Changing eating habits: IELTS Task 2 essay #5, band 8.0
A student’s answer to this repeated IELTS question, shared without their name and marked by Axiom on the four criteria. Select a highlighted passage to see how it could be revised, and why.
362 words. Marked by Axiom on 29 March 2025. Estimated by AI. It isn’t an official IELTS score.
Task 2362 words
Nowadays, eating habits of people around the world are changing, causing them many health problems including obesity. Why do people tend to eat so badly? What can be done to improve their eating habits?
In recent years, people are developing a habit of unhealthy eating around the world, leading to various health issues such as obesity. The reasons for this can mainly be attributed to several factors, including affordability of unhealthy food and lack of education in food science. However, there are various strategies - such as improving accessibility to healthy food and enhancing public education - to tackle this problem.
When individuals want to purchase food, their affordable prices attract people to purchase them for daily consumption. Take fast food, for instance, it is generally less expensive compared to healthy food options, which often cost twice as much. Additionally, time constraints make fast food an attractive option for many people. This is because it can be prepared in a quick and efficient manner.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedThe primary reason for the shift in individuals' eating habits is the low cost of nutritionally poor food.
The word 'changes' could be more specifically replaced with 'shift' to better indicate the change in eating habits.
A growing number of individuals are unaware of the correct intake levels for calories, proteins, and carbohydrates in products. For example, I had a friend who did not have enough information about nutrition and junk food constituted the primary component of her diet. Consequently, she was diagnosed with a gastric disease.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedAnother significant factor contributing to this is the lack of knowledge in people's eating habits.
The phrase 'nutritional illiteracy in people's eating lifestyle' is a bit unclear and could be more effectively expressed as 'lack of knowledge in people's eating habits'.
The government should establish more healthy food restaurants and cafes as alternatemives to fast food chains. Furthermore, financial support - such as tax reductions and low interest loans - should be offered to manufacturers of nutritious foods and companies that promote healthy eating.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedTo improve people's eating habits, an effective solution could be increasing the number of affordable healthy options.
The use of 'one effective solution is increasing' is a bit rigid and could be more flexibly expressed as 'an effective solution could be increasing'.
Another important solution is to raise awareness about healthy eating. This can be achieved by implementing educational campaigns and teaching food science subjects at school to inform the public and generations about healthy food options and proper nutritional intake. Such activities can help foster healthy eating habits.
In conclusion, the preference for unhealthy eating over healthy food can be attributed to factors such as the high cost of nutritious food and lack of food literacy. However, this issue can be addressed by developing healthy food options and improving awareness of healthy products.
Select a highlighted passage to see its suggested revision.
What Axiom wrote for each criterion: why the answer earned its band, and what to work on next.
Coherence & cohesion
Band 8.0/ 9
The essay is logically organized and ideas are connected well. The introduction and conclusion are clear and relevant. However, there are a few instances where the flow of ideas could be improved. "Take fast food, for instance, it is generally less expensive compared to healthy food options, which often cost twice as much." Revision: "For example, fast food is typically less expensive than healthy food options, which often cost twice as much." "The government should establish more healthy food restaurants and cafes as alternatives to fast food chains." Revision: "The government should promote the establishment of more healthy food restaurants and cafes as alternatives to fast food chains."
Suggestions
- Try to use a wider range of linking words to connect your ideas more effectively.
- Ensure that your sentences are not too long or complex, which can sometimes lead to a lack of clarity.
Sentence revisions 3
RevisedThe primary reason for the shift in individuals' eating habits is the low cost of nutritionally poor food.
The word 'changes' could be more specifically replaced with 'shift' to better indicate the change in eating habits.
RevisedAnother significant factor contributing to this is the lack of knowledge in people's eating habits.
The phrase 'nutritional illiteracy in people's eating lifestyle' is a bit unclear and could be more effectively expressed as 'lack of knowledge in people's eating habits'.
RevisedTo improve people's eating habits, an effective solution could be increasing the number of affordable healthy options.
The use of 'one effective solution is increasing' is a bit rigid and could be more flexibly expressed as 'an effective solution could be increasing'.
Grammar & accuracy
Band 8.0/ 9
The essay uses a wide range of complex structures. However, there are a few grammatical errors and awkward constructions. "The primary reason for changes in individuals' eating habits is the low cost of nutritionally poor food." Revision: "The primary reason for the shift in individuals' eating habits is the low cost of nutritionally poor food." "Another significant factor related to this is nutritional illiteracy in people's eating lifestyle." Revision: "Another significant factor contributing to this is the lack of knowledge in people's eating habits." "The government should establish more healthy food restaurants and cafes as alternatives to fast food chains." Revision: "The government should promote the establishment of more healthy food restaurants and cafes as alternatives to fast food chains."
Lexical resource
Band 8.0/ 9
The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary and there is evidence of less common and idiomatic language. However, there are a few instances of awkward or incorrect word choice. "The primary reason for changes in individuals' eating habits is the low cost of nutritionally poor food." Revision: "The primary reason for the shift in individuals' eating habits is the low cost of nutritionally poor food." "Another significant factor related to this is nutritional illiteracy in people's eating lifestyle." Revision: "Another significant factor contributing to this is the lack of knowledge in people's eating habits." "The government should establish more healthy food restaurants and cafes as alternatives to fast food chains." Revision: "The government should promote the establishment of more healthy food restaurants and cafes as alternatives to fast food chains."
Task response
Band 8.0/ 9
The essay addresses the task effectively, providing a clear position throughout the response. The essay also provides relevant, extended and supported ideas. However, the essay could benefit from a more detailed exploration of the proposed solutions. The essay could benefit from a more detailed exploration of the proposed solutions. For example, it could discuss how implementing educational campaigns and teaching food science subjects in schools could lead to a better understanding of healthy eating habits. Additionally, it could provide specific examples of how the government could support the establishment of healthy food options.
Suggestions
- Ensure that you fully develop your arguments and provide sufficient support for your ideas.
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