IELTS.international
Two-Partacademic·2025

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.

Write your response

Practice here, then get AI scoring on all 4 IELTS criteria

0 words (min 50)

Free — no signup required

Unlimited scoring from $14.99/mo

Step 1

IELTS Examiner Tips for This Topic

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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)

1
Introduction

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 ...
2
Body 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...
3
Body 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...
4
Conclusion

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

sedentary lifestyleA lifestyle characterized by a lot of sitting and very little or no physical activity.
ultra-processed foodsIndustrial formulations made from food substances that typically contain little or no whole foods and include various additives.
public health initiativesPrograms or campaigns organized by governments or health organizations to improve the health of a community.
it is widely acknowledged thatA phrase used to introduce a generally accepted fact or belief.
a compelling argument can be madeA phrase used to introduce a strong and persuasive argument.
this notion is predicated onThis idea is based on or depends on a particular principle or assumption.
from my perspectiveIn my opinion; from my point of view.
the evidence overwhelmingly suggestsThe available information strongly indicates or points to a particular conclusion.
notwithstandingIn spite of; despite.
this is not to say thatThis does not mean that; it should not be inferred that.

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 ignore

Addition

MoreoverFurthermoreIn additionWhat is more

Contrast

HoweverNeverthelessOn the other handConversely

Cause / Effect

ConsequentlyAs a resultThereforeThis leads to

Example

For instanceTo illustrateA case in point isSuch as

Concession

AlthoughWhile it is true thatDespiteAdmittedly

Step 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)

Unlock full model answer + examiner comments with free sign-up.

View Full Model Answer — Sign Up Free

Practise Like the Real IELTS Exam

Download the official IELTS Writing answer sheet (PDF). Handwrite your essay under timed conditions — then upload for instant AI grading and band prediction.

Download Official IELTS Answer Sheet (PDF)

More IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics in This Category

Every Essay You Write Builds Real English Proficiency & Exam Confidence

Get detailed, criterion-by-criterion feedback. Track your progress across multiple essays. Master IELTS Writing Task 2 — not just for the test, but for life.

  • Scored on all 4 official IELTS Writing criteria
  • 100+ authentic IELTS Writing Task 2 prompts (2020–2024)
  • Personalized band score tracking & improvement analytics
Start IELTS Writing Practice — Free TodayNo signup required for your first IELTS Writing Task 2 evaluation