You have approximately 40 minutes to complete this task.
You need to write an essay addressing the topic below:
While some argue that subsidising fruits and vegetables is a good way for governments to make nutritious food cheaper, others maintain that taxing junk food would be a more effective approach.
Consider both these viewpoints and provide your own perspective.
Model Answer
Governments worldwide are increasingly concerned about public health, particularly the rising prevalence of obesity and diet-related diseases. While some argue that subsidising fruits and vegetables can make healthy food more affordable, others believe that imposing higher taxes on junk food would yield more effective results. Both perspectives have merit, but I personally consider a balanced combination of the two policies the most practical solution.
On the one hand, reducing the price of nutritious food such as fresh fruits and vegetables can significantly encourage healthier eating habits. For low-income families, affordability is often a barrier to consuming balanced meals. If governments subsidise these products, people are more likely to replace processed snacks with healthier alternatives. For example, in countries where subsidies have been implemented, fruit and vegetable consumption has shown measurable increases. Furthermore, such measures promote long-term health benefits without directly penalising consumers.
On the other hand, taxing junk food can serve as a deterrent against excessive consumption. Many unhealthy items, such as sugary drinks and fast food, are popular because they are cheap and convenient. By raising their prices through taxation, governments can discourage impulsive purchases and simultaneously generate revenue to fund public health initiatives. This approach mirrors the success of tobacco taxes, which have proven effective in reducing smoking rates. However, critics argue that heavy taxation may disproportionately affect poorer households, who often rely on cheap food options due to financial constraints.
In my view, the most effective policy is not to choose between subsidies and taxation but to integrate both. Subsidising healthy foods ensures greater accessibility, while taxing unhealthy products creates a strong disincentive for their overconsumption. Together, these strategies can foster healthier lifestyles and alleviate the burden of diet-related illnesses on healthcare systems.
In conclusion, while subsidising nutritious foods and taxing junk food both have advantages and drawbacks, a combined approach would maximise effectiveness. Governments should therefore adopt policies that both incentivise healthy choices and discourage harmful ones.
Total 382 words.
Highlight Vocabulary (with meaning & pronunciation)
- Prevalence /ˈprevələns/ – the state of being widespread or common
- Nutritious /njuːˈtrɪʃəs/ – containing substances necessary for growth and health
- Affordable /əˈfɔːrdəbl/ – reasonably priced, not too expensive
- Subsidise /ˈsʌbsɪdaɪz/ – to support financially, usually by government funding
- Processed snacks /ˈprɑːsɛst snæks/ – foods altered during preparation with additives
- Deterrent /dɪˈtɛrənt/ – something that discourages or prevents action
- Impulsive purchases /ɪmˈpʌlsɪv ˈpɜːrtʃəsɪz/ – unplanned buying decisions made quickly
- Revenue /ˈrevənjuː/ – income, especially that of a government
- Disproportionately /ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːrʃənətli/ – to an extent that is too large or small compared to something else
- Alleviate /əˈliːvieɪt/ – to make a problem or suffering less severe
