By English Test Coach · Updated
General Task 2 · Discuss both views
Healthy food choices
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: intermediate, not a predicted band.
Your writing task
Some people believe governments should make unhealthy food more expensive. Others believe education is a better solution. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
How to approach this question
Explain both viewpoints fairly and give your own judgement when the question asks for it.
Discussion essays: cover both views and your opinion →
Worked example: Trace paragraph progression through the complete healthy-food discussion →
Health essays: compare food policies, weigh remote access and address participation barriers →
Price approach: a higher price can discourage a purchase, but some people may keep buying the product and have less money left for necessities.
Education approach: practical cooking and label-reading skills may help people choose meals. Consider whether affordable, convenient alternatives are also needed.
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 both views and give your own opinion.
- Body 1: explain why people hold the first view and illustrate their reasoning.
- Body 2: fairly explain the second view; show how your judgement relates to it.
- Conclusion: weigh the views and restate your own position.
Vocabulary you can use precisely
Choose language that fits your meaning. You do not need to include every phrase.
- nutritious alternatives
- Other food choices that provide useful nutrients.
Advice is more useful when nutritious alternatives are easy to obtain.
- purchasing decisions
- Choices about what to buy.
Both price and convenience can influence purchasing decisions.
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