This is a practice question for IELTS Writing Task 2.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Writing Task 2#
In many countries, traditional cuisines are being replaced by international fast food and ready-made meals. Some people view this as a positive development, while others are concerned about the loss of culinary heritage and its impact on health.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample answer outline#
- Introduction: You can simply present the topic and state your position
- Main body paragraph 1: You should discuss arguments in favor of international fast food and ready-made meals
- Main body paragraph 2: You can explore concerns about the loss of culinary heritage and health impacts
- Main body paragraph 3: You might provide your opinion with supporting arguments
- Conclusion: Summarize main points and restate your position
Evaluation criteria
- Task Achievement
- Coherence and Cohesion
- Lexical Resource
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy
For another IELTS writing practice tests, you can visit: Government Spending and Sociology.
Model answer (Band 8 style)
Write your own answer first, then compare structure and vocabulary. Task 2 · 273 words.
Show the model answerShowHide
In many countries, traditional home cooking is giving way to international fast food and ready-made meals. Some consider this a positive development, while others worry about the loss of culinary heritage and the effects on health. In my opinion, the trend brings some convenience but is largely negative, particularly for public health.
Those who welcome the change emphasise convenience and choice. With longer working hours and busier lifestyles, many people have little time to prepare traditional dishes, which can take hours. Ready meals and fast food offer quick, affordable options, and international chains provide familiar food that many young people enjoy. Supporters also argue that food cultures have always changed and that people should be free to eat what they prefer.
However, the costs are significant. Fast food and processed meals are typically high in salt, sugar and unhealthy fats, and their growing popularity has been linked to rising rates of obesity, diabetes and heart disease in many countries. Traditional diets, in contrast, are often based on fresh vegetables, grains and home-cooked dishes that are far more balanced. The loss of traditional cooking also weakens family and cultural life, as shared meals and recipes passed down through generations are an important part of identity.
I believe the solution is to make traditional, healthy food more accessible rather than to reject modern convenience entirely. Teaching cooking skills in schools, supporting local markets and restaurants, and clearer labelling on processed food can help.
In conclusion, although fast food and ready meals offer convenience, their impact on health and cultural heritage makes this trend mainly negative, and societies should actively protect their traditional cuisines.
Task Response
Both views are discussed; the writer’s clear opinion (largely negative, especially for health) is supported with specific health evidence.
Coherence & Cohesion
Clear contrast (“However”, “in contrast”) and a solution paragraph that follows naturally from the argument.
Lexical Resource
Food and health vocabulary: processed meals, obesity, balanced diets, culinary heritage, labelling.
Grammatical Range
Passive voice (“has been linked to”), relative clauses and participle phrases demonstrate range and accuracy.
Want your own writing scored? Paste it into the Worddemy App and get a band score with feedback on all four criteria.