The importance of daily exercise for public health is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on analysis of past exams and current trends, this topic has a high probability of appearing in future tests. It’s crucial for IELTS candidates to be well-prepared to tackle such questions, as they often intersect with broader themes of lifestyle, health policies, and societal well-being. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people believe that it is the responsibility of individuals to take care of their own health and diet. Others however believe that governments should make sure that their citizens have a healthy diet. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question directly relates to public health and individual responsibility, touching on the role of daily exercise indirectly. It requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that individuals are responsible for their health and diet
- Explore the perspective that governments should ensure citizens maintain a healthy diet
- Provide a personal opinion on the matter
The challenge lies in balancing these viewpoints while incorporating relevant examples and maintaining a cohesive argument structure.
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Response
In the ongoing debate about health responsibility, some argue that individuals should bear the primary burden of maintaining their well-being, while others contend that governments should play a more active role in ensuring public health. In my opinion, while personal accountability is crucial, a collaborative approach involving both individual efforts and governmental support is most effective in promoting a healthy society.
Those who advocate for individual responsibility argue that personal health choices, including diet and exercise routines, are fundamentally private matters. They believe that adults should have the autonomy to make their own decisions regarding what they eat and how they live. Moreover, proponents of this view often cite the importance of personal freedom and the risk of creating a ‘nanny state’ if governments become too involved in dictating health choices. This perspective emphasizes the power of individual motivation and education in fostering lasting health improvements.
On the other hand, supporters of government intervention argue that public health is a societal issue that requires coordinated action. They point out that many health problems, such as obesity and diet-related diseases, have far-reaching economic and social consequences that affect entire communities. Governments, they contend, have the resources and authority to implement widespread initiatives, such as regulating food industries, providing health education in schools, and creating public spaces for exercise. This approach recognizes the complex societal factors that influence health outcomes and seeks to address them systematically.
In my view, the most effective approach to public health combines elements of both perspectives. While individuals must take responsibility for their daily choices, governments can play a crucial role in creating an environment that supports healthy living. For instance, governments can implement policies that make nutritious foods more accessible and affordable, while individuals make the ultimate decision to purchase and consume these foods. Similarly, public health campaigns can influence lifestyle choices by providing information and motivation, but it is up to individuals to act on this knowledge and incorporate regular exercise into their routines.
In conclusion, the path to a healthier society lies in a balanced approach that respects individual autonomy while leveraging the power of governmental support and intervention. By fostering a culture of personal responsibility within a framework of supportive public policies, we can create a more robust and sustainable approach to public health.
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Response
The topic of who should be responsible for people’s health and diet is often debated. Some think individuals should take care of themselves, while others believe it’s the government’s job. I think both individuals and governments have important roles to play in maintaining public health.
People who say individuals should be responsible for their own health have some good points. They argue that adults can make their own choices about what to eat and how much to exercise. This view supports personal freedom and says that people know what’s best for themselves. If someone wants to eat unhealthy food or not exercise, that should be their choice.
However, those who think governments should ensure citizens have a healthy diet also make valid arguments. They say that health problems like obesity affect whole communities and cost a lot of money to treat. Governments can do things like make laws about food quality, teach health in schools, and build parks for people to exercise in. These actions can help everyone be healthier.
In my opinion, both individuals and governments need to work together for better public health. People should try to eat well and exercise regularly, but governments can help make this easier. For example, governments can make sure healthy food is available and not too expensive, but people still need to choose to buy and eat it. Public health awareness campaigns can affect lifestyle changes by giving information, but individuals must decide to use this information.
To conclude, I believe that the best way to improve public health is for individuals to take responsibility for their choices while governments provide support and create a healthy environment. This combined approach can lead to better health for everyone.
Sample Essay 3: Band 5-6 Response
There is a big debate about who should be responsible for people’s health and diet. Some people think individuals should take care of themselves, but others say the government should make sure everyone eats healthy. I think both are important for good health.
People who say individuals should be responsible think adults can choose what to eat and how much to exercise. They say it’s about personal freedom. If someone wants to eat junk food, it’s their choice. This view says people know what’s best for themselves.
But some people think the government should help make sure everyone is healthy. They say health problems like being overweight are bad for everyone and cost a lot of money. Governments can make rules about food, teach about health in schools, and build places for people to exercise. These things can help everyone be healthier.
I think both individuals and the government need to help with health. People should try to eat good food and exercise, but the government can make it easier. For example, the government can make healthy food cheaper, but people still need to buy and eat it. The government can give information about being healthy, but people need to use this information.
In conclusion, I believe individuals should try to be healthy, and the government should help make it easier to be healthy. If everyone works together, we can all be healthier.
Understanding the Scoring Criteria
Band 8-9 Essay Analysis:
- Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed response with relevant, extended and supported ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Cohesive devices are used effectively.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and accuracy.
Band 6-7 Essay Analysis:
- Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Information and ideas are arranged coherently, and there is a clear overall progression.
- Lexical Resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used for the task, with some attempts at less common vocabulary.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used, with good control and few errors.
Band 5-6 Essay Analysis:
- Task Response: The essay addresses the task only partially, with limited development of ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The overall progression is evident but not always well-managed. Cohesive devices are used but not always appropriately.
- Lexical Resource: A limited range of vocabulary is used, with some errors in word choice and spelling.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex structures is attempted, but errors are frequent.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Public health (noun) /ˌpʌblɪk ˈhelθ/ – The health of the population as a whole, especially as monitored by the government.
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Individual responsibility (noun phrase) /ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəl rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/ – The idea that each person is accountable for their own actions and well-being.
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Government intervention (noun phrase) /ˈɡʌvənmənt ˌɪntəˈvenʃn/ – Actions taken by a government to influence or control something.
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Autonomy (noun) /ɔːˈtɒnəmi/ – The right or condition of self-government; freedom to act independently.
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Nanny state (noun) /ˈnæni steɪt/ – A government perceived as overprotective or interfering unduly with personal choice.
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Obesity epidemic (noun phrase) /əʊˈbiːsəti ˌepɪˈdemɪk/ – The rapid increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in a population.
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Societal factors (noun phrase) /səˈsaɪətl ˈfæktəz/ – Influences in society that affect people’s behaviors or outcomes.
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Holistic approach (noun phrase) /həʊˈlɪstɪk əˈprəʊtʃ/ – An approach that considers all aspects of a situation or person.
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Sedentary lifestyle (noun phrase) /ˈsedntri ˈlaɪfstaɪl/ – A way of living that involves little or no physical activity.
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Preventive measures (noun phrase) /prɪˈventɪv ˈmeʒəz/ – Actions taken to stop something from happening or arising.
In conclusion, mastering IELTS Writing Task 2 essays on the importance of daily exercise for public health requires a deep understanding of the topic, strong analytical skills, and the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly. The sample essays provided demonstrate different levels of proficiency, offering insights into how candidates can improve their writing to achieve higher band scores.
To further enhance your skills, consider practicing with similar topics such as the effectiveness of public health campaigns in reducing obesity or the importance of physical exercise for mental health. Remember, consistent practice and exposure to a variety of health-related topics will significantly improve your ability to tackle such questions in the IELTS exam.
We encourage readers to try writing their own essays on this topic and share them in the comments section below. This practice will not only help you refine your writing skills but also allow you to engage with other learners and receive valuable feedback.