Some argue that governments should subsidize local farmers to support agriculture. Others believe that free market competition is better. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

For this 'Discuss both views' essay, dedicate one full body paragraph to thoroughly exploring the arguments for government subsidies and another distinct paragraph to the merits of free market competition. Avoid the common pitfall of being too one-sided or blending arguments, as this undermines a balanced discussion and can limit your Task Response score.

When discussing subsidies, consider arguments like ensuring food security, preserving rural communities, or promoting sustainable farming practices, citing examples such as the EU's Common Agricultural Policy or Japan's rice subsidies. For free market competition, focus on efficiency gains, lower consumer prices due to increased competition, and reduced taxpayer burden, perhaps referencing New Zealand's agricultural deregulation in the 1980s.

A frequent mistake is to merely list pros and cons without developing coherent arguments or linking them back to the core debate of government intervention versus market forces. To avoid this, ensure each point is fully elaborated with explanations, potential consequences, or specific examples, clearly articulating why subsidies are advocated or why free market is preferred.

Employ a clear contrastive linking strategy between your two main body paragraphs to signal the shift in perspective. Begin the second body paragraph with phrases like 'Conversely,' 'In stark contrast,' or 'However, proponents of a free market approach contend that...' to smoothly transition and highlight the opposing viewpoint.

Examiners look for a nuanced discussion that acknowledges the complexities of both economic approaches, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding beyond surface-level arguments. A band 8-9 response will not only present well-supported arguments for each view but also offer a clear, well-reasoned personal opinion in the conclusion that synthesises the preceding discussion, using precise academic vocabulary and complex grammatical structures.