More and more people are suffering from health problems caused by modern lifestyles. Why is this the case? What can be done to improve the situation?
Write **at least 250 words**. Spend ~40 minutes. This is a real IELTS exam-style question.
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Step 1
IELTS Examiner Tips for This Topic
To achieve a high score, dedicate your first body paragraph exclusively to explaining *why* modern lifestyles cause health problems, providing detailed reasons and examples. Your second body paragraph must then shift entirely to outlining *what can be done* to improve the situation, offering concrete solutions. Do not mix causes and solutions within the same paragraph, as this will undermine your essay's coherence and task response.
For causes, consider discussing the rise of sedentary occupations (e.g., prolonged desk work, remote jobs) and the widespread availability and aggressive marketing of ultra-processed foods, leading to poor dietary choices. For solutions, you could suggest government-led public health campaigns promoting active living (e.g., urban planning favouring cycling infrastructure like in Copenhagen) and corporate wellness initiatives encouraging employee well-being.
A common mistake is to provide overly general or simplistic explanations for both the causes and solutions. Avoid vague statements like 'people eat unhealthy food' or 'exercise more.' Instead, specify 'the ubiquity of high-calorie, low-nutrient convenience foods' and 'implementing accessible community fitness programs and subsidised healthy food options' to demonstrate a deeper understanding.
When transitioning from discussing the causes to presenting solutions, use a clear and effective linking strategy. A strong transitional phrase at the beginning of your second body paragraph, such as 'Turning to potential remedies for these pressing issues,' or 'In light of these contributing factors, several proactive measures can be implemented,' will signal a logical progression to the examiner.
For a band 8-9 answer, examiners look for a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between various modern lifestyle factors and health outcomes, not just a list. Solutions should be multi-faceted, demonstrating critical thinking by considering individual, societal, and governmental roles, and presented with precise academic vocabulary that showcases sophisticated control over language.
Step 2
Recommended Essay Structure (Band 7+ Standard)
1Introduction
Hook the examiner and establish your position immediately.
- Rephrase the question using powerful synonyms — avoid copying words
- State your opinion clearly in the final sentence — leave no doubt
- Keep it tight: 2-3 sentences max. Every word must earn its place.
Band 7+ sentence starters for each paragraph
It is often argued that...There is a growing debate about whether...In my view, ... because ...2Body Paragraph 1 — Your Strongest Argument
Make your most compelling case with undeniable evidence.
- Start with a powerful topic sentence — state your argument boldly
- Support with concrete evidence: statistics, real-world cases, or expert research
- Explain exactly HOW your evidence proves your point — connect the dots for the examiner
Band 7+ sentence starters for each paragraph
The primary reason I hold this view is that...This is clearly illustrated by...For instance, in many countries...3Body Paragraph 2 — Supporting Argument
Strengthen your position with a complementary perspective.
- Choose a different angle — if paragraph 1 was economic, try social, environmental, or ethical
- Use fresh evidence — avoid repeating the same examples or reasoning
- Explicitly link back to your thesis — show how this strengthens your overall position
Band 7+ sentence starters for each paragraph
Furthermore, it is worth considering that...Another compelling argument is that...This is further supported by the fact that...4Conclusion
Leave a lasting impression with a confident, memorable ending.
- Never introduce new ideas — this is your final summary
- Restate your position using stronger vocabulary than the introduction
- Keep it powerful: 2 sentences max. End with authority.
Band 7+ sentence starters for each paragraph
In conclusion, I firmly believe that...To sum up, the evidence clearly suggests that...Step 3
High-Scoring Vocabulary & Collocations
Step 4
Academic Phrases for This Essay Type
It is widely acknowledged thatThere is compelling evidence to suggestThis phenomenon can be attributed toA growing body of research indicatesThe implications of this are far-reachingThis raises important questions aboutFrom a broader perspectiveIt would be short-sighted to ignoreAddition
MoreoverFurthermoreIn additionWhat is moreContrast
HoweverNeverthelessOn the other handConverselyCause / Effect
ConsequentlyAs a resultThereforeThis leads toExample
For instanceTo illustrateA case in point isSuch asConcession
AlthoughWhile it is true thatDespiteAdmittedlyStep 5
Grammar Patterns for Band 7+
Complex sentence with concession
Although some argue that technology isolates people, the evidence suggests it strengthens connections.
Shows advanced grammatical control. Start with 'Although/While' + opposing view, then state your position — demonstrates nuanced thinking.
Conditional (Type 2)
If governments invested more in public transport, traffic congestion would decrease significantly.
Perfect for hypothetical scenarios and solutions. Structure: 'If + past simple, would + infinitive' — shows flexibility and imagination.
Passive for academic tone
It is often argued that education should be free. However, this view overlooks the practical challenges.
Academic writing favors passive constructions. 'It is + past participle + that' creates authoritative, objective tone.
Relative clause
Students who study abroad, which is becoming increasingly common, tend to develop greater independence.
Adds sophistication without complexity. Use 'who' for people, 'which' for things, 'that' for either.
Noun phrase for density
The rapid expansion of urban areas has led to increased pollution levels.
Packs more information into fewer words. 'The implementation of effective policies' vs 'policies are implemented effectively' — boosts Lexical Resource score.
Step 6
Band 9 Model Answer (Fully Marked)
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Download Official IELTS Answer Sheet (PDF)More IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics in This Category
In many parts of the world, children are having health problems due to being overweight. What are the causes of this problem? What measures should be taken to solve it?
In some countries, owning a home rather than renting one is very important for people. Why might this be the case? Do you think this is a positive or negative situation?
Nowadays the differences between countries are becoming less and less evident as people around the world all use the same products and services. What are the reasons for this? Is it a positive or negative development?
In many countries, people now wear western-style clothes such as suits and jeans rather than traditional clothing. Why is this? Is this a positive or negative development?
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