Fast food IELTS Writing task 2

Band 9 Essay Fast food IELTS Writing task 2

Here we take a look at a band 9 Ielts writing task 2 sample about “Fast food”. 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 Essay (Band 9)

In many countries, fast food is becoming cheaper and more widely available.

Do the disadvantages of this outweigh the advantages?

The proliferation of fast food in many countries, driven by its affordability and widespread availability, has sparked a heated debate about its impact on society. While there are undeniable advantages to this trend, such as convenience and economic benefits, I firmly believe that the disadvantages, particularly in terms of public health and environmental sustainability, far outweigh the benefits.

One of the most significant drawbacks of the fast food industry is its contribution to the global obesity epidemic. Fast food is often high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sugar, leading to a range of health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. For example, studies have shown a direct correlation between the rise in fast food consumption and increasing obesity rates, particularly among children. This places a tremendous burden on healthcare systems, as governments are forced to allocate more resources to treat preventable diseases.

Another major concern is the environmental impact of fast food production and consumption. The industry relies heavily on intensive farming practices, which contribute to deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, the production of beef for fast food burgers is a leading cause of Amazon deforestation, which has devastating consequences for biodiversity and climate change. Additionally, the excessive use of packaging in fast food outlets generates significant amounts of non-biodegradable waste, further exacerbating environmental degradation.

On the other hand, proponents of fast food argue that it provides an affordable and convenient option for people with busy lifestyles. In many cases, fast food is the only accessible meal option for low-income families, who may not have the time or resources to prepare home-cooked meals. Moreover, the fast food industry creates millions of jobs worldwide, contributing to economic growth and reducing unemployment rates.

However, while these advantages are noteworthy, they do not justify the long-term consequences of fast food consumption. Governments and individuals must prioritize healthier and more sustainable alternatives, such as promoting local agriculture and supporting policies that encourage balanced diets.

In conclusion, although fast food offers certain benefits, such as affordability and convenience, its disadvantages in terms of public health and environmental sustainability are far more significant. Therefore, I believe that the negative impacts of this trend outweigh its advantages.

Academic Vocabulary in the sample for Fast food IELTS Writing task 2

Proliferation (/prəˌlɪfəˈreɪʃən/)
- Sentence: The proliferation of fast food has led to widespread health and environmental issues.
Drawbacks (/ˈdrɔːbæks/)
- Sentence: One of the main drawbacks of fast food is its contribution to obesity.
Intensive (/ɪnˈtɛnsɪv/)
- Sentence: Fast food production relies on intensive farming practices that harm the environment.
Accessible (/əkˈsɛsɪbəl/)
- Sentence: Fast food is often the only accessible meal option for low-income families.
Sustainability (/səˌsteɪnəˈbɪlɪti/)
- Sentence: The fast food industry poses a significant threat to environmental sustainability.

Advanced Grammar Structures

While there are undeniable advantages…
- This concessive clause introduces a contrasting viewpoint, demonstrating the writer’s ability to consider multiple perspectives, which is crucial for a high band score.
For example, studies have shown…
- The use of a specific example strengthens the argument by providing concrete evidence to support the claim.
Another major concern is…
- The use of a transitional phrase (“Another major concern”) adds coherence and logical flow to the essay.
On the other hand, proponents argue…
- This phrase introduces an opposing viewpoint, demonstrating balance and critical thinking, which are essential for a high band score.
Although fast food offers certain benefits…
- The use of a concessive clause (“Although fast food offers…”) adds nuance and sophistication to the argument.

These advanced grammatical structures contribute to the essay’s coherence, cohesion, and lexical resource, all of which are critical for achieving a Band 9 score.