This is my IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of supermarkets and food produced all over the world.

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Task 1:

Line Chart

Porth Harbor

Task 2:

Saving Money

Competition

Working Week

IELTS Essay: Supermarkets

In many countries nowadays, consumers can go to a supermarket and buy food produced all over the world.

Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

In recent years, food imported from various parts of the world in supermarkets has become prevalent. While some view this trend as positive, I would argue that the repercussions for local producers are a negative overall.

One compelling argument in favor of the availability of globally sourced food in supermarkets is the increased variety it offers consumers. In the distant past, shoppers were limited to consuming locally grown produce, which could result in a monotonous diet lacking diversity. Nowadays, however, supermarkets provide an extensive range of fruits, vegetables, spices, and other food products from different corners of the globe. This enables consumers to explore new flavors and experience diverse culinary traditions, enriching their gastronomic experiences. For instance, in most supermarkets, one can find exotic fruits such as dragon fruit from Vietnam, mangoes from India, and avocados from Mexico. By having access to such diverse options, consumers can broaden their palate and enjoy a more varied and exciting diet.

On the other hand, the easy availability of food produced globally is detrimental for local farmers. When consumers prefer imported goods over locally grown products, it can lead to a decline in demand for local agricultural produce. Local farmers may then face financial difficulties and struggle to sustain their livelihoods. For example, in a study conducted in the United Kingdom, it was found that the demand for imported strawberries during winter had a negative impact on local strawberry farmers. Due to the availability of strawberries from warmer climates, consumers were less inclined to purchase locally grown strawberries, leading to a decline in sales for local producers. This situation not only affected the farmers’ income but also disrupted the local economy in a variety of subtle ways.

In conclusion, although the availability of food produced worldwide in supermarkets offers consumers a wider variety of food choices and experiences, the challenges to local farmers are more significant. Policymakers should promote local farming operations rather than encouraging the imported food industry.

Analysis

1. In recent years, food imported from various parts of the world in supermarkets has become prevalent. 2. While some view this trend as positive, I would argue that the repercussions for local producers are a negative overall.

1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
2. Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.

1. One compelling argument in favor of the availability of globally sourced food in supermarkets is the increased variety it offers consumers. 2. In the distant past, shoppers were limited to consuming locally grown produce, which could result in a monotonous diet lacking diversity. 3. Nowadays, however, supermarkets provide an extensive range of fruits, vegetables, spices, and other food products from different corners of the globe. 4. This enables consumers to explore new flavors and experience diverse culinary traditions, enriching their gastronomic experiences. 5. For instance, in most supermarkets, one can find exotic fruits such as dragon fruit from Vietnam, mangoes from India, and avocados from Mexico. 6. By having access to such diverse options, consumers can broaden their palate and enjoy a more varied and exciting diet.

1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
2. Explain your main idea.
3. Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
4. Keep developing it fully.
5. Better to have more detail.
6. Finish the paragraph strong.

1. On the other hand, the easy availability of food produced globally is detrimental for local farmers. 2. When consumers prefer imported goods over locally grown products, it can lead to a decline in demand for local agricultural produce. 3. Local farmers may then face financial difficulties and struggle to sustain their livelihoods. 4. For example, in a study conducted in the United Kingdom, it was found that the demand for imported strawberries during winter had a negative impact on local strawberry farmers. 5. Due to the availability of strawberries from warmer climates, consumers were less inclined to purchase locally grown strawberries, leading to a decline in sales for local producers. 6. This situation not only affected the farmers’ income but also disrupted the local economy in a variety of subtle ways.

1. Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
2. Explain your new main idea.
3. Include specific details and examples.
4. Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
5. Vary long and short sentences.
6. This essay is a bit long – aim for about 275 words.

1. In conclusion, although the availability of food produced worldwide in supermarkets offers consumers a wider variety of food choices and experiences, the challenges to local farmers are more significant. 2. Policymakers should promote local farming operations rather than encouraging the imported food industry.

1. Summarise your main ideas.
2. Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean? Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.

In recent years, food imported from various parts of the world in supermarkets has become prevalent. While some view this trend as positive, I would argue that the repercussions for local producers are a negative overall.

One compelling argument in favor of the availability of globally sourced food in supermarkets is the increased variety it offers consumers. In the distant past, shoppers were limited to consuming locally grown produce, which could result in a monotonous diet lacking diversity. Nowadays, however, supermarkets provide an extensive range of fruits, vegetables, spices, and other food products from different corners of the globe. This enables consumers to explore new flavors and experience diverse culinary traditions, enriching their gastronomic experiences. For instance, in most supermarkets, one can find exotic fruits such as dragon fruit from Vietnam, mangoes from India, and avocados from Mexico. By having access to such diverse options, consumers can broaden their palate and enjoy a more varied and exciting diet.

On the other hand, the easy availability of food produced globally is detrimental for local farmers. When consumers prefer imported goods over locally grown products, it can lead to a decline in demand for local agricultural produce. Local farmers may then face financial difficulties and struggle to sustain their livelihoods. For example, in a study conducted in the United Kingdom, it was found that the demand for imported strawberries during winter had a negative impact on local strawberry farmers. Due to the availability of strawberries from warmer climates, consumers were less inclined to purchase locally grown strawberries, leading to a decline in sales for local producers. This situation not only affected the farmers’ income but also disrupted the local economy in a variety of subtle ways.

In conclusion, although the availability of food produced worldwide in supermarkets offers consumers a wider variety of food choices and experiences, the challenges to local farmers are more significant. Policymakers should promote local farming operations rather than encouraging the imported food industry.

Answers

For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:

In recent years:

• Recently
• Lately
• Over the past few years
• In the modern era

Imported:

• Foreign
• Imported from abroad
• Outsourced
• Imported goods

Various parts of the world:

• Different regions worldwide
• Diverse global locations
• Worldwide locations
• Various corners of the globe

Prevalent:

• Common
• Widespread
• Rampant
• Ubiquitous

While some view this trend as positive, I would argue:

• Although some perceive this pattern as favorable, I contend
• While there are proponents of this tendency, I believe
• Despite the positive outlook from some, I maintain

Repercussions:

• Consequences
• Effects
• Ramifications
• Impacts

Local producers:

• Domestic growers
• Nearby manufacturers
• Regional farmers
• Producers within the vicinity

One compelling argument in favor of:

• One persuasive point supporting
• An enticing rationale for
• A compelling case for
• A strong argument in favor of

In the distant past:

• Long ago
• Historically
• In ancient times
• Centuries ago

Limited to consuming locally grown produce:

• Confined to consuming produce from the local area
• Restricted to locally sourced food
• Constrained to consuming regionally grown crops
• Limited to locally cultivated fruits and vegetables

Monotonous diet lacking diversity:

• Boring and repetitive eating pattern lacking variety
• Unvaried and unexciting meal plan
• Tedious and uniform culinary regimen
• Repetitive and uninspiring food intake

Extensive range of:

• Wide array of
• Vast selection of
• Broad spectrum of
• Extensive variety of

Different corners of the globe:

• Various parts of the world
• Diverse regions worldwide
• Heterogeneous global locations
• Disparate corners of the earth

Enables consumers:

• Allows individuals
• Empowers customers
• Facilitates buyers
• Gives people the opportunity

Explore new flavors:

• Discover novel tastes
• Venture into unfamiliar flavors
• Experience unexplored palates
• Delve into fresh culinary sensations

Experience diverse culinary traditions:

• Encounter varied cooking customs
• Engage with different gastronomic heritages
• Immerse in diverse culinary practices
• Embrace a wide range of cooking traditions

Enriching their gastronomic experiences:

• Enhancing their culinary journeys
• Augmenting their food adventures
• Enriching their dining encounters
• Broadening their gastronomic horizons

Exotic fruits:

• Unusual fruits
• Rare tropical fruits
• Unique and unfamiliar fruits
• Uncommon and tropical fruits

Diverse options:

• Varied choices
• Multifarious alternatives
• Wide-ranging selections
• Assorted possibilities

Broaden their palate:

• Expand their taste buds
• Diversify their palate
• Widen their range of flavors
• Enhance their flavor appreciation

Varied and exciting diet:

• Diverse and thrilling eating plan
• Eclectic and stimulating food regimen
• Multifaceted and exhilarating culinary routine
• Assorted and captivating diet

Easy availability of:

• Convenient access to
• Ready availability of
• Effortless availability of
• Simple accessibility to

Detrimental:

• Harmful
• Negative
• Damaging
• Adverse

Prefer:

• Favor
• Choose
• Opt for
• Select

Over locally grown products:

• Instead of locally produced goods
• In lieu of regionally cultivated items
• Rather than products from nearby sources
• In preference to locally sourced merchandise

Lead to a decline in demand for:

• Result in a decrease in the desire for
• Cause a drop in the request for
• Contribute to a reduction in the need for
• Bring about a downturn in the appetite for

Produce:

• Agricultural goods
• Farm products
• Crops
• Harvest

Face financial difficulties:

• Encounter economic challenges
• Confront financial hardships
• Deal with monetary obstacles
• Experience financial struggles

Struggle to sustain their livelihoods:

• Find it challenging to maintain their means of living
• Strive to support their livelihoods
• Face difficulties in preserving their economic well-being
• Battle to sustain their sources of income

In a study conducted in:

• In research carried out in
• In a study performed in
• In an investigation undertaken in
• In an analysis conducted in

Due to the availability of:

• Because of the presence of
• Owing to the accessibility of
• Thanks to the availability of
• As a result of the ready availability of

Warmer climates:

• Tropical regions
• Hotter environments
• Temperate zones
• Climates with higher temperatures

Less inclined to purchase:

• Not as likely to buy
• More reluctant to acquire
• Less prone to procure
• Decreased propensity to purchase

A decline in sales for:

• Reduced sales- Decreased sales for
• Downturn in sales for
• Decrease in the purchase of
• Drop in the demand for

Income:

• Earnings
• Revenue
• Salary
• Profits

Disrupted the local economy in a variety of subtle ways:

• Disturbed the regional economy through subtle means
• Upset the local economic balance in various subtle ways
• Caused disruptions to the nearby economy in nuanced ways
• Impacted the local economic system in subtle and diverse ways

Availability:

• Accessibility
• Presence
• Existence
• Availability

Offers consumers a wider variety of food choices and experiences:

• Provides customers with a broader range of food options and experiences
• Presents consumers with an expanded selection of food choices and experiences
• Gives individuals a greater diversity of food options and experiences
• Grants customers a wider array of food choices and experiences

Challenges:

• Obstacles
• Difficulties
• Issues
• Problems

More significant:

• More notable
• More substantial
• More pronounced
• More important

Policymakers:

• Government officials
• Legislative authorities
• Decision-makers
• Policy regulators

Promote:

• Encourage
• Foster
• Support
• Advocate for

Operations rather than encouraging:

• Activities instead of promoting
• Practices rather than endorsing
• Procedures instead of encouraging
• Actions instead of fostering

Imported food industry:

• Foreign food sector
• Industry of imported goods
• External food trade
• Overseas food market

Pronunciation

Practice saying the vocabulary below and use this tip about Google voice search:

ɪn ˈriːsᵊnt jɪəz

ɪmˈpɔːtɪd

ˈveəriəs pɑːts ɒv ðə wɜːld

ˈprɛvᵊlənt

waɪl sʌm vjuː ðɪs trɛnd æz ˈpɒzətɪv, aɪ wʊd ˈɑːɡjuː

ˌriːpɜːˈkʌʃᵊnz

ˈləʊkᵊl prəˈdjuːsəz

wʌn kəmˈpɛlɪŋ ˈɑːɡjəmənt ɪn ˈfeɪvər ɒv

ɪn ðə ˈdɪstᵊnt pɑːst

ˈlɪmɪtɪd tuː kənˈsjuːmɪŋ ˈləʊkᵊli ɡrəʊn ˈprɒdjuːs

məˈnɒtnəs ˈdaɪət ˈlækɪŋ daɪˈvɜːsəti

ɪkˈstɛnsɪv reɪnʤ ɒv

ˈdɪfᵊrᵊnt ˈkɔːnəz ɒv ðə ˈɡləʊb

ɪˈneɪbᵊlz kənˈsjuːməz

ɪkˈsplɔː njuː ˈfleɪvəz

ɪkˈspɪəriəns daɪˈvɜːs ˈkʌlɪnᵊri trəˈdɪʃᵊnz

ɪnˈrɪʧɪŋ ðeə ˌɡæstrəˈnɒmɪk ɪkˈspɪəriənsɪz

ɪɡˈzɒtɪk fruːts

daɪˈvɜːs ˈɒpʃᵊnz

ˈbrɔːdᵊn ðeə ˈpælət

ˈveərɪd ænd ɪkˈsaɪtɪŋ ˈdaɪət

ˈiːzi əˌveɪləˈbɪləti ɒv

ˌdɛtrɪˈmɛntᵊl

priˈfɜː

ˈəʊvə ˈləʊkᵊli ɡrəʊn ˈprɒdʌkts

liːd tuː ə dɪˈklaɪn ɪn dɪˈmɑːnd fɔː

ˈprɒdjuːs

feɪs faɪˈnænʃᵊl ˈdɪfɪkᵊltiz

ˈstrʌɡᵊl tuː səˈsteɪn ðeə ˈlaɪvlɪhʊdz

ɪn ə ˈstʌdi kənˈdʌktɪd ɪn

djuː tuː ði əˌveɪləˈbɪləti ɒv

ˈwɔːmə ˈklaɪməts

lɛs ɪnˈklaɪnd tuː ˈpɜːʧəs

ə dɪˈklaɪn ɪn seɪlz fɔː

ˈɪnkʌm

dɪsˈrʌptɪd ðə ˈləʊkᵊl ɪˈkɒnəmi ɪn ə vəˈraɪəti ɒv ˈsʌtᵊl weɪz

əˌveɪləˈbɪləti

ˈɒfəz kənˈsjuːməz ə ˈwaɪdə vəˈraɪəti ɒv fuːd ˈʧɔɪsɪz ænd ɪkˈspɪəriənsɪz

ˈʧælɪnʤɪz

mɔː sɪɡˈnɪfɪkᵊnt

ˈpɒləsɪˌmeɪkəz

prəˈməʊt

ˌɒpᵊrˈeɪʃᵊnz ˈrɑːðə ðæn ɪnˈkʌrɪʤɪŋ

ɪmˈpɔːtɪd fuːd ˈɪndəstri

Vocabulary Practice

I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:

I________________s, food i______d from v_________________________d in supermarkets has become p__________t. W________________________________________________d argue that the r____________s for l____________s are a negative overall.

O____________________________f the availability of globally sourced food in supermarkets is the increased variety it offers consumers. I___________________t, shoppers were l__________________________________e, which could result in a m__________________________________________y. Nowadays, however, supermarkets provide an e_________________f fruits, vegetables, spices, and other food products from d__________________e. This e________________s to e______________s and e__________________________________s, e____________________________s. For instance, in most supermarkets, one can find e_________s such as dragon fruit from Vietnam, mangoes from India, and avocados from Mexico. By having access to such d_____________s, consumers can b________________e and enjoy a more v______________t.

On the other hand, the e__________________f food produced globally is d__________l for local farmers. When consumers p______r imported goods o___________________s, it can l________________________r local agricultural p____________e. Local farmers may then f__________________________s and s_________________________________s. For example, i___________________n the United Kingdom, it was found that the demand for imported strawberries during winter had a negative impact on local strawberry farmers. D_______________________________f strawberries from w_____________s, consumers were l__________________e locally grown strawberries, leading to a_________________r local producers. This situation not only affected the farmers’ i_______e but also d_________________________________________________________________s.

In conclusion, although the a___________y of food produced worldwide in supermarkets o____________________________________________________________s, the c___________s to local farmers are m____________t. P___________s should p_________e local farming o____________________________________g the i___________________y.

Listening Practice

Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:

Reading Practice

Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice:

https://www.americanheritage.com/rise-supermarket

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following speaking questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Describe an unusual meal you had.

You should say:

When you had it

Where you had it

Whom you had it with

And explain why it was unusual

Food (IELTS Speaking Part 3)

Question 1: Do you think having dinner at home is a good idea?

Question 2: Do young people like to spend time with their families or friends?

Question 3: What do you think are the benefits of having dinner together?

Question 4: Do you think people are less willing to cook meals by themselves these days compared to the past?

Question 5: Do people in your country socialize in restaurants? Why?

Question 6: Do people in your country value food culture?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topic:

Many supermarkets are selling more and more products that are imported from other countries instead of selling food that is locally sourced.

What are the reasons for this?

Is this a positive or negative development?

IELTS Essay: Supermarkets