Ielts Academic Writing Task 2 Sample 80

Some individuals argue that the government should impose higher taxes on unhealthy foods to encourage healthier eating habits. Others believe that individuals should have the freedom to make their own dietary choices. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

The debate over whether the government should impose higher taxes on unhealthy foods to promote healthier eating habits revolves around the balance between public health concerns and individual freedom of choice.

Proponents of imposing higher taxes on unhealthy foods argue that it can effectively discourage consumption of these items, thereby reducing the prevalence of diet-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

By increasing the cost of unhealthy options relative to healthier alternatives, individuals may be incentivized to make healthier dietary choices. Additionally, the revenue generated from these taxes can be used to fund public health initiatives, nutrition education programs, and subsidies for healthier food options, further promoting overall well-being.

However, opponents argue that such taxation infringes upon individuals’ freedom to make their own dietary choices. They believe that individuals should have the autonomy to decide what they eat without government intervention.

Additionally, there are concerns that such taxes may disproportionately affect low-income individuals, who may rely on cheaper, less healthy food options due to financial constraints. Furthermore, there is skepticism about the effectiveness of taxation in changing behavior, as it may simply lead to resentment or circumvention rather than genuine shifts towards healthier eating habits.

In my opinion, while individuals should indeed have the freedom to make their own dietary choices, there is merit in implementing targeted taxation on unhealthy foods to address public health concerns.

However, such measures should be implemented judiciously, taking into account potential regressive impacts on low-income populations and ensuring that healthier options remain accessible and affordable for all.

Additionally, complementary strategies such as nutrition education and food subsidies should be integrated to support individuals in making informed, healthier choices. Ultimately, a balanced approach that respects individual autonomy while promoting public health is essential in addressing the complex issue of dietary habits.

Note: This is a sample answer, and there can be many other views and sentences used to write the answer.