IELTS Writing Task 2 | Healthy Eating: Subsidies vs Taxes

Task Question

Some people think the government should subsidise fruits and vegetables to make healthy food more affordable. Others argue that the government should tax unhealthy food instead.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

1. Understanding the Task

This is a Discuss Both Views and Give Your Opinion question.

That means you must:

• Explain why some people support subsidies.
• Explain why others support taxation.
• Clearly state and maintain your own position.
• Ensure both views are developed fairly.
• Make your opinion consistent throughout the essay.

The deeper issue behind the question is not just food pricing — it is public health and behaviour change.

2. Position Taken in This Lesson

Position:

While subsidies make healthy food more accessible, taxing unhealthy food is a more effective long-term strategy.

Why?

Because taxation:

• Influences consumer decisions.
• Pressures companies to reformulate products.
• Changes incentives across the entire food system.
• Creates structural, not surface-level, change.

3. Body Paragraph 1 – The Subsidy Argument

Core Logic

Supporters of subsidies believe the real issue is access, not personal responsibility.

If healthy food is too expensive:

• Families with limited budgets choose cheaper, processed food.
• The decision becomes economic rather than nutritional.

If the government lowers prices:

• Healthy options become realistically available.
• Diet quality may gradually improve.
• Long-term public health outcomes may improve.
• Healthcare costs may decrease.

Full Paragraph (Model)

On the one hand, proponents of subsidies argue that making fresh produce more affordable is the most direct way to improve public health, particularly among lower-income groups. By using government funds to lower the market price of fruits and vegetables, nutritious food becomes accessible to families who might otherwise rely on cheaper, processed alternatives. As a result, improved diets across the population can lead to a significant reduction in chronic illnesses, ultimately easing the financial burden on the public healthcare system. Therefore, subsidising healthy food is widely regarded as a proactive investment in a nation’s long-term well-being.

Structural Progression

• Sentence 1: Introduces the view objectively.
• Sentence 2: Explains the policy mechanism.
• Sentence 3: Expands to national consequences.
• Sentence 4: Concludes the logic strategically.

4. Body Paragraph 2 – The Taxation Argument (Preferred Position)

Core Logic

The key question:

Is access alone enough to change behaviour?

Supporters of taxation argue that habits require pressure, not just opportunity.

When unhealthy products become more expensive:

• Consumers hesitate.
• Purchases are reconsidered.
• Consumption may decrease.

But the impact goes further.

When companies face taxation:

• They may reformulate products.
• Sugar or harmful ingredients may be reduced.
• Market incentives shift.

Taxation influences both demand and supply.

Full Paragraph (Model)

Despite the benefits of subsidies, I believe that taxing unhealthy food is a more powerful policy tool because it creates a financial deterrent against excessive consumption. A higher tax on sugary drinks and heavily processed snacks encourages consumers to reconsider their purchases, making unhealthy habits more expensive and less appealing. Furthermore, this economic pressure incentivises food manufacturers to reformulate their products with healthier ingredients in order to avoid taxation and maintain competitiveness. Consequently, taxation can reshape the broader food environment by influencing both consumer behaviour and corporate practices.

Why This Paragraph Is Stronger

• It begins with a clear opinion.
• It develops consumer impact.
• It expands to producer impact.
• It concludes with systemic change.

This progression supports the central claim:
Taxation is more effective long term because it reshapes the system itself.

5. Key Writing Lessons from This Task

1. Develop both views fairly — even the one you do not support.
2. Move from individual impact to broader societal consequences.
3. Avoid listing reasons. Build logical progression.
4. Anchor every body paragraph to your stated position.
5. Show why your opinion is stronger — not just different.

6. Your Practice Task

Imagine this exact question appears in your IELTS exam.

Write the full essay:

• Clear introduction.
• Two fully developed body paragraphs.
• A concise conclusion reinforcing your position.

Aim for 250–300 words.

Do not copy the model paragraphs. Rebuild the reasoning in your own words.

This is your rehearsal.