The topic of promoting healthy lifestyles in urban environments is becoming increasingly relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. As urbanization continues to shape our world, questions about maintaining health and well-being in city settings are more likely to appear in future exams. This essay will explore a common IELTS question on this theme and provide a high-scoring sample response.

Analysis of the Topic

Before we dive into the sample essay, let’s examine the question:

Some people believe that governments should be responsible for promoting a healthy lifestyle in urban areas. Others think it is a matter of personal choice and responsibility. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

This question touches on a crucial debate in public health policy. It requires candidates to:

1. Discuss the government’s role in promoting healthy lifestyles
2. Explore individual responsibility for personal health
3. Present and justify their own viewpoint

Band 8-9 Sample Essay

Here’s a sample essay that would likely score in the Band 8-9 range:

In today’s rapidly urbanizing world, the question of who bears the responsibility for promoting healthy lifestyles in cities is increasingly pertinent. While some argue that governments should take the lead, others contend that personal choice is paramount. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view.

Those who advocate for government intervention argue that urban planning and policy significantly impact public health. They contend that local authorities have the power to create environments conducive to healthy living. For instance, city planners can design neighborhoods with ample green spaces, pedestrian-friendly streets, and cycling infrastructure, encouraging physical activity. Moreover, governments can implement regulations on food advertising, impose taxes on unhealthy products, and subsidize nutritious options, thereby nudging citizens towards healthier choices.

On the other hand, proponents of personal responsibility assert that individuals should be accountable for their own health decisions. They argue that in a free society, people have the right to make their own lifestyle choices, whether beneficial or detrimental. This view emphasizes the importance of education and awareness campaigns to empower individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their health. Additionally, they contend that government interference may be seen as paternalistic and could infringe on personal liberties.

In my opinion, a balanced approach combining both government initiatives and personal responsibility is most effective in promoting healthy urban lifestyles. While governments have a duty to create environments that facilitate healthy choices, individuals must ultimately take charge of their own well-being. City authorities can provide the infrastructure and incentives for healthy living, but citizens need to actively engage with these opportunities. For example, a government may build public sports facilities, but it is up to individuals to utilize them regularly.

In conclusion, promoting healthy lifestyles in urban areas requires a collaborative effort between governments and citizens. By creating supportive environments and empowering individuals with knowledge, cities can foster a culture of health that benefits all residents. This synergy between public policy and personal choice is crucial for addressing the health challenges posed by modern urban living.

(Word count: 329)

Promoting healthy lifestyles in urban environments

Analysis of the Band 8-9 Essay

This essay demonstrates several qualities that would likely earn it a high band score:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly presenting the writer’s opinion.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices (“While some argue”, “On the other hand”, “In my opinion”).

3. Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (“rapidly urbanizing world”, “pedestrian-friendly streets”, “paternalistic”).

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly (“While governments have a duty to create environments that facilitate healthy choices, individuals must ultimately take charge of their own well-being.”).

Band 6-7 Sample Essay

Now, let’s look at a sample essay that would likely score in the Band 6-7 range:

In modern cities, there is a debate about who should be responsible for promoting healthy lifestyles. Some people think it’s the government’s job, while others believe it’s up to individuals. This essay will discuss both sides and give my opinion.

First, many people think the government should promote healthy lifestyles in cities. They say that governments have the power to make big changes. For example, they can build more parks and sports centers where people can exercise. They can also make laws to control unhealthy food and drinks. This can help people make better choices about their health.

However, other people believe that staying healthy is a personal choice. They think that everyone should decide for themselves how to live. They say that the government shouldn’t tell people what to do. Instead, they think schools and media should give people information about health, so they can make their own decisions.

In my opinion, both the government and individuals have important roles in promoting healthy lifestyles. The government can create a good environment for healthy living, but people need to choose to use it. For instance, if the government builds bicycle lanes, people still need to decide to use them. I think this combination of government support and personal responsibility is the best way to improve health in cities.

To conclude, promoting healthy lifestyles in urban areas needs both government action and personal choice. When governments provide good facilities and information, and people take responsibility for their own health, cities can become healthier places to live.

(Word count: 262)

Analysis of the Band 6-7 Essay

This essay demonstrates several qualities that would likely earn it a Band 6-7 score:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the ideas are less fully developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is organized logically, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated (“First”, “However”, “In my opinion”).

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate but less varied and precise compared to the higher band essay (“big changes”, “good environment”).

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences but with less flexibility than the Band 8-9 essay.

Key Vocabulary for Writing about Urban Health

1. Urbanization (noun) /ˌɜːrbənaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – the process of making an area more urban

2. Sedentary lifestyle (noun phrase) /ˈsedntri ˈlaɪfstaɪl/ – a way of life that involves little physical activity

3. Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – the basic systems and services that a country or organization needs to function properly

4. Public health (noun phrase) /ˈpʌblɪk helθ/ – the health of the population as a whole, especially as monitored by the government

5. Urban planning (noun phrase) /ˈɜːrbən ˈplænɪŋ/ – the process of designing and organizing urban areas

6. Green spaces (noun phrase) /griːn speɪsɪz/ – areas of grass, trees, or other vegetation set apart for recreational or aesthetic purposes in an urban environment

7. Pedestrian-friendly (adjective) /pəˈdestriən ˈfrendli/ – designed to be safe and enjoyable for people walking

8. Obesity epidemic (noun phrase) /əʊˈbiːsəti epɪˈdemɪk/ – a widespread occurrence of obesity in a community at a particular time

9. Active transportation (noun phrase) /ˈæktɪv trænspɔːˈteɪʃən/ – any form of human-powered transportation, like walking or cycling

10. Health-conscious (adjective) /helθ ˈkɒnʃəs/ – aware of and concerned about personal health

Conclusion

The topic of promoting healthy lifestyles in urban environments is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Future questions might explore specific aspects of urban health, such as:

• The impact of green spaces on mental health in cities
• The role of technology in promoting healthy urban living
• Balancing economic development and public health in rapidly growing cities

To prepare for such topics, practice writing essays that discuss the interplay between urban design, government policy, and individual behavior in shaping public health. Remember to support your arguments with specific examples and maintain a balanced perspective.

We encourage you to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.

For more insights on related topics, you might find these articles helpful:

• Urbanization’s Effect on Public Health
• The Impact of Urban Gardening on Community Health
• The Role of Public Health in Preventing Disease