The topic of nutrition’s role in preventing chronic diseases has been increasingly prominent in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in various forms over the past decade. Based on analysis of past exam patterns and The influence of public health initiatives on disease prevention, this theme is likely to remain relevant for future tests.
Recent Exam Question Analysis
Some people believe that governments should invest more in preventive healthcare through better nutrition education rather than spending money on treating diseases. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
This question requires candidates to evaluate the balance between preventive nutrition education and disease treatment in healthcare spending.
Government investment in nutrition education versus disease treatment spending
Model Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
While healthcare systems worldwide face mounting pressure from rising treatment costs, I strongly agree that governments should prioritize preventive healthcare through nutrition education, although maintaining a balanced approach remains crucial.
Investing in nutrition education offers several compelling advantages. Firstly, teaching people about proper dietary habits can prevent numerous chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, which currently strain healthcare systems globally. For instance, studies in Singapore have shown that comprehensive school-based nutrition programs resulted in a 30% reduction in childhood obesity rates over five years. Moreover, preventive measures through education are typically more cost-effective than treating established diseases, as demonstrated by research indicating that every dollar spent on nutrition education saves approximately four dollars in future healthcare costs.
However, governments must maintain adequate funding for disease treatment alongside preventive measures. Certain medical conditions require immediate intervention regardless of lifestyle choices, and emergency care services remain essential for public health. Additionally, the benefits of nutrition education materialize gradually, necessitating continued support for current treatment infrastructure.
The optimal approach involves a strategic balance, with an increased emphasis on prevention. Governments should implement comprehensive nutrition education programs in schools, workplaces, and communities while maintaining robust treatment capabilities. This dual approach ensures both immediate healthcare needs are met and long-term public health improvements are achieved through better nutritional awareness.
Model Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
I agree that governments should spend more money on nutrition education because it helps prevent diseases before they happen. This is better than waiting until people get sick to treat them.
Teaching people about healthy eating has many benefits. When people know what foods are good for them, they can make better choices and avoid getting sick. For example, in my country, many people get diabetes because they eat too much sugar, but if they learned about healthy eating early, they could avoid this problem. Also, preventing diseases through education costs less money than treating sick people in hospitals.
However, governments still need to spend money on treating diseases. Some people will get sick even if they eat healthy food, and accidents can happen to anyone. Hospitals and doctors are very important for helping these people get better.
I think the best way is to do both things. Governments should teach people about healthy eating in schools and communities, but also keep enough money for hospitals and medicine. This way, we can help people stay healthy and also take care of them when they get sick.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “mounting pressure,” “compelling advantages,” “comprehensive programs”
- Complex sentence structures with proper linking
- Clear, logical organization
- Relevant examples and specific data
- Balanced argument with nuanced discussion
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Basic but clear vocabulary
- Simple yet accurate sentence structures
- Some repetition in ideas
- Limited use of examples
- Straightforward organization
Key Vocabulary
- preventive healthcare (n) /prɪˈventɪv/ – medical care preventing disease
- comprehensive (adj) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – complete, including all aspects
- intervention (n) /ˌɪntəˈvenʃən/ – action taken to improve a situation
- infrastructure (n) /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃə/ – basic systems and services
- strategic (adj) /strəˈtiːdʒɪk/ – carefully planned to achieve a specific goal
Conclusion
The topic of nutrition in disease prevention remains crucial for IELTS candidates. Practice writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of schools in promoting healthy eating
- Government regulation of food industry
- Public health campaigns effectiveness
Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and improvement suggestions.
