IELTS Writing Task 2: Obesity (Positive Negative) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers
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The Prompt
Some people believe that the increasing rate of obesity is the responsibility of individuals, while others argue that governments should take action. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Model Answers
Band 6.0 Answer
The problem of obesity is getting worse. Some people think it is the fault of individuals, but others say governments should do something. I think both are important.
Firstly, people should take responsibility for their own health. They choose what to eat and how much to exercise. If they eat too much junk food and don't move enough, they will get fat. It is their choice, so they should deal with it. Also, some people have busy lives and don't have time to cook healthy food. They can still choose to eat better and exercise more.
However, governments can also help. They can make rules about food in schools and workplaces. They can also make it easier for people to exercise by building parks and gyms. Some countries have done this and it has helped. For example, in Singapore, the government has rules about healthy food in schools and more people are active.
In conclusion, I think individuals and governments should work together to solve the problem of obesity. People should make better choices, but governments can also help by making healthy living easier.**
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with some irrelevant points.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Uses some cohesive devices but with some repetition.
- Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Uses some appropriate vocabulary but with some errors.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with some errors.
Band 7.0 Answer
The issue of obesity has become a global concern, with differing opinions on who should address it. While some argue that individuals bear the primary responsibility, others contend that governments must intervene. I believe both parties share the responsibility, albeit in different ways.
On one hand, personal accountability cannot be overlooked. Individuals make daily choices regarding diet and exercise. Consuming excessive fast food and leading sedentary lifestyles contribute significantly to weight gain. Moreover, with the abundance of health information available, people are well-informed about the consequences of poor lifestyle choices. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect individuals to take charge of their health.
On the other hand, governments play a crucial role in public health. They can implement policies that promote healthier eating habits, such as regulating food advertising or subsidizing nutritious foods. Additionally, governments can invest in public infrastructure that encourages physical activity, like building cycling lanes and parks. For instance, countries like Finland have successfully reduced obesity rates through comprehensive public health campaigns and policy changes.
In conclusion, while individuals must take responsibility for their health, governments also have a vital role to play in creating an environment that supports healthy living. A combined effort is necessary to tackle the obesity epidemic effectively.**
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended arguments.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively but with some repetition.
- Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a mix of appropriate and less precise vocabulary.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with some errors.
Band 8.0 Answer
The escalating prevalence of obesity has sparked a debate on the allocation of responsibility between individuals and governments. While some advocate for personal accountability, others emphasize the need for governmental intervention. I firmly believe that both parties must collaborate to address this multifaceted issue effectively.
Proponents of individual responsibility argue that personal choices drive obesity. The consumption of calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods and a lack of physical activity are primary contributors. With the proliferation of health information, individuals are increasingly aware of the consequences of their lifestyle choices. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect individuals to adopt healthier habits. Furthermore, personal responsibility fosters a sense of autonomy and self-efficacy, which are crucial for long-term behavior change.
Conversely, governments possess the power to enact policies that create a healthier environment. They can regulate the marketing of unhealthy foods, implement nutrition labeling, and subsidize healthier options. Additionally, governments can invest in public health infrastructure, such as community fitness centers and pedestrian-friendly urban design. For example, the United Kingdom's