Imported or local food: IELTS Task 2 essay #8, band 8.0

There is a growing trend among many customers to purchase imported food products instead of locally produced ones. This phenomenon is mainly attributed to the perceived higher quality and advertisement of imported food. Nevertheless, consumers can be encouraged to purchase local food products by raising awareness and using more clever marketing strategies.

The major reason why many people buy food exported from other countries is the assumption that this food is of higher quality. Many people believe that when food is coming from a different country, it has gone through multiple checking processes, which ensures it is safer than locally produced food that might probably be unchecked. Physical appearance of the products also plays a key role. For instance, many food companies export the best-looking fruits or vegetables to other countries to keep their global demand and reputation alive, leaving the unappealing products in their regional markets.

1. Lexical resource

   Close revision note

   RevisedThe primary justification for many individuals purchasing food from other countries is the presumption that such food is of superior quality.

   The revised sentence replaces 'major reason' with 'primary justification' and 'assumption' with 'presumption' to add lexical variety.

Another influential factor for the huge demand for imported food is good marketing. Products that are cultivated or produced in other countries usually appear more on social media, making them wanted by many. The Dubai chocolate named "Fix", for instance, has gained broad popularity on Instagram among many Asian countries, as it was promoted by many well-known influencers. Buying such luxurious products and posting them on social media can even serve as a status symbol for many people, further flourishing their market.

1. Coherence & cohesion

   Close revision note

   RevisedMoreover, effective marketing strategies significantly contribute to the demand for imported food.

   The revised sentence provides a smoother transition and adds variety to the discourse markers used in the essay.

However, there are some steps that governments can take to promote the purchase of locally grown food products. One effective way is to increase understanding of the fact that regional food is as good as—if not superior to—imported products. For example, the freshness of regionally grown food products can be compared with those grown in other countries, since the latter takes time to be delivered, meaning that it might lose its newness. Environmental sustainability can also be a striking point for comparison, because transportation of imported food requires fuel, which is harmful to the environment when emitted on a large scale.

In addition to promoting awareness, advertising local food can be a great way to encourage more people to buy it. This can be done by using more appealing packaging. When local farmers learn color theories and use more bright and eye-catching colors in the packages, the products will attract more customers. This can be complemented by massively advertising the products on social media. If famous influencers promote the local food products to their followers, creating a new trend, the sales would increase significantly. The store "Korzinka" in Tashkent serves a perfect example by having its regionally baked desserts promoted by bloggers of repute.

1. Coherence & cohesion

   Close revision note

   RevisedIn addition to raising awareness, promoting local food through advertisements can also be an effective encouragement for consumers.

   The revised sentence provides a clearer connection between the two actions and enhances the cohesion between the ideas.

2. Grammar & accuracy

   Close revision note

   RevisedThis can be achieved by employing more attractive packaging.

   The revision improves the sentence by using 'employing' instead of 'using' and 'achieved' instead of 'done', showcasing a wider range of grammatical structures.

3. Grammar & accuracy

   Close revision note

   RevisedIf well-known influencers endorse local food products to their followers, setting a new trend, it would significantly increase the sales.

   The revision mitigates repetition of 'local food products' and 'followers', and replaces 'promote' with 'endorse' for variety.

In conclusion, the reasons why many people choose to buy imported food rather than local food include better quality and high promotion. However, by developing an understanding of the superiority of local food alongside advertising it, it can ensure that more people purchase it.

1. Coherence & cohesion

   Close revision note

   RevisedHowever, by fostering an understanding of the quality of local food and employing effective advertising strategies, we can encourage more consumers to make purchases.

   The revised sentence provides a clearer connection between the two actions and enhances the coherence of the argument.