IELTS Essay: Imported Foods

Some countries import a large amount of food from other parts of the world.

To what extent is this a positive or negative trend?

Analysis

1. Nations are increasingly importing food products and relying less on domestic supplies. 2. In my opinion, though this has narrow economic drawbacks, it is a net positive.

1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
2. Write a clear opinion.

1. The negative aspects of increased imports relate to domestic agriculture. 2. In the United States, for example, there are trade agreements with a variety of countries enabling customers to purchase foreign products that cannot be locally grown, are only available seasonally or are prohibitively expensive. 3. Any local farmers who rely on higher prices for specialised crops or expect a surge in sales when the seasons change, must now account for the global nature of agriculture. 4. If they are not in a position to begin exporting to other countries themselves, there is a strong likelihood they will suffer a serious decline in their living standards and may have to consider the possibility of new employment.

1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
2. Explain your main idea.
3. Develop it with specific examples.
4. Continue to develop it fully.

1. However, the cases above are often mitigated with government subsidies and the benefits of imports for the average shopper are substantial. 2. In the past, customers resigned themselves to a limited range of local produce, restricted by both geography and the seasons. 3. Nowadays, imports make it possible to eat exotic fruits and vegetables that cannot be grown in one’s own country. 4. Aside from the luxuries now available, there are also more utilitarian benefits. 5. Countries with large populations and limited arable land, such as in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, can make deals that leverage their more abundant natural resources. 6. The tangible result is that previously malnourished residents now have greater access to nutritious foods, which in turn raises both life expectancy and quality of life.

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. The more specific, the better.
5. Keep adding more specific and examples.
6. And develop them fully.

1. In conclusion, the limited economic collateral of a thriving import and export agricultural market do not outweigh the advantages gained for both affluent and underprivileged segments of a population.

1. Summarise your main ideas.