The topic of healthy lifestyle and government involvement has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing approximately 3-4 times annually in recent years. Based on analysis of past exam patterns, this topic is likely to continue featuring prominently, especially given global health concerns and increasing government intervention in public health matters.
The role of government in promoting healthy lifestyles has become increasingly important as nations worldwide grapple with rising healthcare costs and public health challenges.
Recent Exam Question Analysis
Some people believe that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is solely an individual’s responsibility, while others think governments should take more action to ensure public health. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Question Breakdown
- Topic: Personal health responsibility vs. government intervention
- Task: Discussion + Opinion
- Key elements to address:
- Individual responsibility aspects
- Government role and involvement
- Personal viewpoint with justification
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The debate over whether health maintenance should be a personal matter or require government intervention has gained significant traction in recent years. While I believe both parties have crucial roles to play, I think the primary responsibility lies with individuals, supported by strategic government initiatives.
Individuals must take fundamental responsibility for their health choices because personal habits and decisions directly impact wellbeing. People can make conscious choices about their diet, exercise routine, and lifestyle habits that significantly affect their health outcomes. For instance, choosing to eat nutritious foods, maintaining regular physical activity, and getting adequate sleep are decisions that only individuals can make and sustain consistently.
However, governments have a vital supporting role in creating an environment conducive to healthy living. They can implement policies and programs that make healthy choices more accessible and affordable. This might include subsidizing healthy foods, developing public sports facilities, and launching health education campaigns. Moreover, governments can regulate harmful substances and practices, such as implementing strict tobacco control measures or mandating clear nutritional information on food products.
The most effective approach combines both individual commitment and government support. While people must take initiative in maintaining their health, government intervention can provide the necessary infrastructure and information to make healthy choices easier. For example, Singapore’s health promotion programs, combined with individual participation, have successfully reduced chronic disease rates and improved public health outcomes.
In conclusion, while governments should provide support and create favorable conditions for healthy living, the ultimate responsibility for maintaining good health rests with individuals. This partnership approach ensures the most comprehensive and sustainable solution to public health challenges.
Analysis (Band 8.5 Features)
- Clear position with balanced argument
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Well-developed ideas with relevant examples
- Coherent paragraphing with effective linking
- Academic tone maintained throughout
Government health initiatives and their impact on public health
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Many people disagree about who should be responsible for keeping people healthy. Some think it’s the person’s job, while others believe the government should do more. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
On one side, people should take care of their own health. They need to eat good food and exercise regularly. Nobody can force someone to live healthily if they don’t want to. For example, if someone wants to eat junk food every day, the government cannot stop them.
However, governments can help make it easier for people to be healthy. They can build parks and sports centers where people can exercise. They can also make laws about food safety and put taxes on unhealthy things like cigarettes. In my country, the government puts warning labels on cigarette packets, which helps some people quit smoking.
I think both people and governments need to work together. People should try to be healthy, but governments should help them by making it easier to make good choices. When both sides do their part, it works better.
In conclusion, while individuals must take care of themselves, governments should provide support to help people stay healthy. This way, everyone contributes to better public health.
Analysis (Band 6.5 Features)
- Clear but simple structure
- Basic vocabulary with some repetition
- Ideas present but less developed
- Simple linking words
- Informal tone occasionally
Key Vocabulary
- conducive (adj) /kənˈdjuːsɪv/ – creating favorable conditions
- initiative (n) /ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/ – the power to take action
- intervention (n) /ˌɪntəˈvenʃn/ – involvement to improve a situation
- mandate (v) /ˈmændeɪt/ – to officially require something
- infrastructure (n) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – basic facilities and systems
- comprehensive (adj) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – complete; including all aspects
- sustainable (adj) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained long-term
- chronic (adj) /ˈkrɒnɪk/ – persisting for a long time
In future exams, candidates might encounter variations of this topic focusing on specific aspects like:
- Mental health responsibility
- Digital health monitoring
- Workplace health programs
- School health initiatives
Practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments for feedback and discussion.
