Hustlers IELTS | 3 High-Scoring Approaches (Positive / Negative / Balanced) + Plans + Vocabulary

This prompt is a classic “positive or negative development?” question. That means you must:

• take a clear stance (positive / negative / partly both)
• support it with specific reasons and examples
• keep your position consistent from introduction to conclusion

Below are three different Band 7–9 style responses to the same task — so you can choose the approach that fits your thinking and your English level.

The Task (Cambridge IELTS 19 Academic, Test 4)

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?

Essay 1 — Positive Development

Essay Plan

• Intro: paraphrase + state “positive”
• BP1: wider choice + healthier variety (example: exotic fruits in Northern Europe)
• BP2: economic benefits for exporting countries (example: Costa Rica/Vietnam exports)
• BP3: cultural exchange through cuisine (example: popularity of sushi/tacos/pasta)
• Conclusion: restate positives

Essay

In recent years, supermarkets in many nations have started offering a variety of foods sourced from across the globe. I firmly believe that this trend is a positive development due to the numerous advantages it brings.

Firstly, the availability of international food products allows consumers to access a diverse range of foods that were previously unavailable. For instance, in Northern European countries, exotic fruits such as mangoes and papayas, which are not locally grown, can now be easily purchased in supermarkets. This not only enhances the culinary experience but also promotes healthier eating habits by providing a wider selection of nutritious options.

Secondly, the importation of food products has significant economic benefits for the countries that produce them. Many tropical countries, such as Costa Rica and Vietnam, rely heavily on the export of agricultural products like bananas and coffee. By exporting these goods, these countries can boost their economies, create jobs, and improve the standard of living for their citizens.

Furthermore, the presence of international foods in supermarkets fosters cultural exchange and understanding. As people are exposed to foods from different parts of the world, they become more curious about the cultures and traditions associated with these foods. This can be seen in the growing popularity of cuisines such as Japanese sushi, Mexican tacos, and Italian pasta in various countries. Such culinary exploration promotes cultural appreciation and broadens people’s perspectives.

In conclusion, the ability to buy food produced worldwide in supermarkets is undoubtedly a positive development. It not only provides consumers with a variety of food choices and supports the economies of producing countries but also encourages cultural exchange and understanding. These benefits collectively enhance the global community and contribute to a more interconnected world.

Vocabulary List

• sourced from across the globe
• positive development
• numerous advantages
• availability
• exotic fruits
• culinary experience
• nutritious options
• economic benefits
• agricultural products
• boost their economies
• standard of living
• cultural exchange
• culinary exploration
• cultural appreciation
• broadens perspectives
• a more interconnected world

Essay 2 — Negative Development

Essay Plan

• Intro: paraphrase + state “negative”
• BP1: environmental cost of transport (example: avocados Mexico → Europe)
• BP2: undermines local traditions/self-sufficiency (example: decline of British orchards)
• BP3: harms local farmers (example: cheap imported milk vs local dairy farmers)
• Conclusion: restate negatives + promote local produce

Essay

In contemporary society, the presence of globally produced food in supermarkets is increasingly common. However, I believe this development is predominantly negative due to its environmental, cultural, and economic repercussions.

Firstly, the environmental impact of transporting food across vast distances is substantial. The carbon footprint associated with importing avocados from Mexico to Europe, for example, is significant. The fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from such long-haul transportation contribute to climate change and environmental degradation. Reducing the need for long-distance food transport by focusing on locally sourced products could help mitigate these environmental issues.

Secondly, the availability of international foods can lead to a decline in local food traditions and self-sufficiency. For instance, in the UK, traditional British orchards are dwindling as consumers increasingly prefer imported fruits like oranges and pineapples. This shift not only erodes local food heritage but also undermines the sustainability of local agriculture. Maintaining local food traditions is essential for preserving cultural identity and ensuring a resilient local food system.

Moreover, the influx of imported food products can place economic strain on local farmers. Local dairy farmers, for instance, often struggle to compete with the lower prices of imported milk. This competition can lead to a decrease in the profitability of local farming, resulting in farm closures and loss of livelihoods. Supporting local farmers by prioritizing their products in supermarkets can help sustain the local economy and ensure food security.

In conclusion, while the global availability of food in supermarkets may offer some benefits, it poses significant environmental, cultural, and economic challenges. By prioritizing local produce, we can reduce environmental impact, preserve local food traditions, and support local farmers, thereby fostering a more sustainable and resilient food system.

Vocabulary List

• predominantly negative
• environmental repercussions
• carbon footprint
• long-haul transportation
• environmental degradation
• locally sourced products
• mitigate environmental issues
• local food traditions
• self-sufficiency
• erodes local food heritage
• cultural identity
• resilient local food system
• economic strain
• influx
• profitability
• farm closures
• food security
• sustainable and resilient

Essay 3 — Balanced View (Positive + Negative)

(Hustlers IELTS Add-On: a strong “Band 8” position)

Essay Plan

• Intro: paraphrase + “mixed development”
• BP1 (Positive): variety + nutrition + affordability in some seasons
• BP2 (Positive): economic opportunities + global supply stability
• BP3 (Negative): emissions + packaging + threat to local farmers/culture
• Conclusion: mostly positive if managed; prioritise local when possible + import responsibly

Essay

It is now normal in many countries for supermarkets to sell produce from every corner of the world, from imported fruit to packaged foods made overseas. In my view, this is a mixed development: it benefits consumers and exporting economies, but it can also create environmental costs and weaken local agriculture.

On the positive side, global sourcing gives consumers access to a far wider range of food throughout the year. In colder climates, imported products such as tropical fruit or out-of-season vegetables increase choice and can improve nutrition, particularly for people who do not have easy access to fresh produce locally. In addition, international supply chains help supermarkets avoid shortages when domestic harvests fail due to poor weather.

However, there are clear downsides. Shipping food long distances increases the carbon footprint of what people eat, and imported goods are often heavily packaged to survive transportation and storage. Furthermore, when supermarkets prioritise cheaper imports, local farmers may struggle to compete, and over time this can reduce a country’s food self-sufficiency and damage traditional food culture.

Overall, the ability to buy international food is beneficial in many ways, but it needs to be managed responsibly. Governments and retailers should promote local produce where feasible and ensure imports are sourced and transported in a way that limits environmental harm.

Vocabulary List

• global sourcing
• out-of-season vegetables
• supply chains / avoid shortages
• domestic harvests
• carbon footprint
• heavily packaged
• struggle to compete
• food self-sufficiency
• traditional food culture
• managed responsibly
• where feasible
• limit environmental harm