Nowadays Food Has Become Easier to Prepare - IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essay

Sample Essay 1

In recent decades, technological progress and lifestyle shifts have made cooking significantly quicker and more convenient than in the past. I strongly believe that this transformation has positively impacted people’s lives by saving time for more meaningful activities and supporting broader access to diverse and nutritious food. This essay will critically examine how faster food preparation contributes to better time management and dietary variety, thereby improving overall quality of life.

One of the most significant benefits of easier food preparation is the amount of time it saves in daily life, allowing individuals to reallocate their energy towards more productive or enriching activities. In the past, cooking was a labour-intensive process involving grinding spices by hand, making dough from scratch, or waiting hours for food to cook over fire or basic stoves. Today, kitchen appliances like microwave ovens, pressure cookers, and food processors have drastically reduced cooking times. For instance, a working parent can now prepare a wholesome dinner in under thirty minutes, something that would have taken hours a few decades ago. This time efficiency not only reduces stress but also enables people to spend more time with family, pursue hobbies, or focus on career development. By eliminating much of the drudgery associated with cooking, modern convenience has enhanced the balance between work, leisure, and health.

Equally important is how easier food preparation has improved access to a wider range of ingredients and healthier options, especially in urban lifestyles where time and energy are limited. Modern methods such as pre-chopped vegetables, meal kits, and air fryers have enabled individuals to prepare balanced meals without relying on deep-fried or processed alternatives. For example, a health-conscious person can now assemble a high-protein quinoa salad with minimal effort, even after a long workday. Furthermore, global supply chains and food tech innovations have introduced a range of international ingredients, empowering people to explore diverse culinary traditions while maintaining a nutritious diet. This variety not only enriches cultural experiences but also combats dietary monotony, which is often linked to poor nutrition and health issues. Therefore, food’s newfound convenience directly supports healthier, more enjoyable eating habits.

In conclusion, the simplification of food preparation has undoubtedly enhanced modern living by allowing people to manage their time more efficiently and make healthier dietary choices. These advancements have contributed to both personal well-being and broader lifestyle satisfaction.

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Sample Essay 2

The increasing ease of food preparation is widely seen as a marker of progress. I strongly agree that this shift has enhanced the way people live, not merely through time savings, but by fostering greater gender equality in domestic roles and promoting mental well-being through reduced cognitive load. In this essay, I will critically examine how accessible cooking methods have helped balance household responsibilities and improved emotional health, both of which are central to a better quality of life.

First and foremost, the simplification of food preparation has played a crucial role in advancing gender equality within domestic environments. Traditionally, the burden of cooking fell disproportionately on women, particularly in patriarchal societies, limiting their opportunities for education, employment, and self-development. However, with the advent of ready-to-cook ingredients, automated appliances, and simplified recipes, the kitchen is no longer a gendered space. For example, platforms like HelloFresh or YouTube tutorials make cooking approachable even for those with no prior experience, encouraging shared responsibility in meal preparation among partners. This redistribution of domestic tasks has allowed more women to pursue careers without being constrained by daily culinary obligations, and simultaneously promoted healthier relationships based on mutual contribution. Therefore, easier food preparation indirectly supports societal progress by empowering individuals to break free from restrictive gender roles.

Equally significant is the psychological relief that modern cooking practices offer by lowering the cognitive burden associated with meal planning and execution. In the past, preparing meals often required a high degree of mental effort—from remembering recipes and ingredient lists to coordinating cooking sequences. Today, technology simplifies these processes: smart kitchen apps can suggest recipes based on available ingredients, while pre-measured spice kits remove the guesswork. This reduction in decision fatigue is especially valuable in high-pressure environments, where people already face cognitive overload from work and digital life. The ability to prepare a comforting meal quickly, without excessive planning, creates a sense of control and ease that contributes to mental tranquility. In this way, the transformation of cooking from a stressful task to a manageable routine has become a subtle but powerful tool for improving emotional resilience.

To conclude, the greater ease of food preparation has positively reshaped modern life by promoting more equitable household dynamics and alleviating mental strain. These deeper societal and psychological benefits underline the meaningful ways in which this change has improved our overall well-being.

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