The topic of diet’s impact on physical health is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. Based on historical data and current trends, this subject is likely to appear frequently in future tests. Its relevance to global health issues and personal lifestyle choices makes it a prime candidate for essay questions. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past IELTS exams:
Some people believe that it is the responsibility of individuals to take care of their own health and diet. Others however believe that governments should make sure that their citizens have a healthy diet. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Analysis of the Question
This question requires candidates to discuss two contrasting viewpoints:
- Individual responsibility for health and diet
- Government responsibility for ensuring citizens’ healthy diets
Candidates must present arguments for both perspectives and provide their personal opinion on the matter. This question type is common in IELTS Writing Task 2 and tests the ability to analyze different viewpoints, present balanced arguments, and express a clear stance.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In today’s world, where lifestyle-related health issues are on the rise, the debate over who should bear the responsibility for maintaining a healthy diet – individuals or governments – has become increasingly pertinent. While both sides present valid arguments, I believe that the primary responsibility lies with individuals, albeit with some governmental support.
On one hand, proponents of individual responsibility argue that personal health choices, including diet, are fundamentally a matter of free will. Adults have the autonomy to make informed decisions about what they consume, and with the wealth of nutritional information readily available, they should be capable of making healthy choices. Furthermore, individuals are best positioned to understand their own dietary needs and preferences, which can vary significantly from person to person. By taking ownership of their diet, people are more likely to develop sustainable, long-term healthy eating habits.
On the other hand, those advocating for government intervention contend that many health issues, such as obesity and diabetes, have reached epidemic proportions, necessitating state-level action. Governments have the resources and authority to implement wide-reaching policies that can positively influence public health. These might include regulating food industry practices, mandating clear nutritional labeling, imposing taxes on unhealthy foods, and subsidizing healthier options. Moreover, governments can launch educational campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of a balanced diet and provide guidance on nutritional best practices.
In my opinion, while government involvement is beneficial, the ultimate responsibility for maintaining a healthy diet should rest with individuals. Governments can and should create an environment conducive to healthy eating by implementing supportive policies and educational initiatives. However, the day-to-day choices of what to eat remain personal decisions. No amount of regulation can force individuals to make healthy choices if they are not personally committed to doing so.
That being said, I believe the most effective approach is a collaborative one. Governments should focus on creating an enabling environment through policies, education, and infrastructure that make healthy choices more accessible and affordable. Simultaneously, individuals should take advantage of these resources and actively engage in maintaining their health through informed dietary decisions. This balanced approach acknowledges the complex nature of dietary habits and leverages both personal responsibility and governmental support to achieve better public health outcomes.
In conclusion, while governments play a crucial role in promoting healthy diets, the primary responsibility lies with individuals. A synergistic approach that combines personal commitment with supportive governmental policies is likely to be most effective in addressing the dietary challenges facing modern society.
Individual and government responsibility for healthy diet
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The question of who should be responsible for people’s health and diet is a topic of much debate. Some people think it’s up to individuals, while others believe the government should take charge. In this essay, I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Firstly, many people believe that individuals should be responsible for their own health and diet. They say that adults can make their own choices about what to eat and how to live. With so much information available online and in books about healthy eating, people can educate themselves and make good decisions. Also, everyone has different tastes and needs, so it’s best if each person takes care of their own diet.
On the other hand, some argue that governments should ensure citizens have a healthy diet. They point out that many countries are facing health crises like obesity and diabetes, which are partly caused by poor diets. Governments have the power to make laws and policies that can help people eat better. For example, they can put taxes on junk food, make sure food labels are clear, and teach about nutrition in schools. They can also make sure healthy food is available and affordable for everyone.
In my opinion, both individuals and governments have important roles to play in promoting healthy diets. While I believe that ultimately, it’s up to each person to decide what they eat, I also think governments should provide support and create an environment that makes healthy choices easier. For example, governments can offer nutrition education and make sure there are plenty of healthy food options available, but it’s still up to individuals to choose and eat these foods.
To conclude, I think the responsibility for maintaining a healthy diet should be shared between individuals and governments. People should take charge of their own health, but governments should provide support and create conditions that make it easier for people to make healthy choices. This combined approach is likely to be the most effective in improving public health.
Balanced approach to diet responsibility
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
In today’s world, there is a big discussion about who should be responsible for people’s health and diet. Some think it’s the job of individuals, while others say the government should do it. I will talk about both ideas and give my thoughts.
First, many people say individuals should take care of their own health and diet. They think adults can choose what to eat and how to live. There is a lot of information about healthy food on the internet and in books, so people can learn and make good choices. Also, everyone likes different food, so it’s better if each person decides what to eat.
But some people think governments should make sure citizens eat healthy food. They say many countries have big health problems like too many fat people and people with diabetes because of bad food. Governments can make rules to help people eat better. They can make unhealthy food cost more money, put clear labels on food, and teach about good food in schools. They can also try to make healthy food cheap and easy to find.
I think both people and governments should work together for healthy diets. I believe that in the end, each person chooses what to eat, but governments should help make it easier to eat healthy. For example, governments can teach about good food and make sure there is lots of healthy food in shops, but people still have to choose to buy and eat this food.
To finish, I think both people and governments should be responsible for healthy diets. People should take care of themselves, but governments should help make it easier to be healthy. If everyone works together, it will be better for everyone’s health.
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates excellent language use and coherent argument development. It:
- Presents a clear and balanced discussion of both viewpoints
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately (e.g., “pertinent,” “autonomy,” “epidemic proportions”)
- Employs a variety of complex sentence structures
- Develops ideas logically with clear progression
- Expresses a nuanced opinion, acknowledging the complexity of the issue
- Uses appropriate cohesive devices effectively
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows a good attempt at addressing the task, with some limitations:
- Covers both viewpoints and expresses an opinion
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, with some errors that don’t impede understanding
- Employs a reasonable range of vocabulary, though less sophisticated than the Band 8-9 essay
- Presents a clear overall progression, though some paragraphs could be more fully developed
- Uses some cohesive devices, but not always with full flexibility
Band 5-6 Essay:
This essay addresses the task but with noticeable limitations:
- Presents basic ideas on both viewpoints
- Uses mainly simple sentences and basic vocabulary
- Has a visible overall structure, but ideas are not always well-connected
- Expresses an opinion, but with limited supporting arguments
- Contains some errors in grammar and vocabulary that occasionally impede understanding
Key Vocabulary to Remember
-
Autonomy (noun) /ɔːˈtɒnəmi/: The right or condition of self-government.
-
Epidemic (noun) /ˌepɪˈdemɪk/: A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time.
-
Conducive (adjective) /kənˈdjuːsɪv/: Making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible.
-
Synergistic (adjective) /ˌsɪnəˈdʒɪstɪk/: Relating to the interaction of elements that when combined produce a total effect that is greater than the sum of the individual elements.
-
Pertinent (adjective) /ˈpɜːtɪnənt/: Relevant or applicable to a particular matter.
-
Mandate (verb) /mænˈdeɪt/: To authorize or decree (a particular action).
-
Subsidize (verb) /ˈsʌbsɪdaɪz/: Support (an organization or activity) financially.
-
Leverage (verb) /ˈliːvərɪdʒ/: Use (something) to maximum advantage.
-
Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
-
Intervention (noun) /ˌɪntəˈvenʃn/: The action or process of intervening.
In conclusion, The Impact Of Diet On Physical Health remains a crucial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. Candidates should be prepared to discuss various aspects of this theme, including individual versus governmental responsibility, the role of education in promoting healthy diets, and the economic factors influencing dietary choices. Future questions might explore topics such as the impact of diet on mental health, how diet and exercise influence overall life expectancy, or the relationship between diet and climate change.
To further improve your writing skills, try composing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you apply the strategies and vocabulary discussed in this article, enhancing your preparation for the IELTS Writing Task 2.
