Obesity has become a pressing issue in many modern societies, and it’s no surprise that this topic frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Based on recent trends and the significance of this global health concern, we can expect to see more questions related to obesity in future IELTS exams. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past IELTS tests and explore how to approach it effectively.
Analyzing the Question
The number of people who are overweight or obese is increasing day by day. What are the causes of this phenomenon and what are some possible solutions?
This question is a classic example of a problem-solution essay. It requires you to discuss:
- The causes of increasing obesity rates
- Possible solutions to address this issue
The question is straightforward, but it’s essential to provide a balanced response that covers both aspects thoroughly.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In recent decades, the prevalence of overweight and obese individuals has risen dramatically, posing significant health risks to populations worldwide. This essay will explore the primary causes of this concerning trend and propose viable solutions to combat it.
The root causes of obesity are multifaceted, but two key factors stand out. Firstly, the modern lifestyle has become increasingly sedentary, with many people spending long hours sitting at desks or in front of screens, both at work and during leisure time. This lack of physical activity, combined with easy access to energy-dense, processed foods, creates a perfect storm for weight gain. Secondly, the food industry’s aggressive marketing of unhealthy products, particularly to children and young adults, has led to poor dietary habits that are difficult to break.
To address this growing problem, a multi-pronged approach is necessary. One crucial solution is to implement comprehensive education programs in schools and communities, teaching people about proper nutrition and the importance of regular exercise. These programs should start at an early age to instill healthy habits from childhood. Additionally, governments should consider introducing policies that discourage the consumption of unhealthy foods, such as imposing higher taxes on sugary drinks and fast food while subsidizing healthier options like fruits and vegetables.
Furthermore, urban planning can play a significant role in promoting physical activity. Creating more green spaces, bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly areas can encourage people to engage in outdoor activities and active transportation. Workplaces should also be incentivized to implement wellness programs that promote regular exercise and healthy eating habits among employees.
In conclusion, the rising rates of obesity are primarily due to sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary choices influenced by aggressive marketing. However, through a combination of education, policy changes, and environmental modifications, it is possible to reverse this trend and create healthier societies. It is crucial that individuals, communities, and governments work together to implement these solutions for long-term success in combating obesity.
(Word count: 309)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both causes and solutions in depth.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of linking words and phrases.
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Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms like “sedentary,” “energy-dense,” and “multi-pronged approach.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures with minimal errors.
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Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Nowadays, more and more people are becoming overweight or obese. This is a big problem for society, and we need to understand why it’s happening and how to fix it.
One of the main reasons for obesity is that people are not eating healthy food. Fast food is cheap and easy to get, so many people choose it instead of cooking healthy meals at home. Also, many people have jobs where they sit all day, which means they don’t get enough exercise. This lack of physical activity makes it easy to gain weight.
To solve this problem, we need to take several steps. First, schools should teach children about healthy eating and exercise. If kids learn good habits early, they are more likely to stay healthy as adults. Second, the government could make laws to control unhealthy food. For example, they could put extra taxes on sugary drinks or limit junk food advertising.
Another solution is to create more places for people to exercise. Cities could build more parks and sports facilities to encourage people to be active. Companies could also help by giving their workers time to exercise during the day or offering gym memberships.
In conclusion, obesity is caused by unhealthy diets and not enough exercise. By educating people, changing laws, and providing more opportunities for physical activity, we can help people become healthier. It’s important for everyone to work together to solve this problem.
(Word count: 240)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates good writing skills but has some areas for improvement:
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Task Response: The essay addresses both causes and solutions, but the discussion could be more in-depth.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is somewhat limited.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is appropriate but less sophisticated compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses mostly simple and compound sentences, with fewer complex structures.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are presented clearly but could be elaborated on further with more specific examples or details.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Obesity (noun) /əʊˈbiːsɪti/ – the state of being very fat or overweight
- Sedentary (adjective) /ˈsed.ən.tər.i/ – characterized by much sitting and little physical activity
- Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌl.tiˈfæs.ɪ.tɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
- Prevalence (noun) /ˈprev.əl.əns/ – the fact of being very common or happening often
- Incentivize (verb) /ɪnˈsen.tɪ.vaɪz/ – to encourage or motivate someone to do something
- Subsidize (verb) /ˈsʌb.sɪ.daɪz/ – to help someone or something by giving money
- Comprehensive (adjective) /ˌkɒm.prɪˈhen.sɪv/ – including everything or almost everything
- Viable (adjective) /ˈvaɪ.ə.bəl/ – capable of working successfully
- Aggressive (adjective) /əˈɡres.ɪv/ – behaving in an angry or rude way that shows you want to fight, attack, or argue with someone
- Multi-pronged (adjective) /ˌmʌl.tiˈprɒŋd/ – having several different parts or elements
Conclusion
The issue of obesity in modern societies is a complex and relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the structure of problem-solution essays and practicing with sample questions, you can improve your ability to tackle this and similar topics effectively. Remember to analyze the question carefully, provide a balanced discussion of both causes and solutions, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your target band score.
To further enhance your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you apply what you’ve learned and receive feedback from others. Additionally, be prepared for variations on this theme, such as discussing the impact of obesity on healthcare systems or the role of technology in promoting healthier lifestyles.