In some countries, it is becoming increasingly common for fast food restaurants and supermarkets to provide monetary support to schools as a way to promote their products. While this may seem like a beneficial strategy, it raises concerns regarding the impact on students and the overall health of society. This essay will explore the positive and negative aspects of this practice.

On the positive side, financial support from corporations can be beneficial for schools, particularly those with limited resources. The money received can be used for a range of purposes, such as purchasing books, computers, and other educational materials. In addition, it can help fund extracurricular activities and provide students with new opportunities. This can ultimately lead to a better quality of education for students and improved outcomes.

However, there are also negative aspects to this practice. Firstly, it can lead to an unhealthy environment for students. Fast food restaurants and supermarkets often sell products high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. When these products are promoted in schools, it can encourage students to consume them regularly. This can lead to health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, which can have long-term consequences.

Moreover, there is the issue of corporate influence. When corporations provide financial support, they may seek to exert influence on the school’s policies and practices. This can lead to a situation where schools are pressured to promote the products of the sponsoring company, even if they are not in the best interest of students. It can also create a conflict of interest for teachers and administrators, who may be torn between the interests of the students and the interests of the sponsor.

In conclusion, while financial support from fast food restaurants and supermarkets can provide short-term benefits for schools, it can also have negative consequences. It is essential to carefully consider the potential impact on student health and well-being, as well as the potential for corporate influence. In my opinion, this is a negative development, and schools should focus on alternative sources of funding that prioritize student health and well-being.

Vocabulary words:

1. Beneficial: (adj.) Producing or promoting a favourable result; advantageous.
2. Limited resources: (phrase) A situation where there is not enough money, time, or equipment for a particular purpose.
3. Extracurricular activities: (phrase) Activities that take place outside of the regular curriculum or course of study.
4. Outcomes: (n.) The result or effect of an action, situation or event.
5. Unhealthy: (adj.) Not conducive to good health; harmful or injurious to health.
6. Obesity: (n.) The state of being grossly overweight.
7. Diabetes: (n.) A disease in which the body’s ability to produce or respond to the hormone insulin is impaired, resulting in abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates and elevated levels of glucose in the blood.
8. Heart disease: (n.) A range of conditions that affect the heart, including coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and heart defects.
9. Conflict of interest: (phrase) A situation in which an individual or organization is involved in multiple interests, one of which could possibly corrupt their judgement or decision-making.
10. Prioritize: (v.) To designate or treat something as more important than other things.

Linkers:

1. While: used to contrast two things.
2. However: used to introduce a contrasting point.
3. Firstly: used to introduce the first of a number of points.
4. Moreover: used to add a further point.
5. In addition: used to introduce an additional point.
6. This can ultimately lead to: used to show a consequence.
7. It can also create: used to show an additional consequence.
8. In conclusion: used to introduce a final point or conclusion.