Many countries are facing food waste problems. What are the main causes of food waste and how can this issue be addressed?

In your introduction, clearly state the primary causes of food waste you will explore (e.g., consumer behaviour, supply chain inefficiencies) and the main categories of solutions you will propose (e.g., policy interventions, technological innovations). While defending your chosen focus, briefly acknowledge that food waste is a complex issue with various contributing factors and no single magic bullet solution, demonstrating a nuanced understanding.

For causes, consider discussing consumer-level waste driven by supermarket promotions (e.g., 'buy one get one free' deals leading to over-purchasing) and aesthetic standards rejecting 'ugly' produce. For solutions, you could cite France's pioneering law banning supermarkets from discarding edible food, or the impact of 'Love Food Hate Waste' campaigns in the UK on household behaviour.

A common pitfall is merely listing causes and solutions without adequately developing each point or establishing clear links between them. To avoid this, ensure each body paragraph focuses on one main cause or solution, providing specific explanations, examples, and elaborating on why it's a significant factor or how it effectively addresses the problem.

When transitioning from discussing causes to proposing solutions, use phrases that clearly signal this shift, such as "In light of these pervasive issues," or "Addressing these multifaceted challenges necessitates a concerted effort." Within the solutions paragraphs, employ sequential or additive linkers like "Furthermore," "Another crucial measure," or "Beyond policy, technological innovations also play a vital role."

For a band 8-9, examiners look for a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of both the causes and solutions, not just a superficial listing. This includes presenting well-developed arguments with specific, real-world examples (e.g., specific country initiatives or consumer trends), demonstrating a wide range of sophisticated vocabulary related to food systems and waste, and employing complex grammatical structures accurately. Crucially, the essay must maintain a clear, logical progression of ideas, ensuring that solutions directly address the identified causes.