The topic of government’s role in promoting healthy lifestyles is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on past exam trends and current global health concerns, this subject is likely to appear frequently in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people think that governments should be responsible for promoting a healthy lifestyle, while others believe it is a matter of personal choice. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question addresses a crucial debate in public health policy and personal freedom, making it an excellent topic for IELTS candidates to explore. Let’s analyze the question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Question Analysis
The question presents two contrasting views:
- Governments should be responsible for promoting a healthy lifestyle.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a matter of personal choice.
To effectively answer this question, you need to:
- Discuss both viewpoints
- Provide reasons and examples to support each view
- Present your own opinion
- Ensure a balanced argument before concluding
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle has become a significant concern in modern society, sparking debate over whether governments should take an active role in promoting healthy habits or if it should remain a personal choice. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view on the matter.
Those who advocate for government intervention argue that public health is a national concern with far-reaching economic and social implications. They contend that governments have the resources and authority to implement wide-reaching policies that can positively impact public health. For instance, implementing taxes on sugary drinks or junk food can discourage unhealthy eating habits, while subsidizing gym memberships or fresh produce can make healthier choices more accessible. Moreover, government-led educational campaigns can raise awareness about the importance of a balanced diet and regular exercise, potentially preventing lifestyle-related diseases and reducing healthcare costs in the long run.
On the other hand, proponents of personal choice argue that health decisions are inherently individual and should not be dictated by the state. They believe that government intervention in personal health matters is paternalistic and infringes on individual freedom. This perspective emphasizes that people should have the right to make their own choices about diet, exercise, and overall lifestyle without undue influence or coercion from authorities. Additionally, they argue that personal motivation is more effective in maintaining long-term healthy habits than external pressures or incentives.
In my opinion, while personal choice is crucial, governments do have a significant role to play in promoting healthy lifestyles. I believe a balanced approach that combines government initiatives with respect for individual freedom is most effective. Governments can create an environment that encourages healthy choices through education, infrastructure development (such as building more parks and cycling lanes), and policies that make healthy options more affordable and accessible. However, these measures should be implemented as supportive rather than coercive, allowing individuals to make informed decisions about their health.
In conclusion, the promotion of healthy lifestyles requires a collaborative effort between governments and individuals. While governments can provide the framework and resources for healthy living, ultimately, the choice to adopt these habits must come from individuals themselves. This balanced approach respects personal freedom while acknowledging the government’s role in public health.
(Word count: 368)
Band 8-9 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates several key features that contribute to its high band score:
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Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly presenting the writer’s opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. Each paragraph focuses on a specific idea, and there are effective transitions between paragraphs (e.g., “On the other hand,” “In my opinion”).
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately. Complex phrases like “far-reaching economic and social implications” and “paternalistic and infringes on individual freedom” demonstrate advanced vocabulary usage.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures with high accuracy. For example, “Those who advocate for government intervention argue that public health is a national concern with far-reaching economic and social implications.”
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Critical Thinking: The essay presents a nuanced view, acknowledging the merits of both perspectives before offering a balanced opinion.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
There is a debate about whether governments should be responsible for promoting healthy lifestyles or if it should be left to individuals to decide. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Some people believe that governments should take an active role in promoting healthy lifestyles. They think that governments have the power and resources to make big changes. For example, governments can make laws to ban smoking in public places or put extra taxes on unhealthy foods. They can also run campaigns to teach people about healthy eating and exercise. These actions can help many people to live healthier lives and reduce the cost of healthcare for the country.
However, others argue that living a healthy lifestyle is a personal choice. They believe that people should have the freedom to decide what they eat, drink, and how they live their lives. They think it’s not the government’s job to tell people how to live. Some people also worry that too much government control could lead to a loss of personal freedom.
In my opinion, I think both the government and individuals have a role to play in promoting healthy lifestyles. Governments can provide information and create policies that make it easier for people to make healthy choices. For example, they can make sure there are safe places for people to exercise, like parks and bike lanes. They can also make sure healthy food is available and affordable. However, the final decision about how to live should be up to each person.
To conclude, while governments can help create an environment that supports healthy living, individuals should still have the freedom to make their own choices about their lifestyle. A balance between government support and personal responsibility is the best approach to promoting public health.
(Word count: 298)
Band 6-7 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates several characteristics of a Band 6-7 performance:
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Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and presenting the writer’s opinion. However, the ideas could be developed more fully.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure with introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. There are some basic cohesive devices (e.g., “However,” “For example”), but they could be used more skillfully.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, with some attempt at using less common words (e.g., “active role,” “resources”). However, there is some repetition and the range could be wider.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control. There are a few errors, but they do not impede communication.
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Ideas Development: While the main ideas are present, they could be elaborated on more fully with more specific examples or deeper analysis.
Key Vocabulary
Here are some key vocabulary items from the essays, along with their definitions and pronunciations:
- Intervention (noun) /ˌɪntərˈvenʃən/ – The action of becoming involved in a situation to improve or help it
- Paternalistic (adjective) /pəˌtɜːrnəˈlɪstɪk/ – Treating people in a fatherly way, especially by providing for their needs without giving them responsibilities or freedom of choice
- Infringe (verb) /ɪnˈfrɪndʒ/ – To act in a way that limits or undermines something; encroach on
- Coercion (noun) /koʊˈɜːrʒən/ – The use of force or threats to make someone do something
- Subsidize (verb) /ˈsʌbsɪdaɪz/ – To support financially
- Implications (noun) /ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃənz/ – The likely consequences of something
- Incentive (noun) /ɪnˈsentɪv/ – Something that encourages a person to do something
- Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise
- Collaborative (adjective) /kəˈlæbərətɪv/ – Involving two or more parties working together
- Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
Conclusion
The topic of government’s role in promoting healthy lifestyles is a complex and nuanced issue that requires careful consideration of various perspectives. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, remember to:
- Analyze the question carefully
- Plan your essay structure
- Use a range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures
- Provide specific examples to support your arguments
- Present a balanced view before giving your own opinion
Practice writing essays on similar topics, such as:
- Should governments regulate fast food advertising?
- Is it the government’s responsibility to combat obesity?
- How can governments encourage physical activity among citizens?
Remember, the key to improving your IELTS Writing score is consistent practice and reflection on your work. Try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active practice will help you develop your writing skills and prepare you for success in the IELTS exam.
How technology is transforming public transport is another interesting topic that often appears in IELTS Writing Task 2. As you explore various subjects, you’ll find that many of them intersect with public health and government policies. For instance, the potential of AI in improving public transportation systems could indirectly contribute to healthier lifestyles by reducing pollution and encouraging more walking. Similarly, how automation is revolutionizing logistics might impact food distribution and access to healthy options. These interconnected themes demonstrate the complexity of modern societal issues, which are excellent topics for IELTS essays.