IELTS.international
Opinionacademic·2025

Many developing countries struggle with food production. What are the main challenges and how can international cooperation help?

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Step 1

IELTS Examiner Tips for This Topic

1

For this analytical question, your position should be a clear stance on the efficacy and necessity of international cooperation. While you must discuss the challenges, frame your argument to consistently highlight how collaboration is the most potent remedy for these issues. Acknowledge that national policies play a role, but pivot back to how international aid and expertise amplify these efforts, thereby maintaining your core argument.

2

Consider citing specific examples like the impact of climate change on smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa, where international initiatives like the World Food Programme provide emergency aid and capacity building. You could also discuss how technology transfer, such as drought-resistant crop varieties developed through global research partnerships, addresses challenges faced by countries like India or Ethiopia.

3

The most common pitfall is to merely list challenges and then separately list how international cooperation *could* help, without explicitly linking specific challenges to specific cooperative solutions. Avoid this by dedicating each body paragraph to a challenge and then immediately explaining how international cooperation directly mitigates *that particular challenge*, ensuring a cohesive and analytical flow.

4

Employ a problem-solution linking strategy within and between paragraphs. Start a paragraph by outlining a challenge (e.g., 'One significant hurdle is...'), then transition smoothly to how international cooperation addresses it using phrases like 'To counteract this, global partnerships are essential,' or 'Such an impediment necessitates concerted international efforts, for instance...'. This creates a logical flow that directly answers both parts of the prompt.

5

A band 8-9 answer will demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the interconnectedness of global food systems and the nuanced ways international cooperation functions. It will move beyond simple aid, discussing policy coordination, technology transfer, market access, and capacity building with precise vocabulary, while maintaining a consistent, well-supported argument for cooperation's pivotal role.

Step 2

Recommended Essay Structure (Band 7+ Standard)

1
Introduction

Hook the examiner and establish your position immediately.

  • Rephrase the question using powerful synonyms — avoid copying words
  • State your opinion clearly in the final sentence — leave no doubt
  • Keep it tight: 2-3 sentences max. Every word must earn its place.

Band 7+ sentence starters for each paragraph

It is often argued that...There is a growing debate about whether...In my view, ... because ...
2
Body Paragraph 1 — Your Strongest Argument

Make your most compelling case with undeniable evidence.

  • Start with a powerful topic sentence — state your argument boldly
  • Support with concrete evidence: statistics, real-world cases, or expert research
  • Explain exactly HOW your evidence proves your point — connect the dots for the examiner

Band 7+ sentence starters for each paragraph

The primary reason I hold this view is that...This is clearly illustrated by...For instance, in many countries...
3
Body Paragraph 2 — Supporting Argument

Strengthen your position with a complementary perspective.

  • Choose a different angle — if paragraph 1 was economic, try social, environmental, or ethical
  • Use fresh evidence — avoid repeating the same examples or reasoning
  • Explicitly link back to your thesis — show how this strengthens your overall position

Band 7+ sentence starters for each paragraph

Furthermore, it is worth considering that...Another compelling argument is that...This is further supported by the fact that...
4
Conclusion

Leave a lasting impression with a confident, memorable ending.

  • Never introduce new ideas — this is your final summary
  • Restate your position using stronger vocabulary than the introduction
  • Keep it powerful: 2 sentences max. End with authority.

Band 7+ sentence starters for each paragraph

In conclusion, I firmly believe that...To sum up, the evidence clearly suggests that...

Step 3

High-Scoring Vocabulary & Collocations

food securityThe state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.
agrarian economiesEconomies heavily reliant on agriculture as the primary source of income and employment.
sustainable agricultural practicesMethods of farming that are environmentally sound, economically viable, and socially responsible.
undermine effortsTo weaken or damage the success of an undertaking.
pivotal roleA critically important part or function.
mitigate the impactTo make the effect of something less severe, serious, or painful.
it is widely acknowledged thatA phrase used to introduce a generally accepted fact or belief.
a compelling argument can be made forA phrase used to introduce a strong and persuasive reason for something.
notwithstandingIn spite of; although.
this is not to say thatA phrase used to clarify a statement by indicating what is not being implied.

Step 4

Academic Phrases for This Essay Type

It is widely acknowledged thatThere is compelling evidence to suggestThis phenomenon can be attributed toA growing body of research indicatesThe implications of this are far-reachingThis raises important questions aboutFrom a broader perspectiveIt would be short-sighted to ignore

Addition

MoreoverFurthermoreIn additionWhat is more

Contrast

HoweverNeverthelessOn the other handConversely

Cause / Effect

ConsequentlyAs a resultThereforeThis leads to

Example

For instanceTo illustrateA case in point isSuch as

Concession

AlthoughWhile it is true thatDespiteAdmittedly

Step 5

Grammar Patterns for Band 7+

Complex sentence with concession

Although some argue that technology isolates people, the evidence suggests it strengthens connections.

Shows advanced grammatical control. Start with 'Although/While' + opposing view, then state your position — demonstrates nuanced thinking.

Conditional (Type 2)

If governments invested more in public transport, traffic congestion would decrease significantly.

Perfect for hypothetical scenarios and solutions. Structure: 'If + past simple, would + infinitive' — shows flexibility and imagination.

Passive for academic tone

It is often argued that education should be free. However, this view overlooks the practical challenges.

Academic writing favors passive constructions. 'It is + past participle + that' creates authoritative, objective tone.

Relative clause

Students who study abroad, which is becoming increasingly common, tend to develop greater independence.

Adds sophistication without complexity. Use 'who' for people, 'which' for things, 'that' for either.

Noun phrase for density

The rapid expansion of urban areas has led to increased pollution levels.

Packs more information into fewer words. 'The implementation of effective policies' vs 'policies are implemented effectively' — boosts Lexical Resource score.

Step 6

Band 9 Model Answer (Fully Marked)

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