IELTS Band 9 Essay About Today, some food travels thousands of miles from farms to consumers
Here we take a look at a band 9 ielts writing task 2 sample about “Today, some food travels thousands of miles from farms to consumers”. This sample then will be further analyzed for its vocabulary, grammar and format, so we see how it has qualified for such band score. We also suggest over 200 band 9 IELTS samples released in 2025.
Sample Answer (Band 9)
Today, some food travels thousands of miles from farms to consumers. Some people think that it would be better to our environment and economy if people only ate locally produced food. To what extent do the disadvantages outweigh the advantages?
With the globalization of food markets, many commodities travel extensive distances before reaching consumers. While some argue that prioritizing locally sourced food benefits both the environment and the economy, this approach has certain drawbacks. This essay contends that the disadvantages of relying solely on local food outweigh the advantages due to limited availability, higher costs, and economic inefficiencies.
On the one hand, consuming locally produced food has notable merits. Firstly, it mitigates the carbon footprint associated with food transportation, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability. Fewer food miles mean less fossil fuel consumption, which helps curb climate change. Secondly, supporting local agriculture strengthens the regional economy, as small-scale farmers can benefit from increased consumer demand. This not only creates employment but also fosters community resilience by reducing dependence on international trade fluctuations.
However, there are significant drawbacks to this approach. One fundamental issue is the seasonal and geographical constraints on food production. Certain regions lack the climatic conditions to grow a diverse range of crops, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies if people are restricted to locally available options. For example, in colder climates, fresh produce is scarce in winter, necessitating imports for dietary balance.
Moreover, local food often comes at a premium price, making it financially burdensome for consumers, particularly those with lower socioeconomic status. Large-scale agricultural operations benefit from economies of scale, allowing them to offer food at lower prices. If imports were significantly curtailed, inflationary pressures on food markets would be inevitable. Additionally, reliance on local food could disrupt international trade relations, potentially affecting the economic stability of countries that depend on food exports.
In conclusion, while eating locally can foster environmental consciousness and boost regional economies, the disadvantages—including limited variety, elevated costs, and trade disruptions—are more pronounced. A balanced approach, where local food is prioritized without excluding global trade, is the most pragmatic solution for both sustainability and affordability.
5 Academic Words from the sample of Today, some food travels thousands of miles from farms to consumers
Globalization /ˌɡloʊbəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/
- Sentence: The globalization of trade has enabled consumers to access products from around the world at competitive prices.
Sustainability /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪlɪti/
- Sentence: Governments must implement policies that promote sustainability to ensure long-term environmental protection.
Mitigate /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/
- Sentence: Planting trees in urban areas can help mitigate the harmful effects of air pollution.
Economies of scale /ɪˈkɒnəmiːz əv skeɪl/
- Sentence: Large corporations benefit from economies of scale, allowing them to reduce production costs and offer lower prices.
Inflationary pressures /ɪnˈfleɪʃəˌneri ˈprɛʃərz/
- Sentence: Rising fuel costs often lead to inflationary pressures, increasing the price of essential goods.
5 Advanced Grammar Structures and How They Enhance the Essay
Complex Sentences with Subordinating Conjunctions
- Example: “While eating locally can foster environmental consciousness, the disadvantages—such as limited variety and trade disruptions—are more pronounced.”
- Why It Helps: Demonstrates the ability to connect contrasting ideas effectively, improving coherence and cohesion.
Relative Clauses
- Example: “Large-scale agricultural operations, which benefit from economies of scale, allow food to be sold at lower prices.”
- Why It Helps: Adds sophistication to sentence structure and provides additional detail concisely.
Passive Voice for Formality
- Example: “Inflationary pressures on food markets would be inevitable if imports were significantly curtailed.”
- Why It Helps: Enhances the academic tone by focusing on actions rather than individuals.
Use of Modal Verbs for Hedging
- Example: “A balanced approach could be the most pragmatic solution for both sustainability and affordability.”
- Why It Helps: Shows nuanced argumentation by avoiding absolute statements, which is valued in academic writing.
Parallelism for Clarity and Impact
- Example: “This not only creates employment but also fosters community resilience by reducing dependence on international trade fluctuations.”
- Why It Helps: Ensures readability and emphasizes key points effectively.
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