Imported Food in Supermarkets: Positive or Negative Development

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?

Annotated response

12 correction notes

Showing 12 correction notes.

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 .

One compelling argument in favor of the availability of in supermarkets is the increased variety it offers consumers. , shoppers were limited to consuming locally grown produce, which could result in a . supermarkets provide an extensive range of fruits, vegetables, spices, and other food products from . This enables consumers to explore new flavors and experience diverse culinary traditions, . 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 and enjoy a more varied and exciting diet.

On the other hand, the easy availability of food produced globally is 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 but also disrupted the local economy .

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.

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 7.5

The strongest aspect is the response's clear, consistent position supported by well-chosen, developed examples on both sides of the argument. The main limitation is that the counterargument is given nearly equal weight, so the case for the negative view could be pushed further, and the final recommendation about policymakers is introduced without prior development.

IELTS criteria

How each score was decided

Task Response

7.0

The response presents a clear position throughout and develops both the positive and negative sides with relevant, extended examples, though the counterargument receives comparable weight to the writer's own view, slightly diluting the argued position.

Coherence and Cohesion

7.0

Ideas are organised logically across clear paragraphs with effective linking devices and a coherent progression from variety benefits to harms for local producers, with only occasional mechanical cohesion such as an under-supported final recommendation.

Lexical Resource

8.0

Vocabulary is wide and precise, with natural collocations such as 'repercussions', 'gastronomic experiences', 'sustain their livelihoods', and 'broaden their palate', showing sophisticated control with minimal inaccuracy.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

7.0

A range of complex structures, including concessive clauses, conditionals, and relative clauses, is used flexibly and accurately, with errors rare and non-impeding, though sentence patterns remain somewhat formulaic in places.