Promoting healthy lifestyles in schools is a crucial topic that has been increasingly appearing in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and the growing importance of health education, it’s highly likely that this theme will continue to be a frequent subject in future tests. Let’s explore some real IELTS questions related to this topic and provide sample essays to help you prepare effectively.
One of the most relevant and frequently occurring questions on this subject is:
Some people think that schools should teach children how to be good members of society. Others believe that school should only teach children academic subjects. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question, while not explicitly mentioning healthy lifestyles, provides an excellent opportunity to discuss the role of schools in promoting overall well-being, including healthy habits.
Analyzing the Question
This question asks you to:
- Discuss the view that schools should teach children how to be good members of society (which can include promoting healthy lifestyles).
- Discuss the view that schools should focus solely on academic subjects.
- Provide your own opinion on the matter.
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question in your essay to achieve a high band score.
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
Education plays a pivotal role in shaping future generations, and there is ongoing debate about what schools should prioritize in their curricula. While some argue that schools should focus solely on academic subjects, others believe that they have a broader responsibility to teach children how to be good members of society. In my opinion, a balanced approach that incorporates both academic education and social skills development, including promoting healthy lifestyles, is essential for creating well-rounded individuals.
Those who advocate for a purely academic focus argue that schools’ primary purpose is to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for future academic and professional success. They contend that subjects like mathematics, sciences, and languages should take precedence, as these form the foundation for higher education and career opportunities. Moreover, they believe that social skills and lifestyle choices should be the responsibility of parents and the wider community, not the education system.
On the other hand, proponents of a more holistic approach to education argue that schools have a responsibility to prepare children for all aspects of life, not just academic achievement. This view emphasizes the importance of teaching social skills, ethical behavior, and healthy lifestyle choices as integral parts of the curriculum. By doing so, schools can help create responsible citizens who contribute positively to society. This approach could include lessons on nutrition, physical fitness, mental health, and interpersonal relationships, all of which are crucial for overall well-being and success in life.
In my opinion, the ideal approach lies in striking a balance between these two perspectives. While academic subjects should remain a core focus of schooling, integrating lessons on being good members of society, including promoting healthy lifestyles, is equally important. This balanced approach ensures that students not only excel academically but also develop the social skills and healthy habits necessary for personal and societal well-being.
Schools can implement this balanced approach by incorporating health and social responsibility topics into existing subjects or by dedicating specific time to these areas. For example, physical education classes can include information about nutrition and the importance of regular exercise, while science classes can cover the biological aspects of health. Additionally, schools can organize workshops, guest lectures, and community service projects to foster social responsibility and healthy living.
In conclusion, while academic subjects are undoubtedly crucial, schools should not overlook the importance of teaching children how to be good members of society, including promoting healthy lifestyles. By adopting a comprehensive approach that balances academic rigor with social and health education, schools can better prepare students for the complex challenges of the modern world, ensuring they become not just knowledgeable individuals, but also healthy, responsible, and contributing members of society.
(Word count: 437)
Band 6-7 Essay
There is a debate about what schools should teach students. Some people think schools should teach children how to be good members of society, while others believe schools should only focus on academic subjects. I think both views have their merits, but a combination of both approaches is best.
Those who support teaching only academic subjects argue that this is the main purpose of schools. They believe subjects like math, science, and languages are most important for future success in education and careers. They think parents and society should teach social skills and lifestyle choices, not schools.
On the other hand, people who want schools to teach how to be good members of society say that education should prepare children for all parts of life. This includes teaching social skills, good behavior, and healthy habits. They think schools can help create responsible citizens who contribute to society positively. This could involve lessons about eating well, exercising, mental health, and getting along with others.
In my opinion, schools should try to do both. Academic subjects are very important and should be the main focus. However, teaching students how to be good members of society, including how to live healthily, is also crucial. This balanced approach helps students do well in their studies and develop good habits for life.
Schools can do this by adding health and social responsibility topics to regular subjects. For example, in PE classes, teachers can talk about good nutrition and why exercise is important. Science classes can teach about how the body works and stays healthy. Schools can also have special events or projects to teach about being responsible and living healthily.
To conclude, while academic subjects are very important, schools should also teach children how to be good members of society and live healthy lives. By teaching both academic and social skills, schools can better prepare students for the future and help them become healthy, responsible adults who contribute to society.
(Word count: 329)
Promoting healthy lifestyles in schools
Key Points to Consider When Writing
Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion. This organization is crucial for achieving a high band score.
Vocabulary: The band 8-9 essay uses more sophisticated vocabulary and phrases, such as “pivotal role,” “ongoing debate,” and “holistic approach.” The band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still maintains clarity.
Grammar: The higher band essay demonstrates a wider range of complex sentence structures, while the band 6-7 essay uses simpler constructions. Both essays maintain grammatical accuracy.
Cohesion and Coherence: Both essays use appropriate linking words and phrases to connect ideas, but the band 8-9 essay shows more sophisticated transitions between paragraphs and ideas.
Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the band 8-9 essay provides more detailed and nuanced arguments.
Vocabulary to Remember
- Curriculum (noun) /kəˈrɪkjələm/ – the subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college
- Holistic (adjective) /həʊˈlɪstɪk/ – characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can be explained only by reference to the whole
- Integral (adjective) /ˈɪntɪɡrəl/ – necessary to make a whole complete; essential or fundamental
- Interpersonal (adjective) /ˌɪntəˈpɜːsənl/ – relating to relationships or communication between people
- Nutrition (noun) /njuːˈtrɪʃn/ – the process of providing or obtaining the food necessary for health and growth
- Proponent (noun) /prəˈpəʊnənt/ – a person who advocates for or supports a theory or course of action
- Rigorous (adjective) /ˈrɪɡərəs/ – extremely thorough, exhaustive, or accurate
- Well-rounded (adjective) /ˌwel ˈraʊndɪd/ – having a personality that is fully developed in all aspects
Conclusion
Promoting healthy lifestyles in schools is a topic that seamlessly integrates into broader discussions about the role of education in society. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, consider how you can incorporate these ideas into various question types. Practice writing essays on related topics, such as the importance of physical education in schools, the role of schools in combating childhood obesity, or the balance between academic and life skills education.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is to address all parts of the question, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and present your ideas clearly and coherently. Keep practicing, and don’t hesitate to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further improvement!
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