In some countries an increasing number of people are
suffering from health problems as a result of eating too much fast food. It is
therefore necessary for governments to impose a higher tax on this kind of
food. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Eating fast food is on the rise. People are too busy to cook
at home so opt for a fast, easy, cheap and tasty alternative. This is not
always the best choice as junk food can create health problems. Eating
artificial food high in salt, sugar, oil, preservatives etc. on a regular basis
can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, heart attacks etc.
In order to protect people’s health the government could tax
fast food so as to discourage people from eating it. One of the greatest
benefits of junk food is that it is affordable. If prices go up and consumers
need to pay a higher cost then they might go for something cheaper. In order
for this scheme to work however it is necessary for the price of fresh fruit
and vegetables to drop. Many low income groups choose unhealthy options because
they simply can’t afford to buy groceries and cook for their entire family. It
is much cheaper for them to purchase family meals at a fast food outlet.
On the other hand, some people might argue that eating fast
food is an individual’s personal choice and taxing this is unlikely to make a
difference to a person’s lifestyle. Some people, especially teenagers, enjoy
eating junk food and a higher price might not put them off going to fast food
outlets.
I believe our health is extremely important and to avoid
getting ill we should stay away from unhealthy food. I think it is a good idea
for governments to get involved as they did in the case of tobacco and tax fast
food. But at the same time they should subsidize fresh fruit and vegetables so
that poor families can afford them.
Question taken from The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS for
Academic & General Training p. 224
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