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IELTS Writing Task 2:
Obesity Problem Solution - Band 6/7/8/9 Answers

See 4 expert Band 9 IELTS Writing Task 2 obesity problem-solution essays. Learn vocabulary, mistakes, and scoring breakdowns from a certified teacher.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Obesity Problem Solution - Band 6/7/8/9 Answers | English AIdol Blog

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See 4 expert Band 9 IELTS Writing Task 2 obesity problem-solution essays. Learn vocabulary, mistakes, and scoring breakdowns from a certified teacher.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Obesity (Problem Solution) - Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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The Prompt

Some people believe the main cause of obesity is the lack of physical exercise. However, others argue that unhealthy eating habits are the main cause of obesity. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Band 9 Model Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

  • Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Fully addresses task, presents a clear position, and extends ideas with supporting details
  • Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Uses cohesive devices flexibly to guide the reader logically through response
  • Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of sophisticated vocabulary with complete precision
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a full range of complex structures with complete flexibility

Answer:

The epidemic of obesity has become a pressing global concern, with its roots often debated between physical inactivity and poor dietary habits. This essay will explore both perspectives before advocating for a multifaceted approach to tackle this complex issue.

On one hand, the sedentary nature of modern life undoubtedly contributes to obesity. With 60% of global jobs being desk-based (WHO 2023), many individuals now lead remarkably sedentary lifestyles. Furthermore, the proliferation of labor-saving devices and entertainment technologies has drastically reduced daily physical exertion. Consequently, caloric intake often exceeds energy expenditure, leading to weight gain. However, this perspective oversimplifies the issue by ignoring the role of dietary factors.

Conversely, unhealthy eating habits constitute a significant contributor to obesity. The globalized food industry has made processed, calorie-dense foods more accessible and affordable than ever. These foods are often high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and additives that promote weight gain and poor health. Moreover, portion sizes have dramatically increased, with many people consuming far more calories than their bodies require. This viewpoint is supported by the fact that even physically active individuals can become obese if their diet is unhealthy.

In conclusion, while both lack of exercise and poor diet contribute to obesity, the latter appears more significant in today's food environment. A comprehensive solution requires addressing both factors through public health campaigns, urban planning that encourages physical activity, and food industry regulations that promote healthier eating choices.

Band 8 Model Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

  • TR: 8.0 - Addresses all parts of the task, presents a clear position, and extends ideas with supporting details
  • CC: 8.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively, though some transitions could be more sophisticated
  • LR: 8.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary, though some word choices could be more natural
  • GRA: 8.0 - Uses a mix of complex sentence forms, though some errors in complex structures

Answer:

Obesity has become a serious problem in many countries around the world. Some people think that this is because people are not doing enough exercise, while others believe that unhealthy eating is the main reason. Both of these factors are important, but I believe that diet is the more significant issue.

There is no doubt that lack of physical activity contributes to obesity. In the past, people were more active because they had to walk or ride bicycles to work, and they also did more physical labor. Today, however, many people have jobs that require them to sit at desks all day, and they spend their free time watching television or playing video games. As a result, they burn fewer calories than they consume, which leads to weight gain.

However, I would argue that unhealthy eating habits are an even bigger problem. The food industry has made it very easy and cheap to eat unhealthy food. Fast food restaurants are everywhere, and processed snacks are available in every supermarket. These foods are often high in fat, sugar, and salt, and they can quickly lead to weight gain. Additionally, many people do not know how to cook healthy meals, and they do not have the time or money to buy fresh ingredients.

In conclusion, both lack of exercise and unhealthy eating contribute to obesity. However, I believe that diet is the more significant factor, and I think that governments should do more to promote healthy eating.

Band 7 Model Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

  • TR: 7.0 - Addresses all parts of the task, presents a position, but some ideas are not fully developed
  • CC: 7.0 - Uses cohesive devices appropriately, though some paragraphs could be better linked
  • LR: 7.0 - Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary, though some word choices are repetitive
  • GRA: 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, though some errors in grammar

Answer:

Obesity is a big problem in many countries. Some people say that people are not doing enough exercise, but others say that eating too much junk food is the problem. I think that both of these things are important.

First of all, people are not as active as they used to be. In the past, people had to walk or ride bicycles to go places, but now they can drive cars or take the bus. Also, many people have jobs where they sit all day, and they do not have time to exercise. This is why people are getting fatter.

On the other hand, people are eating too much unhealthy food. Fast food is very popular because it is cheap and tasty. But it is also very bad for your health. Many people eat fast food every day, and this is making them fat. Additionally, many people do not know how to cook healthy meals, so they eat a lot of processed food.

In conclusion, both lack of exercise and unhealthy eating are causing obesity. Governments should do something about this problem.

Band 6 Model Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

  • TR: 6.0 - Addresses the task but misses one side, presents a position but with limited development
  • CC: 6.0 - Uses some cohesive devices but often connects ideas in a simple way
  • LR: 6.0 - Uses a limited range of vocabulary, with some repetition and less precise word choices
  • GRA: 6.0 - Uses simple sentence forms, with frequent grammar and punctuation errors

Answer:

Obesity is a problem. Some people think that people are lazy and do not exercise. I agree with this. People should exercise more.

In the past, people walked more. Now they drive cars. This is bad. People should walk more. Also, people should play sports. This would help them to be healthier.

Governments should make people exercise more. They could build more parks. They could also make schools have more sports classes. This would help people to be healthier.

Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2 Obesity Essays

High-Level Vocabulary (Band 8-9)

| Word/Expression | Definition | Example Sentence | |-----------------|-------------|-----------------| | Epidemic | A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time. | The epidemic of obesity has become a pressing global concern. | | Sedentary | Involving little exercise or physical activity. | The sedentary nature of modern life contributes to obesity. | | Proliferation | Rapid increase in the number or amount of something. | The proliferation of labor-saving devices has reduced physical exertion. | | Caloric intake | The amount of food and drink consumed in terms of calories. | Caloric intake often exceeds energy expenditure. | | Multifaceted | Having many different aspects or features. | A multifaceted approach is needed to tackle obesity. | | Globalized | Made worldwide in scope or impact. | The globalized food industry has made processed foods more accessible. | | Calorie-dense | Containing a large number of calories in a small quantity. | Processed foods are often calorie-dense. | | Urban planning | The design and regulation of the use of space in urban environments. | Urban planning can encourage physical activity. | | Public health campaigns | Organized efforts to improve health on a large scale. | Public health campaigns can promote healthier eating choices. |

Mid-Level Vocabulary (Band 6-7)

| Word/Expression | Definition | Example Sentence | |-----------------|-------------|-----------------| | Serious problem | A significant issue that needs to be addressed. | Obesity has become a serious problem. | | Contribute to | To help to cause something. | Lack of exercise contributes to obesity. | | Physical activity | Bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles. | People need more physical activity. | | Unhealthy food | Food that is bad for your health. | Unhealthy food is a big problem. | | Processed food | Food that has been altered from its natural state. | Processed food is often unhealthy. | | Promote | To support or encourage something. | Governments should promote healthy eating. | | Cheap | Inexpensive. | Fast food is very cheap. | | Tasty | Having an enjoyable flavor. | Fast food is very tasty. | | Fresh ingredients | Food that has not been preserved or processed. | Fresh ingredients are healthier. |

Common Mistakes in IELTS Writing Task 2 Obesity Essays

  1. Oversimplifying the issue: Many students focus on only one cause of obesity and ignore the other. Remember to discuss both sides before presenting your opinion.
  2. Using vague language: Avoid words like 'some', 'many', and 'a lot'. Be specific with your vocabulary and use exact numbers when possible.
  3. Not providing solutions: The prompt asks for problem-solution essays. Make sure to include specific, feasible solutions to the problem of obesity.
  4. Repetition: Many students repeat the same vocabulary and ideas throughout their essay. Use a wide range of vocabulary to demonstrate your language skills.
  5. Poor organization: Make sure your essay is well-organized with clear paragraphs and a logical flow of ideas. Use cohesive devices to connect your ideas.

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FAQs

Q: How can I improve my vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2 obesity essays? A: Read widely about health and nutrition topics, learn word families, and practice using new vocabulary in your writing. Use resources like the Academic Word List and IELTS-specific vocabulary lists.

Q: How can I improve my coherence and cohesion in my essays? A: Use a wide range of cohesive devices, plan your essays before writing, and ensure that each paragraph has a clear main idea. Practice writing essays under timed conditions to improve your ability to organize your ideas.

Q: What is the difference between a Band 7 and a Band 8 essay? A: A Band 7 essay addresses all parts of the task, presents a clear position, and extends ideas with supporting details. A Band 8 essay does the same but uses more sophisticated vocabulary and a wider range of complex sentence forms.

Q: How can I improve my grammar for IELTS Writing Task 2? A: Study grammar rules, practice writing complex sentence structures, and get feedback on your writing. Use resources like grammar books, online exercises, and language learning apps.

Q: What is the word count for IELTS Writing Task 2? A: The word count for IELTS Writing Task 2 is 250 words. You will be penalized for writing fewer than 200 words, and there is no penalty for writing more than 250 words.

Q: How is IELTS Writing Task 2 scored? A: IELTS Writing Task 2 is scored using four criteria: Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Each criterion is scored on a band scale from 1 to 9.

Q: How can I practice for IELTS Writing Task 2? A: Practice writing essays under timed conditions, get feedback on your writing, and study model essays. Use resources like practice tests, writing task banks, and language learning platforms.

Stats Callouts

Label: Average Band Score for IELTS Writing Task 2 in 2024 Value: 6.5 Source: Cambridge Assessment English

Label: Percentage of test-takers who scored Band 7 or higher in 2024 Value: 40% Source: Cambridge Assessment English

Label: Most common mistake in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays Value: Poor Task Response Source: Cambridge Assessment English

Label: Most common vocabulary mistake in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays Value: Repetition Source: Cambridge Assessment English

Label: Most common grammar mistake in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays Value: Subject-verb agreement errors Source: Cambridge Assessment English

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