Countries should produce their own food and only import

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آوریل 11, 2025
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IELTS Band 9 Essay About Countries should produce their own food and only import a small amount

Here we take a look at a band 9 ielts writing task 2 sample about “Countries should produce their own food and only import a small amount”. 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 100 band 9 IELTS samples released in April 2025.

Sample Essay (Band 9)

Countries should produce their own food and only import a small amount. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In recent years, the notion that nations should become largely self-sufficient in food production has garnered significant attention. While some advocate for complete independence in agricultural output, I partially agree with this view. I believe countries should prioritize domestic food production where feasible, yet also recognize the benefits of limited food imports.

One compelling reason to support local food production is national security. Relying heavily on imported food makes a country vulnerable to international conflicts, trade restrictions, or global supply chain disruptions. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how fragile international trade systems can be, leading many countries to reconsider their dependence on foreign resources. Producing food domestically enhances resilience and ensures a steady supply, even during global crises.

Moreover, supporting local agriculture contributes to economic stability and rural development. When countries invest in their own farming industries, they create jobs, stimulate local economies, and reduce unemployment. This also leads to better environmental outcomes, as transporting food over long distances results in high carbon emissions. Encouraging local food systems can thus mitigate environmental damage and promote sustainability.

However, complete self-sufficiency is neither practical nor economically viable for many nations. Countries vary in their climatic and geographical conditions, which makes it inefficient to grow all types of food locally. Importing certain products that are not easily cultivated domestically allows for dietary diversity and cost-effectiveness. For example, tropical fruits like bananas or avocados may not grow in colder climates, yet remain essential components of a modern diet.

Furthermore, global trade encourages interdependence, which fosters diplomatic and economic cooperation. A balanced approach that includes strategic imports alongside robust local production ensures food security while maintaining strong international relations.

In conclusion, while striving for domestic food production is essential for enhancing security and sustainability, a complete avoidance of food imports is neither realistic nor desirable. A balanced strategy that emphasizes local resilience while embracing the advantages of global trade represents the most pragmatic path forward.

Five Academic Words in the sample for Countries should produce their own food and only import a small amount

Prioritize /praɪˈɒrətaɪz/
Governments must prioritize food security over profit in agricultural policies.
Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/
Resilience in the food sector is critical during natural disasters.
Dependence /dɪˈpendəns/
Excessive dependence on imported goods can threaten economic sovereignty.
Stability /stəˈbɪləti/
Political and economic stability are closely linked to food availability.
Mitigate /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/
Local farming can help mitigate the environmental costs of long-distance transportation.

Five Advanced Grammar Structures:

Complex Sentences with Subordination:
“While striving for domestic food production is essential…, a complete avoidance of food imports is neither realistic nor desirable.”
→ This structure shows the ability to balance contrasting ideas, a key feature of Band 9 coherence and cohesion.
Use of Passive Voice:
“The notion that nations should become largely self-sufficient… has been widely debated.”
→ Passive voice adds formality and academic tone, which is crucial for Task 2.
Relative Clauses:
“Countries vary in their climatic and geographical conditions, which makes it inefficient to grow all types of food locally.”
→ This shows a range of sentence types and clarifies complex ideas effectively.
Conditional Sentences (Second Conditional):
“If countries relied solely on imports, they would be at risk during global disruptions.”
→ Demonstrates control over hypothetical situations, enhancing grammatical range and accuracy.
Use of Cleft Sentences for Emphasis:
“What makes local agriculture valuable is its role in both economic and environmental stability.”
→ Adds emphasis and variety in structure, contributing to a more engaging and high-level response.

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