Academic Task 2 · Problems / causes and solutions
Reducing household food waste
An original IELTS practice question with a planning route and a sample answer to learn from.
Aim for at least 250 words in about 40 minutes. Suggested practice level: foundation, not a predicted band.
Your writing task
Households sometimes throw away food that could still be eaten. What are the main reasons for this, and what could households and food retailers do to reduce the waste?
How to approach this question
Answer the requested problems or causes, then explain how specific solutions address them.
Problems, causes and solutions: match the response to the question →
Environment essays: connect actions, effects and policy limits →
Household cause: buying more than a family can use may leave fresh food uneaten. Explain how uncertain plans or large pack sizes could contribute.
Matched response: households could plan meals around food already available, while retailers could offer smaller portions. Link each measure to a specific cause.
These are possible directions, not required opinions or facts to memorise. Develop your own response and check every claim against the task.
A possible plan
- Introduction: identify the issue and the two parts of the question.
- Body 1: explain the requested problems or causes; do not substitute one for the other.
- Body 2: propose specific measures and explain how each addresses a problem or cause above.
- Conclusion: summarise your explanation and the most relevant response.
Vocabulary you can use precisely
Choose language that fits your meaning. You do not need to include every phrase.
- meal planning
- Deciding what to eat and what ingredients are needed in advance.
Meal planning can help a household avoid buying duplicate ingredients.
- portion sizes
- The amounts of food prepared, served or sold for an occasion.
Smaller portion sizes may suit people who cook for one.
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