Cambridge IELTS Book 16 Writing Task 2 Test 3
Many manufactured food and drink products contain high levels of sugar, which causes many health problems. Sugary products should be made more expensive to encourage people to consume less sugar.
Do you agree or disagree?
Many people argue that food and drinks high in sugar should be priced higher to discourage consumption of these unhealthy products. I completely disagree with this idea because it is unfair to consumers and there are more effective ways to reduce the intake of such goods.
The primary reason I believe these products should not be made more expensive is that it would be unfair to consumers. When consumed in moderation, these items do not pose a significant health risk, so it is unreasonable to charge everyone more for them. Moreover, for individuals on a limited budget, a sweet snack can be an affordable indulgence. If prices are raised, it could make these small pleasures unaffordable for some people.
Additionally, there are more effective strategies to reduce the consumption of sugary products. One effective approach is for the government to promote public service campaigns that educate people about the importance of moderation when consuming these items. This method has proven successful with other harmful habits, such as alcohol and cigarettes, and could similarly work for sugary foods and beverages. Another effective way to lower consumption is by banning advertisements for such products. This would reduce the psychological urge to buy and consume them.
In conclusion, I strongly oppose increasing the price of sugary products. This is because it would be unfair to consumers, and there are more effective methods to reduce consumption of these goods.