The topic of promoting healthy eating habits in schools is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on past exam trends and current social concerns, it’s likely to appear frequently in future tests. Let’s explore this topic with a focus on crafting high-scoring essays.
Analyzing the Task
Let’s consider the following IELTS Writing Task 2 question:
Some people believe that schools have a responsibility to teach children about healthy eating habits. Others think this is the role of parents. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question asks you to discuss two perspectives on who should be responsible for teaching children about healthy eating habits: schools or parents. You’re also required to provide your own opinion on the matter.
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
In today’s world, where obesity and related health issues are on the rise, the question of who should be responsible for educating children about healthy eating habits has become increasingly important. While some argue that this task falls squarely on the shoulders of parents, others believe that schools should play a significant role. In my opinion, both parties have crucial parts to play in this educational process.
Those who advocate for parental responsibility argue that healthy eating habits start at home. Parents are the primary role models for their children and have the most influence over their daily food choices. They can instill good habits from an early age by providing nutritious meals, involving children in meal preparation, and demonstrating healthy eating behaviors themselves. Moreover, parents are best positioned to understand their child’s individual nutritional needs and preferences.
On the other hand, proponents of school-based nutrition education point out that schools have the advantage of reaching all children, regardless of their home environment. Schools can provide structured, evidence-based nutrition education as part of the curriculum, ensuring that all students receive accurate information about healthy eating. They can also implement practical measures such as offering nutritious school meals and removing unhealthy options from vending machines. Furthermore, peer influence in schools can be leveraged to promote positive eating habits.
In my view, the most effective approach is a collaborative effort between schools and parents. Schools can provide the knowledge and structured environment for learning about nutrition, while parents can reinforce these lessons at home and provide practical experience. This dual approach ensures that children receive consistent messages about healthy eating and have opportunities to put their knowledge into practice in various settings.
To conclude, while both schools and parents have unique strengths in teaching children about healthy eating, a combined effort is likely to yield the best results. By working together, they can create a comprehensive support system that equips children with the knowledge and habits necessary for lifelong health and well-being.
(Word count: 309)
Band 6-7 Essay
The question of who should teach children about healthy eating habits is a topic of debate. Some people think schools should do this, while others believe it’s the parents’ job. In my opinion, both schools and parents have important roles to play.
Those who think schools should teach about healthy eating have some good points. Schools can reach all children and give them the same information. They can include lessons about nutrition in their classes and offer healthy food in the cafeteria. Schools can also create a good environment for learning about health because children spend a lot of time there.
On the other hand, people who say parents should be responsible also have valid arguments. Parents are the first teachers of their children and have a big influence on what they eat at home. They can show good eating habits by example and teach their children how to cook healthy meals. Parents also know their children’s specific needs and can guide them better.
I believe that both schools and parents should work together to teach children about healthy eating. Schools can provide the basic knowledge and create a healthy environment, while parents can reinforce these lessons at home. This way, children will learn about healthy eating in different places and be more likely to develop good habits.
In conclusion, teaching children about healthy eating is important, and it works best when both schools and parents are involved. By working together, they can help children learn to eat well and stay healthy throughout their lives.
(Word count: 252)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
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Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing each viewpoint, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay provides more detailed arguments and smoother transitions between ideas.
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Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more sophisticated vocabulary and phrases like “instill good habits,” “structured, evidence-based nutrition education,” and “collaborative effort.” The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still effectively conveys the main ideas.
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Grammar: The Band 8-9 essay demonstrates a wider range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and passive voice. The Band 6-7 essay uses mostly simple and compound sentences.
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Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the Band 8-9 essay provides more in-depth analysis and a clearer personal opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced linking words and phrases to connect ideas smoothly. The Band 6-7 essay is also coherent but uses simpler linking devices.
Essential Vocabulary
- Nutritious (adjective) /njuːˈtrɪʃəs/ – containing substances necessary for growth and health
- Obesity (noun) /əʊˈbiːsəti/ – the state of being very fat or overweight
- Curriculum (noun) /kəˈrɪkjələm/ – the subjects comprising a course of study in a school
- Implement (verb) /ˈɪmplɪment/ – put (a decision, plan, agreement, etc.) into effect
- Reinforcement (noun) /ˌriːɪnˈfɔːsmənt/ – the action of strengthening or encouraging something
- Collaborative (adjective) /kəˈlæbərətɪv/ – involving two or more parties working together
- Instill (verb) /ɪnˈstɪl/ – gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person’s mind
- Proponent (noun) /prəˈpəʊnənt/ – a person who advocates for a theory, proposal, or course of action
Conclusion
Writing about promoting healthy eating habits in schools requires a balanced approach, considering both the role of schools and parents. Practice writing essays on this topic, focusing on clear structure, appropriate vocabulary, and coherent arguments. You might also encounter variations of this topic, such as discussing the impact of junk food advertising on children or debating the effectiveness of nutrition education programs in schools. Remember to always analyze the question carefully and address all parts in your response.
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your IELTS Writing skills and receive feedback from others preparing for the test.