In many countries, traditional foods are being replaced by fast food

You should spend about 40 minutes on IELTS writing task 2.

In many countries, traditional foods are being replaced by fast food. This has a negative impact on families, individuals and societies. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. You should write at least 250 words.

Sample Answer 1

Nowadays, the newer generation is more interested in fast food than their native food items. This particular adaptation is not just detrimental to families but to individuals and societies as a whole too. I totally agree with this statement as losing interest in traditional food may detach them from their culture. In the forthcoming paragraphs, I shall explain my point of view.

Undoubtedly, junk foods are regarded as one of the preferred meals of the majority of people. However, this type of diet is least suggested by health advisors and dieticians. Also, these food products and beverages are liable for a gamut of emerging diseases, obesity being one of them. For instance, burgers and pizzas have a humongous amount of fat. Despite being scrumptious, they can lead to an increase in weight, resulting in negative impacts on health.

Traditional food comprises a balanced amount of vitamins, proteins, and more such essential nutrients, which are essential for us to consume and be active and fit. Thus, these types of food items keep us away from unwanted diseases and help us be more productive while keeping dizziness and lethargy at bay. Not to mention, the spices and other ingredients available in Indian food contain a variety of medicinal properties that safeguard our immune system. For instance, having a glass of milk with turmeric once a day can do wonders for our bodies.

Despite all the advantages, I am also aware of the other side of the story as fast food items are quick to be prepared and don’t consume a lot of time.

Wrapping it up, it is evident that our priority should be to stay healthy and active while refraining from indulging in such activities that may cause trouble and stress. For this specific reason, going with traditional food rather than unhealthy, fast food should be the first priority.

Structure of the essay

You were given an opinion essay which means you had to pick a side. So,

• Do you agree that traditional foods are being replaced by fast food?

(or)

• Do you disagree with the fact that traditional foods are being replaced by fast food? Once you pick a side, you can start planning your essay and then writing it.

Don’t forget to state your opinion on it.

Question Paraphrased – The newer generation is more interested in fast food than their native food items. This particular adaptation is not just detrimental to families but to individuals and societies as a whole.

Opinion – I totally agree with this statement as losing interest in the traditional food may detach them from their culture.

A thesis statement – In the forthcoming paragraphs, I shall explain my point of view.

Body Paragraph 1:

Topic: Disadvantages of junk food

Supporting points:

• Liable for a gamut of emerging diseases
• Have humongous amount of fat
• Leads to increase in weight
• Leave negative impacts on health

Body Paragraph 2:

Topic: Benefits of traditional food

Supporting points:

• Comprises a balanced amount of vitamins, proteins and more
• Keep us away from unwanted diseases
• Helps us be more productive
• Spices contain a variety of medicinal properties

Conclusion:

Reiterated that our priority should be to stay healthy and active while refraining from indulging in such activities that may cause trouble and stress and supported the side taken in the introduction.

Model Answer 2

With globalisation and international trade facilities, international fast food brands are present in almost all major cities around the world. Fast-food chains like Domino’s Pizza, Pizza Hut, Burger King, Starbucks, KFC and McDonald’s are quite popular among people in all continents. It is true that international fast foods are gaining more popularity while they are replacing the intake of traditional foods in many countries. In my opinion, this trend has severe negative consequences both on our family and society.

First of all, people love to eat fast food. Thus Pizza, burgers, Pepsi, sandwiches etc. are more popular among teens, office employees and other people than the traditional foods they have. The number of fast-food shops is growing every day and this is quite alarming. With the busy lifestyle, people are solely relying on fast food items than preparing traditional foods at home. In a busy city, someone scarcely wants to spend time preparing food for the family while s/he prefers to order fast foods from home. Thus we have fast-food shops on every corner of our city streets while many city dwellers do not have time to prepare traditional yet hygienic and organic foods at home. As a consequence, we already have a society where being overweight is a common problem. For instance, according to the recent statistics published by the healthcare ministry, every child out of 15 in our country is suffering from some kind of weight-related problem and fast food is the only reason for that.

Second, fast food is the reason we see an increasing number of obese people in our community. Diet habit is directly related to our physical and mental health and the reliance on fast food is destroying the overall health of our new generation. Thirdly, the fast-food items have little hygiene and lots of fats and this is one of the reasons people suffer from so many diseases these days. An ill or overweight child is sometimes a burden for a family. Food preparation and having meals together in a family is a tradition that not only brings family members together but also ensures their sound health and relationship. However, international fast foods are decreasing our family bonding on one hand and they are severely deteriorating our health on the other hand.

Finally, society and countries have to allocate more budgets to treat the ill population while our reliance on fast food will only increase the number of ill people in a society. In this regard, international fast-food chains are a great headache for any country. Traditional foods not only represent the tradition and value of a society but also offer the best nutrition and healthy ingredients to us. On the contrary, international fast foods destroy our well-being by decaying our health slowly and also generate a fast food-loving new generation that will suffer from numerous diseases and will have a little respect for their own culture and tradition.

In conclusion, it is a very pressing issue that we are relying more on fast foods than on preparing traditional foods at home. This has so many negative consequences that individuals, as well as the government, should take quick and effective steps to revert the dreadful trend of eating fast foods.

Model Answer 3

In a large number of countries, people are moving away from traditional foods and turning to international fast foods. I think this has a negative impact on both families and societies because eating these foods does not provide many opportunities for parents to build strong bonds with their children, and it also causes many countries to become more obese than ever before.

Preparing national dishes together can be an excellent bonding activity for parents and children. To teach a child how to cook a traditional meal, their parents might first take them to a supermarket to pick up ingredients, and then guide them step-by-step on how to turn these ingredients into delicious dishes. These informal activities are a great way for their parents to show how much they love them. Unfortunately, as multinational fast-food outlets become increasingly common, more parents are grabbing fast food for their children for dinner, which means less bonding time.

In addition, many countries have a growing population of obese people due to the spread of global fast-food chains. This is because fast food is generally high in calories, fat and sodium, a combination that greatly increases the risk of weight gain. For example, in Brazil, the rapid expansion of major U.S. fast-food chains has led to an increase in new obesity cases in recent years, at one million annually. Overweight people are prone to health problems such as diabetes and heart disease later in life, bringing burdens to their nations’ medical care systems.

In conclusion, fast food replacing traditional food has a negative impact on both families and societies because it does not create circumstances in which parents can bond with their children, and it also causes an obesity problem.

Sample Answer 4

Despite debarment, fast food is becoming a norm. Fast-food diets are becoming increasingly popular since they are easier to prepare and less expensive than traditional meals. However, I agree that fast food has a detrimental impact on people’s health in society. In the forthcoming paragraphs, I shall examine how fast food is replacing traditional food and its ramifications on individuals and society.

According to a recent survey, over 25% of individuals worldwide consume fast food on a daily basis. Fast food is clearly linked to an increase in obesity in families and communities. Fast food is high in saturated fats, sugar, salt, and calories, all of which are harmful to the body if consumed on a daily basis. Unfortunately, people fail to examine the intrinsic risks of poor nutrition and obesity. As a result, weight gain is one of the most well-known negative impacts of fast food. Burgers, French fries, milkshakes, and fried chicken are just a few examples of quick meals that are high in calories and saturated fats. Some fast-food meals may even surpass your daily calorie and fat requirements.

Fast food is popular because it is readily available, many people find it good, relatively inexpensive, and it can be procured from any fast food establishment. However, cooking oil, which is used to prepare a wide variety of such foods, causes issues like diabetes and heart disease. In contrast, traditional home-cooked food is fresh, made from naturally grown ingredients, free from preservatives, and good for our immune system. However, cooking traditional food takes time, and due to the busy schedule of people, they prefer to choose accessible alternatives. As a result, the younger generation is losing connection with its traditional cuisines. Furthermore, the health issues do not only affect individual people but also negatively impact healthcare at national levels.

Despite the fact that people spend money on fast food because fast food restaurants provide a safe and convenient place for people to eat and enjoy, it is undeniable that it has a huge negative impact on health and overall well-being.

To sum up, people in modern societies suffer from a variety of health problems. And the healthcare system sees an increase in the number of patients each year. Even though fast food is easy to prepare and is widely available in the market, it is likely to worsen people’s health.

Structure of the essay

Introduction

Sentence 1: Introduce the given topic about the fast-food industry replacing traditional foods and how it impacts families.
Sentence 2: Clearly and directly state your point of view with one short and simple sentence (totally agree).

Body

Paragraph 1: The negative impact of fast food on health.

Paragraph 2: The reason why families prefer fast food over traditional food and its effects on the individual and the healthcare system

Conclusion

Restate your opinion with a clear and direct sentence (totally agree).

Vocab Highlights

• Detrimental

Meaning: tending to cause harm.
Eg: Eating too many chocolates will have detrimental effects on your health.

• Intrinsic

Meaning: (noun) belonging naturally; essential.
Eg: Manuscripts are intrinsic components of history.

• Accessible

Meaning: (adj) able to be reached or entered.
Eg: The supermarket is easily accessible from my home.

• Cuisine

Meaning: (noun) a style or method of cooking, especially as characteristic of a particular country or region.
Eg: Indian cuisines are rich in spices.

• Debarment

Meaning: (noun) to exclude or shut out.
Eg: These committee members are candidates for debarment.

• Norm

Meaning: (noun) something that is usual, typical, or standard.
Eg: Coming early to the office is a norm in most workplaces.

• Surpass

Meaning: (verb) exceed, be greater than.
Eg: The profits of the investment company surpassed last year’s record.

• Procure

Meaning: (verb) obtain (something)
Eg: In order to excel in a particular subject, you must procure adequate knowledge.

• Ingredients

Meaning: (noun) any of the food or substance that are combined to make a particular dish.
Eg: Ginger is the main ingredient in many Indian cuisines.

• Establishment

Meaning: (noun) the action of establishing something or being established.
Eg: NDRA is an establishment of the government.

Sample Answer 5

The rise of fast food globally is often thought to have an injurious impact on families, individuals, and society at large. In my opinion, fast food is a negative overall despite some tangible benefits.

The advantages of fast food vary according to the segment of society in question. Individuals get enjoyment out of fast food, the clearest evidence of which is its popularity. Fast food is also relatively cheap and, as its name suggests, saves time. For families, the advantages are similar. In many working-class families, parents spend a lot of time and energy at their jobs and do not have the luxury of preparing a nutritious, time-consuming meal for their children. Fast food is, therefore, a necessary, viable alternative. Finally, society benefits in a general sense because of the employment opportunities. Fast food restaurants employ thousands of, admittedly, lowly paid workers and are a safe transitional job for students and struggling individuals.

Regardless, the negative impact of fast food is greater. Though people enjoy the taste and convenience of fast food, they are doing irreparable harm to both their short and long-term health. Research has shown that the high fat and sugar content in fast food not only affects daily energy levels but also contributes to conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. These same health risks extend to families, with the added caveat that children are forming potentially life-long bad habits. Society also suffers from the growth of the fast-food industry as local businesses lose revenue to these international conglomerates that enrich primarily the already wealthy or foreign nationals.

In conclusion, despite the benefits related to convenience and economics that fast food brings, the health drawbacks should serve as strong deterrents for countries looking to encourage these industries.

Analysis

1. The rise of fast food globally is often thought to have an injurious impact on families, individuals, and society at large. 2. In my opinion, fast food is a negative overall despite some tangible benefits.

1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
2. Write a clear opinion and include some hints at your main ideas.

1. The advantages of fast food vary according to the segment of society in question. 2. Individuals get enjoyment out of fast food, the clearest evidence of which is its popularity. 3. Fast food is also relatively cheap and, as its name suggests, saves time. 4. For families, the advantages are similar. 5. In many working-class families, parents spend a lot of time and energy at their jobs and do not have the luxury of preparing a nutritious, time-consuming meal for their children. 6. Fast food is, therefore, a necessary, viable alternative. 7. Finally, society benefits in a general sense because of the employment opportunities. 8. Fast food restaurants employ thousands of, admittedly, lowly paid workers and are a safe transitional job for students and struggling individuals.

1. Write a clear topic sentence with your main idea at the end.
2. Explain your main idea and focus on one category.
3. Develop that category.
4. Switch to families.
5. Develop that idea.
6. Finish developing it.
7. Focus finally on society.
8. Develop it fully. This paragraph is a little too long.

1. Regardless, the negative impact of fast food is greater. 2. Though people enjoy the taste and convenience of fast food, they are doing irreparable harm to both their short and long-term health. 3. Research has shown that the high fat and sugar content in fast food not only affects daily energy levels but also contributes to conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. 4. These same health risks extend to families, with the added caveat that children are forming potentially life-long bad habits. 5. Society also suffers from the growth of the fast-food industry as local businesses lose revenue to these international conglomerates that enrich primarily the already wealthy or foreign nationals.

1. Write another topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
2. Explain that main idea.
3. Use research to support your ideas.
4. Make sure that you cover all areas.
5. This paragraph should have stronger reasons since it is the side you agree with.

1. In conclusion, despite the benefits related to convenience and economics that fast food brings, the health drawbacks should serve as strong deterrents for countries looking to encourage these industries.

1. Repeat your opinion, summarise your main ideas and add a final thought.

Vocab Highlights

rise increase

globally around the world

injurious impact negative effect

society at large all people

negative overall bad in general

tangible benefits concrete advantages

vary different

segment part

in question being discussed

clearest evidence of which best instance includes

relatively somewhat

as its name suggests can be figured out from the name

saves time doesn’t waste time

working-class families normal, working families

luxury privilege

preparing making

nutritious good for your health

time-consuming takes a lot of time

necessary needed

viable alternative good second option

in a general sense overall

employment opportunities job chances

admittedly it must be said

lowly paid workers don’t make a lot of money

safe transitional job not risky in-between work

struggling individuals people who need help

regardless nonetheless

irreparable harm can’t be fixed injury

short and long-term health in the near and far future

content what’s inside it

affects daily energy levels impacts how much energy you have

contributes to adds to

conditions such as diseases including

diabetes disease from eating too much sugar

health risks extend to health problems include

added caveat extra warning

forming potentially life-long bad habits possibly last forever habits

suffers hurt from

growth of the fast food industry more powerful fast food companies

local businesses lose revenue neighborhood shops lose money

international conglomerates big companies

enrich primarily mostly get money from

foreign nationals people from other countries

related to similar to

should serve as ought to be

deterrents dissuades people

encourage these industries support those companies

Sample Answer 6

In this era of globalization, there has been an immense infusion of foreign fast-food companies into the local markets of developing nations. A number of masses believe that it is proving to be detrimental for native families and localities as it is replacing their home-cooked meals. To which, I also completely accord with.

The major drawback I feel that these foreign food giants have is they charge a hefty amount for the food they sell. Global cuisines like burgers, pizzas or even a pack of french fries are pricey in nature. They are marketed heavily by these international brands in local markets. As a result, their cost of production shoots up. Therefore, it adds to the price of such foods. The burden of which ultimately falls on the shoulders of consumers. Whereas in-house meals consist of locally grown raw materials which need no advertisements, thereby costing far less to produce and consume.

Moreover, another point to consider is the nutritional value of these junk foods. Primarily, these foods are devoid of all the micro and macronutrients, which are essential for the human body. Most of them consist of high saturated fats, which are proven to be high in cholesterol, leading to obesity. Additionally, they are also filled with harmful chemicals like AJINOMOTO, which are used as taste enhancers by companies. Making them mouth-watering and relishing to indulge in. Whereas, it is not the case with indigenous foods like locally grown pulses, rice or legumes that have high contents of proteins and fibres in them. Therefore, fast foods being savoury to eat, have no health benefits.

To conclude, as per the above-discussed points, I stand clear that global fast foods have adverse effects on the local people as it is low in nutritional content and highly-priced, putting a toll on the consumer’s pocket. Hence, it is worthwhile to indulge in local delicacies in order to stay healthy and disease-free.