WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge.
Write about the following topic:
Today’s food travels thousands of miles before it reaches customers. Why is this?
Is this a positive or negative development?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer:
In today’s globalized world, the food we consume often travels thousands of miles before it reaches our plates. There are several reasons for this phenomenon, and it has both positive and negative implications.
One of the main reasons for the extensive travel of food is the increasing demand for a variety of products year-round. With advances in transportation and refrigeration technology, it has become possible to import and export food from all corners of the globe. This allows consumers to enjoy a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, and other food products regardless of the season. Additionally, some regions are better suited for growing certain crops due to their climate and soil conditions, leading to the need for importing these products from other countries.
Furthermore, the growth of international trade and the establishment of global supply chains have also contributed to the long journey of food. Many multinational corporations source their ingredients from different countries to take advantage of lower production costs and to access a wider range of products. This has led to the widespread distribution of food products across continents.
While the availability of a diverse range of food products throughout the year is a positive aspect of this global food trade, there are also negative implications to consider. The extensive travel of food contributes to increased carbon emissions and environmental degradation. The transportation of food products over long distances consumes large amounts of fossil fuels, leading to air pollution and contributing to climate change. Additionally, the reliance on imported food leaves local food systems vulnerable to disruptions in global supply chains, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In conclusion, the extensive travel of food before it reaches consumers is a result of the increasing demand for a variety of products and the growth of international trade. While it allows for year-round availability of diverse food products, it also has negative consequences for the environment and local food systems. Therefore, it is important to strike a balance between meeting consumer demands and promoting sustainable and locally sourced food options.
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