Countable: apple, banana, carrot, grain, meal, dish, restaurant, diet, ingredient, calorie
Uncountable: food, sugar, salt, water, rice, cheese, meat, nutrition, waste, pollution
Both options: chicken (meat in general vs. individual pieces), fish, yogurt, coffee
many: Many people lack access to fresh vegetables.
a few / few: Only a few restaurants offer healthy options. (a few = some, few = not enough)
several / numerous: Several studies show the link between sugar and obesity.
a large/small number of: A large number of children suffer from malnutrition.
much: Much of the world's food is wasted annually.
a little / little: A little sugar is necessary for health. (a little = some; little = not enough, negative)
a large/small amount of: We consume too large an amount of processed food.
sufficient / insufficient: Many countries lack sufficient nutrition programmes.
Despite living in an age of unprecedented technological advancement, food insecurity remains a critical global challenge affecting over 700 million people. The United Nations estimates that achieving food security — ensuring all people have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food — requires urgent action. The causes of hunger are complex, ranging from climate change and conflict to inadequate food distribution systems.
A primary driver of food insecurity is climate change, which threatens agricultural productivity through droughts and floods. Sustainable agriculture practices such as crop rotation and water conservation help build resilience. Reducing food waste — currently accounting for approximately one-third of global food production — offers immediate opportunities to improve food availability. Many countries have begun implementing food labelling systems to reduce confusion about nutritional value.
The rise of processed food consumption has contributed to a parallel crisis of malnutrition and obesity. While traditionally associated with wealthy nations, obesity has increasingly become a problem in lower-income countries where cheap fast food and highly calorie-dense products dominate markets. Conversely, millions suffer from undernutrition due to inadequate calorie intake and insufficient dietary requirements. Education about balanced diet and food safety is critical for public health.
Innovation offers promising solutions. Genetically modified food, though controversial, has potential to increase crop yields. Promoting plant-based diet alternatives can reduce the environmental burden of animal agriculture. Fair trade movements ensure producers receive equitable compensation. Farm-to-table initiatives strengthen community resilience and reduce food mile emissions.
The path forward requires coordinated effort. Supporting organic produce through subsidies, investing in food hygiene infrastructure, and promoting dietary supplements where needed can address both short-term hunger and long-term nutritional security. When food systems work effectively, a staple food like rice reaches vulnerable populations, preventing famine and food poisoning crises.
Nutritionist consultation about balanced diet and dietary requirements
You should say:
I'd like to talk about Biryani, a traditional Pakistani dish believed to have originated in the courts of Delhi. It's a complex rice dish with excellent nutritional value and is considered a staple food across South Asia, particularly at celebrations and culinary tradition events.
The key ingredients include basmati rice, meat or vegetables, yogurt, ghee, and spices like saffron and cardamom. What makes it special is the cooking method — the meat is marinated in yogurt and spices, then layered with partially cooked rice. The pot is sealed and slow-cooked using the "dum" method, which ensures all nutritional value is retained while flavours infuse beautifully.
Biryani is deeply important to my culture because it represents celebration and togetherness. It's traditionally served at weddings and festivals. Beyond its cultural significance, it represents the culinary tradition of our region and reflects our shared history.
📝 Band 8: Natural collocation use, strong narrative, good tense range, personal reflection.
Obesity and malnutrition are both significant health problems in many countries. What are the causes of these problems and what measures could governments take to reduce them?
Write at least 250 words.
Obesity and malnutrition represent a paradoxical crisis where both conditions coexist and contribute to significant public health burdens. Understanding their causes is essential for developing effective government interventions.
Obesity stems primarily from the proliferation of processed food and fast food consumption. These foods are typically calorie-dense yet nutritionally poor, and aggressive marketing has normalized their consumption. In contrast, malnutrition predominantly affects low-income populations who lack access to foods with adequate nutritional value. Poor food distribution systems and economic inequality perpetuate this cycle.
To address these issues, governments must adopt multi-faceted approaches. First, stricter food labelling regulations can help consumers make informed choices. Second, taxation on high-calorie sugary products combined with subsidies for fresh produce can shift consumption patterns. Third, educational campaigns promoting a balanced diet and food safety awareness should target schools and communities. Governments should also invest in sustainable agriculture to increase food security and organic produce availability.
Furthermore, reducing food waste throughout the supply chain can improve food distribution efficiency. Addressing both conditions requires systemic change rather than isolated interventions.
The concurrent rise of obesity and malnutrition globally presents a compelling paradox demanding critical examination. Rather than representing separate crises, these conditions frequently emerge from identical systemic failures, necessitating integrated policy responses addressing root causes.
The obesity epidemic derives substantially from the proliferation of ultra-processed food engineered to be hyperpalatable yet devoid of meaningful nutritional value. These items feature excessive calorie content combined with food additives and artificial sweeteners, marketed aggressively to vulnerable demographics. Simultaneously, traditional malnutrition persists in populations experiencing food scarcity, driven by inadequate food security, failing agricultural systems exacerbated by climate change, and dysfunctional food distribution networks.
Effective governmental intervention requires multidimensional approaches. Supply-side interventions include enhanced food labelling standards coupled with stringent regulation of processed food marketing. Progressive taxation on calorie-dense, nutritionally deficient products should be counterbalanced by subsidising organic produce. Demand-side measures must invest in nutritional literacy programmes promoting balanced diet principles.
Beyond immediate dietary interventions, systemic reform of agricultural infrastructure is vital. Supporting sustainable agriculture and farm-to-table systems simultaneously addresses food waste, promotes food security, and reduces food mile emissions. Establishing mandatory food hygiene standards strengthens food chain resilience.