage healthier eating habits. Others argue that individuals should be free to make their own dietary choices without government interference.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer
The debate over whether governments should tax unhealthy foods raises fundamental questions about state responsibility and personal autonomy. While both perspectives have merit, I believe a balanced approach involving modest taxation alongside education is most effective.
Proponents of food taxes argue that governments have a duty to protect public health, particularly when poor dietary habits impose costs on society. Obesity-related illnesses strain healthcare systems, and these expenses are ultimately borne by all taxpayers. Furthermore, research from countries like Mexico suggests that sugary drink taxes can genuinely reduce consumption, especially among lower-income groups who are most vulnerable to diet-related diseases. From this standpoint, taxation functions as a preventative measure rather than mere interference.
However, opponents contend that such policies infringe upon individual liberty. Adults should be free to make their own choices about what they consume, provided they are not harming others. Critics also highlight that food taxes are inherently regressive, disproportionately affecting those with limited incomes who may already struggle to afford nutritious alternatives. Additionally, defining what constitutes “unhealthy” food proves problematic, as nutritional science frequently revises its recommendations.
In my view, neither extreme position is satisfactory. Governments should implement targeted taxes on products with demonstrably harmful effects, such as sugar-sweetened beverages, while simultaneously investing tax revenue in nutrition education and subsidies for fresh produce. This approach respects individual choice while acknowledging that completely unrestricted markets can produce outcomes detrimental to collective wellbeing.
Ultimately, the goal should be empowering citizens to make informed decisions rather than simply penalising them for poor ones.
(276 words)
Approach to the Essay
Introduction: The opening paragraph frames the debate and clearly signals the writer’s balanced position. Rather than immediately choosing a side, it acknowledges complexity before previewing a nuanced stance.
Body Paragraph 1: This paragraph presents the case for government taxation. It provides two supporting arguments (public health costs and evidence from Mexico) and characterises taxation as preventative rather than punitive. The topic sentence clearly establishes whose view is being discussed.
Body Paragraph 2: The contrasting view receives equal treatment. Three distinct objections are raised: liberty concerns, the regressive nature of taxes, and definitional difficulties. This demonstrates thorough engagement with the opposing position.
Conclusion: Rather than simply restating previous points, the conclusion offers a synthesised position that draws from both perspectives. It ends with a broader principle about empowerment versus punishment, leaving the reader with a memorable final thought.
Why This Structure Works
This essay succeeds across all four IELTS marking criteria. For Task Response, it addresses every element of the question: both views are discussed substantively, and the writer’s opinion is unambiguous. The Coherence and Cohesionscore benefits from clear paragraph organisation, with each section serving a distinct purpose and smooth transitions between contrasting ideas. The Lexical Resource demonstrates sophisticated vocabulary used accurately and naturally, from “inherently regressive” to “collective wellbeing.” Finally, Grammatical Range and Accuracy is evident in the varied sentence structures, including conditional phrases, passive constructions, and complex sentences with multiple clauses.
Glossary of High-Level Vocabulary
| Word/Phrase | Meaning (in simple terms) |
| impose | to officially force something to happen or be accepted |
| personal autonomy | the right to make your own decisions about your life |
| proponents | people who support or argue in favour of something |
| strain | to put pressure on something, causing difficulty |
| borne by | paid for or carried by |
| consumption | the act of eating, drinking, or using something |
| preventative measure | an action taken to stop something bad from happening |
| contend | to argue or claim something |
| infringe upon | to limit or take away someone’s rights or freedom |
| inherently regressive | naturally unfair because it affects poor people more than rich people |
| disproportionately | in a way that is too much or too little compared to something else |
| constitutes | makes up or counts as |
| demonstrably | in a way that can be clearly shown or proved |
| subsidies | money given by governments to reduce the cost of something |
| unrestricted | without any limits or controls |
| detrimental | causing harm or damage |
| collective wellbeing | the health and happiness of society as a whole |
| penalising | punishing someone for doing something wrong |
Vocabulary Quiz
Multiple Choice (Choose the best meaning)
1. What does “inherently regressive” mean in the context of taxation?
A. A tax that is complicated to calculate
B. A tax that affects poorer people more than wealthier people
C. A tax that decreases over time
2. If something “infringes upon” your rights, what happens?
A. Your rights are protected by law
B. Your rights are limited or taken away
C. Your rights are clearly explained to you
3. What are “proponents” of a policy?
A. People who study the policy academically
B. People who support and argue for the policy
C. People who are affected by the policy
4. When costs are “borne by” taxpayers, what does this mean?
A. Taxpayers are informed about the costs
B. Taxpayers vote on whether to accept the costs
C. Taxpayers pay for the costs
5. If an effect is “demonstrably” harmful, it is:
A. Possibly harmful based on theory
B. Clearly harmful in a way that can be proved
C. Harmful only in certain circumstances
Answer Key
- B
- B
- B
- C
- B
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