Academic Writing - Task 2 (Model Answer)

All countries throughout the world are facing health issues related to modern lifestyles. What do you think are the causes of these problems and what measures could be taken to solve them?

There are many overweight and obese people in the world today and this has to do with our unhealthy modern lifestyle. Being unhealthy means people have a higher risk of dying from diseases like cancer, heart attacks, diabetes etc. This puts a strain on family life and on the public health system.

                 

Firstly, people do several things that affect their health negatively. They smoke, drink alcohol, don’t sleep enough, are over-stressed, don’t follow a healthy diet and don’t exercise enough. People work long hours and are under pressure to perform. As a result they don’t have time to cook a healthy meal and opt for fast food which is readily available and cheap. Many jobs are sedentary and involve sitting for long periods. In addition to having a balanced diet, people need to exercise and be fit in order to make their immune system strong enough to resist illness.

Individuals should take an interest in their health because without this it is difficult to enjoy life. Doing some sort of exercise and eating well will be of great benefit. On a national scale the government could invest in stadiums, parks and infrastructure that would encourage people to work out. In terms of food the government could control the quality of food, subsidise fresh fruit and vegetables so that they are affordable, and tax fast food restaurants so that the food they offer is no longer cheap. Another good idea would be to pass a law extending paid leave so that workers have more time to relax.

Question taken from Direct to IELTS Student's Book p.120