IELTS Writing Task 2 – Band 8.0 Sample

A staggering amount of edible food ends up in rubbish bins every day, even though millions of people around the world go hungry. This waste stems from the habits of consumers and businesses alike, but it can be reduced through education, regulation and better use of technology.

At household level, food is wasted mainly because of poor planning and confusion over labels. Many people buy in bulk to take advantage of special offers and then forget what is in the fridge. Others throw away perfectly safe products as soon as they pass their "best before" date, mistaking it for a safety deadline. Supermarkets and restaurants, meanwhile, reject imperfect-looking produce, overstock shelves to appear generous and serve portions that are far larger than customers can eat.

Several measures could make a real difference. Firstly, governments could require large supermarkets to donate unsold food to charities rather than discarding it. France introduced such a law in 2016, and food banks now receive millions of extra meals each year. Secondly, clearer labelling and public campaigns would help consumers understand that many products remain safe well beyond the printed date. Finally, mobile apps that allow cafés and bakeries to sell leftover items at a discount at the end of the day have proved both popular and effective.

Individuals also have a part to play. Writing shopping lists, storing food correctly and making creative use of leftovers are simple habits that can save both money and resources. Even freezing bread or fruit before it goes off can prevent a surprising amount of waste.

In conclusion, food waste is caused by careless shopping, misleading labels and commercial practices. A combination of legislation, technology and personal responsibility is needed to tackle the problem effectively.