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Sample Essay 1
Today, food commonly journeys across continents to reach consumers, a trend driven by globalization and consumer demand for variety. While such extensive food transport enhances availability, it also brings significant concerns about sustainability and local economies. This essay argues that although global food distribution offers certain benefits, the negative impacts on the environment and local food systems outweigh these advantages.
One primary reason for extensive food travel is the globalized market’s desire to meet diverse consumer preferences year-round. Supermarkets now stock out-of-season fruits, exotic vegetables, and specialty products from distant regions, ensuring customers can access a wider variety regardless of local harvest cycles. For example, the year-round availability of mangoes in non-tropical regions illustrates how globalization satisfies consumer expectations. However, this constant demand for imported foods encourages extensive transportation networks that contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Every mile that food travels increases its carbon footprint, exacerbating climate change issues. This reliance on long-haul food transportation thus undermines efforts to achieve environmental sustainability and reduce global carbon emissions.
Moreover, importing food over long distances undermines local economies and agricultural practices. When supermarkets prioritize foreign products, local farmers struggle to compete, often facing decreased demand for their produce. In the United States, for instance, small-scale farmers who traditionally supplied local markets now face competition from inexpensive imports, particularly in fruits and vegetables. This economic imbalance can lead to the decline of local farming communities, resulting in job losses and reduced local food production. Consequently, communities become less self-sufficient, relying heavily on imported food sources, which can also create vulnerabilities if global supply chains are disrupted.
In conclusion, while international food trade ensures a diverse food supply, its negative effects on the environment and local agriculture systems are concerning. Prioritizing local produce and sustainable practices would not only benefit the environment but also bolster regional economies and food security, fostering a more sustainable and resilient food system overall.
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Sample Essay 2
The vast distances food travels today before reaching consumers reflect the global economy’s prioritization of efficiency and consumer demand for convenience. While this shift has certain merits, the impact on cultural food traditions and the vulnerability it introduces to supply chains signify that the drawbacks ultimately overshadow the benefits.
The primary reason for extensive food transportation is the demand for convenience and efficiency in the modern supply chain. Companies and consumers alike seek year-round access to food items without regard for local seasons or geographical limitations. For instance, apples grown in New Zealand are readily available in the United Kingdom, fulfilling demand regardless of local harvest cycles. This trend satisfies consumers' desire for convenience, allowing them to buy whatever they want at any time. However, such dependency on imports dilutes local agricultural practices and disconnects people from seasonal cycles, weakening awareness of traditional food sources and practices. Over time, this erosion of cultural food identity can lead to a homogenization of diets worldwide, sidelining indigenous crops and culinary heritage in favor of universally available, commercially popular foods.
Furthermore, extensive food travel introduces critical vulnerabilities to global food security, making it a risky development in an increasingly uncertain world. Dependence on international supply chains renders countries and consumers highly susceptible to disruptions caused by events such as pandemics, political conflicts, or natural disasters. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the risks associated with complex, cross-border food networks, as supply chains were disrupted and certain imported foods became scarce in affected regions. This reliance on imports risks creating food deserts, particularly in emergency situations where local production cannot meet demand. Therefore, prioritizing global over local food sources can undermine a community’s resilience and self-sufficiency, making it essential to rethink the value placed on local food systems for food security and sustainability.
In conclusion, while global food transport offers convenience and diversity, its adverse effects on cultural food heritage and food security are substantial. By fostering local food systems and embracing seasonal produce, societies can preserve their culinary identity and strengthen resilience against global supply chain disruptions, creating a more sustainable and culturally rich food environment.
Sample Essay 3
In today’s interconnected world, food frequently crosses borders and even continents before reaching consumers, primarily due to trade globalization and advancements in logistics. Although this development enables economic growth and dietary diversity, it also leads to substantial issues regarding food quality and health implications. This essay contends that despite some economic benefits, the disadvantages concerning food freshness and health risks are far more pronounced.
The main reason for the extensive travel of food is the pursuit of economic gain through trade and access to a broader variety of foods. Countries often rely on imports to meet consumer demands for items not locally produced or to benefit from cheaper foreign production. For example, importing coffee from Colombia to countries worldwide supports local farmers and satisfies global demand while being economically advantageous. However, this focus on economic value often compromises food freshness, as produce may spend weeks in transit, requiring preservatives or modifications to extend shelf life. The practice of using artificial ripening agents on fruits, such as bananas, to ensure they appear fresh upon arrival exemplifies this. Consequently, the consumer receives a product that lacks the natural flavor, texture, and nutritional value that fresh, locally grown food would offer, diminishing the overall quality of the diet.
Beyond the loss of freshness, food transported over long distances poses significant health risks due to various chemical treatments and preservatives required for prolonged storage. These chemical interventions, intended to prevent spoilage, may include substances linked to adverse health effects when consumed over time. For instance, sulfur dioxide is frequently used to preserve dried fruits but is known to cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Similarly, long-haul transportation increases the likelihood of contamination, as food undergoes multiple handling stages before reaching consumers. The result is an increased potential for foodborne illnesses, as well as long-term health issues associated with preservative-laden diets. Hence, while imported food can provide variety, its health implications make this development more problematic than beneficial.
In conclusion, while global food transportation offers economic opportunities and broader food choices, its drawbacks concerning compromised food freshness and potential health risks make it a concerning trend. Encouraging locally sourced foods would not only improve dietary quality but also support healthier, safer food systems, ultimately benefiting both consumers and local economies.
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