IELTS HUBIELTS Positive-Negative Essay on Health & Culture & Nature
Full IELTS Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
An increasing number of people are now adopting a vegetarian lifestyle.
Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Write at least 250 words.
Introduction
Introduce the growing popularity of vegetarianism, stating it has both benefits and downsides. State the essay's stance: disadvantages may outweigh benefits.
Body Paragraph 1 View 1
Discuss the advantages: Improved health (diet rich in fruits/veg/grains reduces obesity/heart disease risk) and environmental protection (reduces pressure on resources, impact of livestock).
Body Paragraph 2 View 2
Discuss the disadvantages: Risk of nutrient deficiency (need careful planning for protein/iron/B12 intake) and social/cultural challenges (meat's role in traditions/events, potential isolation/limited options).
Conclusion
Summarize the main points: benefits like health and environment versus risks like nutrient deficiency and social difficulties. Reiterate the stance that disadvantages potentially outweigh advantages.
Band 9 Sample Answer:
This essay discusses the growing popularity of vegetarianism in today's society, a lifestyle choice that, while beneficial, may also have some downsides. The essay suggests that the disadvantages of vegetarianism may outweigh its benefits.
The main benefit of being a vegetarian is the possibility of better health. Eating a diet full of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce obesity and heart disease risk. Also, vegetarianism can help protect our environment. By eating less meat, we can lessen the pressure on our natural resources, as raising livestock contributes significantly to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions.
However, becoming a vegetarian can bring about certain difficulties. The first is the risk of not getting enough nutrients. Vegetarians need to plan their diets carefully to ensure they get enough protein, iron, and vitamin B12, which are mainly found in animal products. Moreover, the social and cultural aspects of vegetarianism can be challenging. In many societies, meat is a key part of traditional meals and social events, and vegetarians might face social isolation or limited food options.
In conclusion, although vegetarianism can lead to better health and environmental protection, the risks of nutrient deficiencies and social difficulties make it a less appealing lifestyle choice. The health and environmental advantages, while important, are overshadowed by the potential threats to personal health and social unity.
Band 7 Sample Answer:
The rise in vegetarianism is a noticeable trend in contemporary society, a lifestyle choice that, despite its potential benefits, may also harbor certain drawbacks. This essay argues that while the advantages of vegetarianism are significant, the disadvantages are more substantial.
The primary advantage of a vegetarian lifestyle is the potential for improved health. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can lead to lower levels of obesity and a decreased risk of heart disease. Furthermore, vegetarianism can contribute to the preservation of our environment. By reducing the demand for meat, we can decrease the strain on our natural resources, as livestock farming is a major contributor to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions.
However, transitioning to a vegetarian lifestyle can present certain challenges. The first of these is the potential for nutritional deficiencies. Without careful planning, vegetarians may struggle to obtain sufficient protein, iron, and vitamin B12, nutrients predominantly found in animal products. Additionally, the societal and cultural implications of vegetarianism can be daunting. In many cultures, meat is central to traditional meals and social gatherings, and vegetarians may face social exclusion or limited food choices.
In conclusion, while vegetarianism can lead to improved health and environmental sustainability, the potential for nutritional deficiencies and social challenges make it a less favorable lifestyle choice. The health and environmental benefits, though significant, are overshadowed by the potential risks to individual health and societal cohesion.