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IELTS Writing Task 2:
Diet Nutrition Problem-Solution Band 9 Sample

Band 9 model answers for IELTS Writing Task 2 diet and nutrition problem-solution essays with expert scoring breakdowns and vocabulary analysis.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Diet Nutrition Problem-Solution Band 9 Sample | English AIdol Blog

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Band 9 model answers for IELTS Writing Task 2 diet and nutrition problem-solution essays with expert scoring breakdowns and vocabulary analysis.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Diet and Nutrition Problem-Solution Essays

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Prompt Example

Some people believe that the increasing rate of obesity is due to a lack of exercise, while others believe it is primarily the result of poor diet. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

The problem of obesity is becoming more serious nowadays. Some people think this is because we don't exercise enough, while others believe it's because we eat unhealthy food. I think both things are important.

First, exercise is very important. Many people have jobs that require them to sit all day. This makes them lazy and they don't want to move. Also, children spend too much time playing games on computers instead of playing outside. If we exercise more, we can prevent obesity.

On the other hand, diet is also very important. Fast food is cheap and easy to get, so many people eat it often. These foods have too much fat and sugar. Also, people don't eat enough fruits and vegetables. If we eat healthier food, we can reduce obesity.

In conclusion, I think both exercise and diet are important. We should do both to solve the problem of obesity.

Scoring Breakdown

  • Task Response: 5.0 - Presents a position but does not develop it sufficiently; some ideas are irrelevant
  • Coherence and Cohesion: 6.0 - Uses some organizing devices but unclear progression
  • Lexical Resource: 6.0 - Limited range of vocabulary with some basic errors
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 6.0 - Frequent grammatical errors that hinder communication

Band 7.0 Answer

The escalating obesity crisis has sparked debate about its primary causes. While some attribute it to sedentary lifestyles, others argue that poor dietary habits are the main culprit. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting my own view.

Proponents of the exercise argument contend that modern lifestyles have become increasingly sedentary. Office jobs require prolonged sitting, while technological advances have reduced the need for physical labor. Additionally, children's recreation has shifted from outdoor activities to screen-based entertainment. This lack of physical exertion contributes significantly to weight gain.

Conversely, those who blame diet point to the proliferation of processed foods and fast food establishments. These convenience foods are often high in calories but low in nutritional value. Furthermore, many people consume excessive amounts of sugary drinks and snacks. This caloric imbalance undoubtedly contributes to obesity.

In my opinion, both factors play crucial roles in the obesity epidemic. However, I believe poor diet may be the more significant contributor. While exercise is important, it's difficult to out-exercise a bad diet. Therefore, I believe dietary improvements should be the primary focus of anti-obesity efforts.

Scoring Breakdown

  • Task Response: 7.0 - Presents a clear position throughout and extends ideas with some supporting details
  • Coherence and Cohesion: 7.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively but some sequencing issues
  • Lexical Resource: 7.0 - Demonstrates sufficient range of vocabulary with occasional errors
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors

Band 8.0 Answer

The global obesity pandemic has reached alarming proportions, prompting intense scrutiny of its underlying causes. While inadequate physical activity is often cited as a primary factor, I would argue that unhealthy eating patterns bear greater responsibility for this public health crisis.

On one hand, it is undeniable that modern lifestyles have become increasingly sedentary. The digital revolution has transformed both work and leisure activities into predominantly stationary pursuits. Office workers spend hours seated at desks, while children are drawn to passive entertainment through digital devices. This reduction in daily physical exertion undoubtedly contributes to weight gain.

However, the role of diet cannot be overstated. The food industry's aggressive marketing of processed foods has created an environment where unhealthy options are often more accessible and affordable than nutritious alternatives. Portion sizes have ballooned, and sugar-laden beverages have become ubiquitous. These factors combine to create a caloric imbalance that is difficult to counteract through exercise alone.

Furthermore, the quality of our diets has deteriorated. Convenience foods often contain excessive amounts of unhealthy fats, added sugars, and artificial additives while lacking essential nutrients. This nutritional deficit exacerbates weight gain and related health problems.

In conclusion, while lack of exercise is certainly a contributing factor to obesity, I firmly believe that our dietary habits are the principal cause. Addressing this issue requires comprehensive public health strategies that promote nutrition education and regulate the food industry.

Scoring Breakdown

  • Task Response: 8.0 - Presents a well-developed argument with relevant supporting ideas
  • Coherence and Cohesion: 8.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively with clear progression
  • Lexical Resource: 8.0 - Demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary with only minor errors
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 8.0 - Uses a variety of complex sentence forms with rare errors

Band 9.0 Answer

The dramatic rise in obesity rates worldwide has sparked intense debate regarding its etiology. While proponents of the physical inactivity hypothesis contend that sedentary lifestyles are the primary culprit, I contend that the modern diet represents the most significant contributor to this burgeoning health crisis.

Advocates for the exercise hypothesis present compelling arguments. The mechanization of labor and the proliferation of digital entertainment have indeed created a perfect storm for physical inactivity. Ergonomic office furniture and labor-saving devices further exacerbate this trend. However, while these factors undoubtedly play a role, they represent merely symptoms of a deeper societal malady.

The true culprit lies in our collective dietary habits. The agricultural revolution of the late 20th century, marked by the industrialization of food production, has wrought profound changes on our eating patterns. High-fructose corn syrup, trans fats, and artificial additives have pervaded our food supply, creating a nutritional wasteland that promotes caloric excess while providing minimal satiety.

Moreover, the socioeconomic determinants of health cannot be ignored. Food deserts in urban areas and the relative affordability of processed foods create structural barriers to healthy eating. Government policies that subsidize corn and soy production further distort food markets, making unhealthy options more economically viable.

To effectively combat this epidemic, we must implement a multi-faceted approach. Nutrition education must begin in early childhood and continue throughout life. Food labeling regulations should be strengthened to provide clear, comprehensive information about nutritional content. Additionally, agricultural subsidies should be restructured to promote the production of fresh fruits and vegetables.

In conclusion, while physical inactivity undoubtedly contributes to the obesity crisis, I maintain that our dietary patterns represent the primary driver of this public health catastrophe. A comprehensive strategy that addresses both individual behavior and systemic factors is essential for reversing this troubling trend.

Scoring Breakdown

  • Task Response: 9.0 - Presents a clear position throughout and extends and supports ideas with relevant examples
  • Coherence and Cohesion: 9.0 - Uses cohesive devices flexibly and effectively with clear progression
  • Lexical Resource: 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with skill and flexibility and rare errors
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 9.0 - Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with full flexibility and accuracy

Vocabulary Highlights

  1. Escalating (adj): Increasing rapidly - The escalating cost of living is causing financial strain for many families.
  2. Proliferation (n): Rapid increase in numbers - The proliferation of fast food restaurants has contributed to rising obesity rates.
  3. Caloric imbalance (n): Situation where energy intake exceeds energy expenditure - A prolonged caloric imbalance will inevitably lead to weight gain.
  4. Ubiquitous (adj): Present everywhere - Sugary drinks have become ubiquitous in modern society.
  5. Ergonomic (adj): Designed for efficiency and comfort - Modern offices feature ergonomic furniture to support worker health.
  6. Malady (n): Disease or condition - This societal malady requires comprehensive solutions.
  7. Wrought (v): Brought about or caused - The industrial revolution wrought profound changes in working conditions.
  8. Pervade (v): Spread throughout - Unhealthy eating habits pervade modern culture.
  9. Structural barriers (n): Systemic obstacles - Food deserts represent significant structural barriers to healthy eating.
  10. Distort (v): Twist from original shape - Government policies distort food markets in favor of processed foods.
  11. Viable (adj): Feasible or workable - Healthy food options need to be economically viable.
  12. Multi-faceted (adj): Having many aspects - A multi-faceted approach is needed to address this complex issue.
  13. Catastrophe (n): Sudden disaster - This public health catastrophe requires immediate action.
  14. Comprehensive (adj): Complete and including all details - We need comprehensive strategies to combat obesity.
  15. Burgeoning (adj): Rapidly growing - The burgeoning obesity epidemic requires urgent attention.

Common Mistakes

  1. Oversimplifying the issue: Many students present either exercise or diet as the sole cause without acknowledging the complexity of the problem.
  2. Using vague language: Phrases like 'people should eat better' lack specificity and fail to demonstrate higher-level language skills.
  3. Ignoring counterarguments: A strong argument should acknowledge and refute opposing views rather than simply presenting one side.
  4. Overgeneralizing: Making broad statements about all cultures or all individuals without proper qualification.
  5. Weak task response: Failing to clearly state and maintain a position throughout the essay.

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