This practice question is designed to help you prepare for the IELTS Writing Task 2 component.
You should spend approximately 40 minutes on this task and write at least 250 words.
Remember to plan your response before writing, and leave a few minutes at the end to review your work.
Task 2 Prompt#
Write about the following topic:
Many countries are importing more food from abroad rather than producing it domestically. Some people believe governments should impose restrictions on imported food to encourage local production, while others argue that free trade in food is essential for global economic growth and food security.
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#
Body Paragraph 1: Arguments for restricting food imports#
Mind Map Ideas:
- Support for local farmers and agricultural communities
- Preservation of traditional farming methods and cultural heritage
- Environmental benefits of reduced food miles
- Food security and self-sufficiency during global crises
- Protection of domestic agricultural industries
Body Paragraph 2: Arguments for free trade in food#
Mind Map Ideas:
- Lower food prices for consumers
- Greater variety and year-round availability of products
- Economic interdependence promoting international cooperation
- Comparative advantage allowing countries to specialize
- Access to essential foods in regions with limited production capacity
Body Paragraph 3: Your perspective#
Mind Map Ideas:
- Balance between protection and openness
- Targeted support for sustainable local production
- Fair trade practices rather than blanket restrictions
- Complementary rather than competitive approach
- Long-term food security considerations
A sample high-scoring response (Band 8-9) to this question will be provided in a follow-up post.
You can check back to compare your approach with our model answer.
Model answer (Band 8 style)
Write your own answer first, then compare structure and vocabulary. Task 2 · 271 words.
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As global trade expands, many countries import a growing share of their food. Some believe governments should restrict food imports to support local farmers, while others argue that free trade in food is essential for economic growth and food security. In my opinion, free trade is generally beneficial, but governments should protect a basic level of domestic production.
Those who favour restrictions argue that relying heavily on imports is risky. If global supply chains are disrupted by war, pandemics or extreme weather, countries that depend on imported food may face shortages and rising prices. Supporting local agriculture also protects rural jobs and communities, preserves farming knowledge, and reduces the environmental impact of transporting food over long distances. In addition, locally produced food is often fresher and subject to familiar safety standards.
On the other hand, free trade offers clear advantages. Countries can import foods that are difficult or expensive to grow at home, giving consumers more variety at lower prices. Trade allows each region to specialise in what it produces most efficiently, which increases global food production. For many developing countries, exporting crops such as coffee, fruit or rice is a vital source of income. Restrictions can also provoke retaliation from trading partners, harming exporters.
I believe the best approach is a balance. Governments should keep trade largely open, but support domestic farming through subsidies, investment and strategic food reserves so that the country is not completely dependent on imports during a crisis.
In conclusion, free trade in food brings major economic benefits and variety, but governments should maintain enough local production to ensure food security when global supply chains fail.
Task Response
Both views are thoroughly discussed with economic and security arguments; the balanced opinion is clear and practical.
Coherence & Cohesion
Logical organisation with clear topic sentences and linking (“In addition”, “On the other hand”, “I believe the best approach…”).
Lexical Resource
Economic vocabulary: supply chains, specialise, retaliation, subsidies, strategic food reserves, food security.
Grammatical Range
Conditionals (“If global supply chains are disrupted…”), purpose clauses and passive forms used accurately.
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For more IELTS Writing Task 2 practices, you can also visit Agricultural Topic.