The topic of promoting healthy lifestyles in schools has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing approximately 2-3 times annually. Based on recent examination patterns and global health trends, this topic is likely to appear more frequently in future tests. Let’s analyze a recent exam question that exemplifies this theme.
Students participating in healthy lifestyle education activities at school
Task Analysis
Some people believe that schools should actively promote a healthy lifestyle to their students. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your own knowledge and experience.
This question requires candidates to:
- Express their opinion on schools’ role in promoting healthy lifestyles
- Support their position with logical reasoning
- Provide relevant examples
- Maintain a clear stance throughout the essay
Band 8.5 Sample Essay
Today’s alarming rise in childhood obesity and health issues has sparked debate about schools’ responsibility in promoting healthy lifestyles. I strongly agree that educational institutions should take an active role in fostering healthy habits among students, as this can significantly impact their current and future well-being.
Schools are uniquely positioned to influence children’s health behaviors during their formative years. By implementing comprehensive health education programs, schools can teach students about proper nutrition, physical activity, and mental wellness. For instance, many successful schools in Singapore have integrated daily physical activities and nutrition education into their curriculum, resulting in improved student health outcomes and academic performance.
Furthermore, schools can create an environment that reinforces healthy choices. This can be achieved through various practical measures, such as providing nutritious cafeteria options, installing water fountains, and maintaining adequate sports facilities. For example, several schools in Japan have successfully implemented “wellness zones” where students can engage in supervised physical activities during breaks, leading to increased physical activity levels and better concentration in class.
The impact of school-based health promotion extends beyond the campus. When students develop healthy habits at school, they often carry these practices home, influencing their families’ lifestyle choices. For instance, research from South Korea shows that students who participated in school health programs were more likely to encourage their families to adopt healthier eating habits and engage in regular physical activities.
In conclusion, schools play a crucial role in shaping students’ health behaviors and should actively promote healthy lifestyles. This approach not only benefits individual students but also contributes to creating a healthier society overall.
Students learning about healthy food choices in school cafeteria
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
I agree that schools should promote healthy lifestyle to students because it is important for their future. In modern times, many children have health problems and schools can help solve this issue.
First, schools can teach students about healthy food and exercise. They can show students which foods are good and bad for health. For example, my school had special classes about healthy eating and it helped many students choose better food. Also, schools can make students do more sports activities like running and playing games.
Second, schools can make rules about healthy habits. They can stop selling unhealthy snacks in canteen and make sure students drink water. In my country, some schools don’t allow students to bring junk food and this helps students eat better food.
Third, when schools teach about health, students can tell their parents about it. This helps whole families become healthier. I know many friends who changed their family’s eating habits after learning about health in school.
In conclusion, I think schools should definitely promote healthy lifestyle because it helps students and their families live better. It is a good way to make society healthier.
Essay Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Clear organization with coherent paragraphs
- Relevant examples with specific details
- Advanced cohesive devices
- Balanced argument with strong support
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Basic but clear vocabulary
- Simple sentence structures
- Some examples but less specific
- Basic cohesive devices
- Clear position but simpler support
Key Vocabulary
- comprehensive (adj) /kɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – complete and including everything necessary
- formative years (n) /ˈfɔːmətɪv jɪəz/ – period of development and growth
- implement (v) /ˈɪmplɪment/ – put into effect
- wellness (n) /ˈwelnəs/ – state of being healthy
- reinforces (v) /ˌriːɪnˈfɔːs/ – strengthens or supports
- outcomes (n) /ˈaʊtkʌmz/ – results or consequences
- initiatives (n) /ɪˈnɪʃətɪvz/ – plans or programs to achieve something
- nutritious (adj) /njuːˈtrɪʃəs/ – containing substances necessary for growth and health
Practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments for feedback. Similar topics you might encounter could include:
- The role of schools in mental health awareness
- Physical education requirements in schools
- School lunch program improvements
- Student stress management programs
Remember to maintain a clear position and support your arguments with specific examples from your experience or knowledge.
