IELTS Band 9 Essay About shops should not be allowed to sell any food or drink

Here we take a look at a band 9 ielts writing task 2 sample about “Shops should not be allowed to sell any food or drink”. 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 150 band 9 IELTS sample released in 2024.

Short about shops should not be allowed to sell any food or drink

The sale of food and beverages that have been scientifically proven to harm health is a contentious issue. Some argue that banning such products would protect public health and reduce the burden on healthcare systems. Others believe that individuals should have the freedom to make their own dietary choices, even if those choices are detrimental. This debate raises important questions about public policy, individual responsibility, and the role of businesses in society. In my view, while certain restrictions are necessary, an outright ban may not be practical or effective. A balanced approach is required to address this issue comprehensively.

Sample Answer (Band 9)

Shops should not be allowed to sell any food or drink that has been scientifically proved to be bad for people’s health.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

The question of whether shops should be prohibited from selling food or drinks scientifically proven to be unhealthy is complex, involving public health priorities, individual freedoms, and economic considerations. While I agree that regulating harmful products is essential, I believe a complete ban may not be the most effective solution.

The primary argument in favor of such restrictions is the promotion of public health. Many processed foods and sugary beverages are linked to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, which place a significant strain on healthcare systems. By restricting access to these items, governments could encourage healthier dietary habits, potentially leading to a reduction in healthcare costs and an increase in life expectancy. Furthermore, it is within the state’s jurisdiction to protect its citizens from harm, similar to its role in regulating tobacco and alcohol.

However, an outright ban raises questions about individual autonomy. People should have the freedom to make informed choices about their consumption, even if those choices are detrimental to their health. Education campaigns and transparent labeling can empower consumers to make better decisions without infringing on personal liberties. Additionally, imposing a ban could lead to a thriving black market, making it harder to regulate the quality and safety of such products.

From an economic perspective, prohibiting the sale of unhealthy items could negatively impact businesses and employment in related industries. Companies producing sugary drinks or fast food employ thousands of workers worldwide, and a sudden ban could disrupt these sectors. Instead, governments could impose higher taxes on unhealthy products, using the revenue to fund public health initiatives. This approach balances economic stability with health objectives.

In conclusion, while the sale of harmful food and drinks should be regulated to safeguard public health, a total ban may not be practical or fair. A more effective strategy would involve stricter labeling, public education, and targeted taxation to address the issue without infringing on personal freedoms or destabilizing the economy. By adopting a multifaceted approach, governments can promote healthier lifestyles while respecting individual choice and maintaining economic balance.

Vocabulary in the sample of shops should not be allowed to sell any food or drink

1. Promotion /prəˈmoʊʃən/
   • Sentence: “The promotion of healthy lifestyles is vital for reducing chronic illnesses.”
2. Jurisdiction /ˌdʒʊrɪsˈdɪkʃən/
   • Sentence: “The court has jurisdiction over cases involving environmental disputes.”
3. Autonomy /ɔːˈtɒnəmi/
   • Sentence: “Autonomy allows individuals to make decisions that align with their values.”
4. Infringing /ɪnˈfrɪndʒɪŋ/
   • Sentence: “Strict policies can prevent companies from infringing on workers’ rights.”
5. Multifaceted /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/
   • Sentence: “The issue requires a multifaceted approach to address its various dimensions.”

Advanced Grammar Structures

1. Complex Sentences with Subordinating Conjunctions
   • Example: “While I agree that regulating harmful products is essential, I believe a complete ban may not be the most effective solution.”
   • Impact: Demonstrates the ability to present balanced arguments, a hallmark of high-level writing.
2. Use of Modal Verbs
   • Example: “Governments could encourage healthier dietary habits, potentially leading to a reduction in healthcare costs.”
   • Impact: Shows flexibility in discussing possibilities and recommendations.
3. Conditional Sentences
   • Example: “If significant portions of the population are educated about healthier choices, consumption patterns might improve.”
   • Impact: Adds depth by discussing hypothetical scenarios and their potential outcomes.
4. Parallel Structures
   • Example: “Stricter labeling, public education, and targeted taxation can address the issue.”
   • Impact: Enhances clarity and coherence by listing related ideas in a structured format.
5. Use of Passive Voice
   • Example: “The sale of harmful food and drinks should be regulated to safeguard public health.”
   • Impact: Shifts focus to the action rather than the subject, creating a formal tone.

Writing Format and Band 9 Features

1. Introduction with a Clear Stance
   • Provides context, acknowledges complexity, and states the writer’s position.
2. Well-Structured Body Paragraphs
   • Each paragraph addresses a specific aspect of the argument (public health, personal freedoms, economy).
3. Balanced Analysis
   • Considers both sides of the debate, showcasing critical thinking.
4. Sophisticated Vocabulary and Grammar
   • Incorporates academic words like jurisdiction and multifaceted and advanced grammatical structures.
5. Conclusion with a Balanced Solution
   • Summarizes the argument and suggests a practical, nuanced approach.

This essay achieves Band 9 by blending critical analysis, precise language, and structural coherence.

Free IELTS Sample Essays with Answers PDF

Here you can download over a 1000 sample essays in pdf written by ex ielts examiners: PDF 1 / PDF 2 / PDF 3 / PDF 4 / PDF 5

Last But Not Least!

We suggest a useful IELTS website in English for more valuable IELTS sample essays on a range of topics. Our final suggestion is our writing free correction Telegram channel where you can send your own sample for evaluation and correction by an experience IELTS tutor with over a decade of practical experience in this matter.