169 ielts essay samples

Fast-food and the UAE
Past: In the past people in the UAE used to eat healthy, freshly prepared food with their families in the home. Present: Today however, many people, particularly young people, prefer to eat fast food such as hamburgers, fried chicken, shawarma, or pizza. TOPIC SENTENCE: There are many reasons why this change has occurred, but fast-food also has some serious effects on individuals and society.
Causes Topic Sentence: There are many reasons for the popularity of fast food. Cause 1: One of the main reasons is the change in lifestyle. Example 1a: Many people in the UAE are working long hours, shifts, or extended school days. They don’t have time to find ingredients or prepare good food. Example 1b: Women are now starting to work in the Emirates, and this can result in less time being available for preparing family meals. Cause 2: Another cause is the huge number of young, affluent people in the UAE. Example 2: The rapid development of the country has meant that young people, who comprise over 75% of the population, have money to spend. Cause 3: A third reason is advertising. Example 3: The UAE is a very modern, free-market country, with all forms of media such as the Internet and satellite television, and people like to try new products and different kinds of fast food.
Effects Topic Sentence: However, this change in diet can have some serious effects. Effect 1: One effect is on health. Example 1: Many individuals in the UAE are becoming obese. These people will be less productive and have conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Effect 2: Another result of fast food is the loss of the family tradition of eating together. Example 2: Children and adults rarely eat together now, and thus get less opportunity to talk. Effect 3: A further effect is economic. Example 3a: Although fast food is not very expensive, it is more expensive than cooking properly for yourself.