ESSAY INFORMATION:
Written by: Xuân Phi, 08/11/2024
Supported by: Ex-BC Examiner, 09/11/2024
Question: Scientists agree that many people eat too much junk food and it is damaging their health. Some people think that this problem can be solved by educating people while others believe that this education will not work. Discuss both view and give your opinion.
(IELTS Academic – 07/11/2024)
ANSWER (8.0+):
The surge in scientific research on junk food has increasingly highlighted its harmful health effects due to overconsumption. Some argue that educating consumers is an effective solution, while others remain doubtful. In this essay, I will discuss both perspectives and explain why I favor the second approach.
On the one hand, education could serve as an effective tool for addressing this issue, as it can raise awareness about the health risks associated with junk food. Many consumers are unaware that such food hardly fits into a healthy diet and, when consumed excessively, can quickly lead to obesity. Moreover, chronic diseases like cardiovascular conditions or diabetes often develop gradually, unlike short-term problems such as weight gain. This delayed onset may explain why many individuals, even when aware of junk food’s negative effects, choose to ignore them. Therefore, raising awareness of both the short- and long-term health consequences is crucial in combating unhealthy eating habits.
Nevertheless, despite awareness campaigns, there might hardly a significant reduction in junk food consumption, largely due to the affordability and convenience of such foods. A recent survey in China revealed that low-income families often have to rely on cheap fast food rather than expensive, healthier ingredients. Thus, a viable solution could be to implement taxes on junk food and make healthier options, like fresh vegetables, more affordable. Additionally, in today’s fast-paced world, many working individuals lack the time and energy to prepare home-cooked meals. Therefore, governments could mandate companies to reduce working hours, allowing people more time to prepare proper meals.
In conclusion, both sides of the argument have their own merits. However, I believe that education programs may not be effective unless combined with government policies that address food prices and the time constraints preventing healthy meal preparation. If implemented systematically, these measures could reduce junk food consumption and related health problems.
(Word count: 306)
WORD LIST
| ENGLISH | TIẾNG VIỆT |
| To remain doubtful | Vẫn còn nghi ngờ |
| Cardiovascular conditions | Bệnh tim mạch |
| Weight gain | Tăng cân |
| Delayed onset | Sự khởi phát/ phát bệnh chậm trễ |
| To combate unhealthy eating habits | Chống lại thói quen ăn uống không lành mạnh |
| Awareness campaigns | Các chiến dịch nâng cao nhận thức |
| Affordability and convenience | Giá cả phải chăng và sự tiện lợi |
| Healthier ingredients | Những nguyên liệu/ thành phần lành mạnh hơn |
| Viable solution | Giải pháp khả thi |
| Home-cooked meals | Những bữa ăn nấu tại nhà |
| To address food prices | Giải quyết vấn đề về giá thực phẩm |
| Time constraints | Hạn chế về thời gian |
