Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: Sample Essays on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-being (Band 6-9)

The impact of physical fitness on mental well-being is a topic that has gained significant attention in recent IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on an analysis of past test papers and current trends, this subject is likely to appear with increasing frequency in future exams. Its relevance to modern lifestyle and health concerns makes it a prime candidate for IELTS questions. Let’s explore a related question that has appeared in recent tests:

Some people believe that regular physical exercise should be a compulsory subject for all students in schools and universities. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Analyzing the Question

This question requires candidates to express their opinion on whether physical exercise should be mandatory in educational institutions. Key points to consider:

1. The scope includes both schools and universities
2. The focus is on “regular” physical exercise
3. The exercise is proposed as a “compulsory subject”
4. Candidates must clearly agree or disagree

Sample Essays

Band 8-9 Essay

Physical fitness is undeniably crucial for overall well-being, and I strongly agree that regular exercise should be a mandatory subject in educational institutions. This approach would yield numerous benefits for students’ physical and mental health, academic performance, and future lifestyle habits.

Firstly, incorporating compulsory physical exercise into the curriculum would address the growing concern of sedentary lifestyles among young people. With the increasing prevalence of technology and desk-bound activities, many students lack sufficient physical activity, leading to health issues such as obesity and cardiovascular problems. By making exercise a required subject, schools and universities can ensure that all students engage in regular physical activity, promoting better health outcomes and reducing the risk of lifestyle-related diseases.

Moreover, regular exercise has been proven to have a positive impact on mental well-being and cognitive function. Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, which can alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression – common issues among students. Additionally, research has shown that exercise enhances brain function, improving memory, concentration, and overall academic performance. By mandating physical exercise, educational institutions would be directly contributing to their students’ mental health and academic success.

Furthermore, instilling the habit of regular exercise during formative years can lead to lifelong benefits. Students who develop a routine of physical activity are more likely to maintain this habit into adulthood, promoting long-term health and well-being. This proactive approach to health education could potentially reduce the burden on healthcare systems in the future.

However, it is crucial to implement this policy thoughtfully. The exercise programs should be diverse and inclusive, catering to students of varying abilities and interests. This could include a range of activities from traditional sports to yoga, dance, or martial arts, ensuring that all students can find a form of exercise they enjoy.

In conclusion, making regular physical exercise a compulsory subject in schools and universities is a forward-thinking approach that addresses multiple aspects of student well-being. By prioritizing physical fitness alongside academic subjects, educational institutions can play a vital role in shaping healthier, more balanced individuals who are better equipped to face the challenges of modern life.

Students exercising in a school gym

Band 6-7 Essay

I agree that regular physical exercise should be a compulsory subject for all students in schools and universities. This is because exercise has many benefits for both physical and mental health.

Firstly, making exercise mandatory will help students stay healthy. Many young people today don’t get enough physical activity because they spend a lot of time using computers and smartphones. This can lead to problems like obesity and poor fitness. If schools and universities make exercise a required subject, it will ensure that all students get regular physical activity, which is important for their health.

Secondly, exercise is good for mental health. When people exercise, their body releases chemicals that make them feel happier and less stressed. This can help students deal with the pressure of studying and exams. Also, exercise can help improve concentration and memory, which can help students do better in their studies.

Another reason to make exercise compulsory is that it can teach students important life skills. Team sports can help students learn how to work together and communicate better. Individual activities like running or swimming can teach self-discipline and goal-setting. These skills are useful not just in school but also in future careers.

However, it’s important that the exercise programs are varied and suitable for all students. Not everyone enjoys the same types of physical activities, so schools and universities should offer a range of options. This could include traditional sports, dance, martial arts, or fitness classes. This way, all students can find something they like and are more likely to continue exercising in the future.

In conclusion, I believe that making regular physical exercise a compulsory subject is a good idea. It will help students stay healthy, improve their mental well-being, and learn important life skills. By including exercise as part of the curriculum, schools and universities can help students develop healthy habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Band 5-6 Essay

I agree that regular physical exercise should be a compulsory subject for all students in schools and universities. There are several reasons for this opinion.

First, exercise is good for health. Many students don’t do enough exercise because they are busy with study or they like to play video games. This is not good for their body. If schools make exercise compulsory, students will have to do it and this will help them be healthier.

Second, exercise can help with mental health. When people do exercise, they feel happier and less stressed. This is important for students because they often feel stressed about exams and homework. Exercise can help them feel better and maybe even study better.

Also, exercise can teach students good things like teamwork and discipline. When students play sports together, they learn how to work with others. This is a good skill for the future when they get jobs.

But it’s important that schools offer different types of exercise. Not all students like the same sports. Some might like football, others might like dancing or swimming. If there are many choices, students can find something they enjoy.

In conclusion, I think making exercise compulsory in schools and universities is a good idea. It will help students be healthier, happier, and learn useful skills. This will be good for them now and in the future.

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay:

This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with well-developed ideas and relevant examples.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Cohesive devices are used effectively and appropriately.
3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with full flexibility and precision. Uncommon lexical items are used naturally and accurately.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of complex structures is used with full flexibility and accuracy. Errors are rare and difficult to spot.

Band 6-7 Essay:

This essay shows a good attempt at addressing the task with some areas for improvement:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but some aspects are covered more fully than others.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some ideas are not fully developed. Cohesive devices are used, but not always appropriately.
3. Lexical Resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used for the task. There are some attempts at using less common vocabulary, but with occasional inaccuracy.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication.

Band 5-6 Essay:

This essay demonstrates a basic understanding of the task but with limitations:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the task in a general way, but the format is simple and ideas are not fully developed.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: There is a basic structure, but ideas are not always clearly linked. Paragraphing is present but not always logical.
3. Lexical Resource: A limited range of vocabulary is used, with some repetition. Word choice is sometimes inaccurate or inappropriate.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Sentence structures are simple and repetitive. Errors are frequent and sometimes impede communication.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Sedentary (adjective) /ˈsed.ən.ter.i/ – characterized by much sitting and little physical activity
2. Prevalence (noun) /ˈprev.əl.əns/ – the fact of being very common or widespread
3. Cognitive function (noun phrase) /ˈkɒɡ.nə.tɪv ˈfʌŋk.ʃən/ – mental abilities and processes related to knowledge, attention, memory, judgment, and reasoning
4. Endorphins (noun) /ɪnˈdɔː.fɪnz/ – chemicals produced by the body that reduce pain and increase feelings of well-being
5. Proactive (adjective) /prəʊˈæk.tɪv/ – taking action to cause change rather than reacting to change when it happens
6. Inclusive (adjective) /ɪnˈkluː.sɪv/ – including many different types of people and treating them all fairly and equally
7. Forward-thinking (adjective) /ˌfɔː.wəd ˈθɪŋ.kɪŋ/ – thinking about and planning for the future
8. Mandate (verb) /mænˈdeɪt/ – to officially require something
9. Alleviate (verb) /əˈliː.vi.eɪt/ – to make something bad less severe
10. Cardiovascular (adjective) /ˌkɑː.di.əʊˈvæs.kjə.lər/ – relating to the heart and blood vessels

In conclusion, the impact of physical fitness on mental well-being is a crucial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. Future exam questions might explore related themes such as:

• The role of physical education in combating childhood obesity
• Government initiatives to promote physical activity in communities
• The balance between academic subjects and physical education in school curricula
• The impact of technology on physical activity levels among young people

To further improve your writing skills, we encourage you to practice writing an essay on the topic discussed in this article. Share your essay in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with fellow IELTS aspirants. Remember, consistent practice is key to achieving your desired band score in IELTS Writing Task 2.

Infographic on benefits of exercise for mental health

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

• The Role of Mental Health Support in Educational Institutions
• How Social Media is Influencing the Fitness Industry
• Describe a Time When You Improved Your Health Through Fitness or Diet

These resources will provide additional context and vocabulary to enhance your understanding of the relationship between physical fitness and mental well-being, further preparing you for potential IELTS Writing Task 2 questions on this topic.