IELTS.international
Opinionacademic·2025

A healthy person is often described as someone who has a good diet, gets plenty of exercise and avoids stress. What can people do to stay healthy in these ways?

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Step 1

IELTS Examiner Tips for This Topic

1

For this question, take a clear position on the most impactful or interconnected ways people can stay healthy. For instance, you could argue that while individual choices are vital, systemic support and education are equally crucial, or that stress management is often overlooked but central to holistic well-being. Acknowledge the individual responsibility aspect, but then pivot to defending your stance on the broader or more challenging aspects, such as the role of government or community initiatives.

2

When discussing diet, you could reference the 'Blue Zones' phenomenon, where communities like those in Okinawa or Sardinia exhibit exceptional longevity due to plant-rich diets and active lifestyles. For exercise, mention urban planning initiatives in cities like Copenhagen that prioritize cycling and walking, making physical activity an integral part of daily life. To address stress, consider discussing the growing adoption of mindfulness programs in workplaces or schools, highlighting their role in mental resilience.

3

The most common mistake students make on this question is simply listing generic actions without depth or analysis. Avoid merely stating 'eat vegetables, exercise daily, meditate' without explaining *how* people can overcome barriers to these actions, *why* certain approaches are more effective, or the *interplay* between individual effort and societal support. Instead, delve into the practicalities, challenges, and systemic factors that either facilitate or hinder these healthy behaviors.

4

Employ a linking strategy that transitions smoothly between the three pillars of health (diet, exercise, stress) and between different levels of intervention (individual, community, governmental). Use phrases like 'Beyond dietary considerations, physical activity presents another critical avenue for health promotion,' or 'Crucially, addressing mental well-being is paramount, often underpinning the success of dietary and exercise regimes.' This creates a cohesive argument rather than a fragmented list.

5

For a band 8-9 answer to this specific question, examiners look for a sophisticated and nuanced discussion that goes beyond superficial advice. You should explore the intricate connections between diet, exercise, and stress, perhaps arguing that neglecting one undermines the others. A top-scoring essay will also critically evaluate the feasibility of various actions, discussing both individual agency and the socio-economic or environmental factors that influence health choices, using precise academic language and complex grammatical structures to convey these insights.

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

holistic well-beingA comprehensive approach to health that considers the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and emotional aspects.
sedentary lifestyleA lifestyle characterized by a lot of sitting and physical inactivity.
mindfulness practicesTechniques, such as meditation, that involve focusing on the present moment without judgment to improve mental clarity and reduce stress.
it is widely acknowledged thatA phrase used to introduce a generally accepted fact or belief.
a compelling argument can be made forA phrase used to suggest that there is strong evidence or reasoning to support a particular viewpoint.
this notion is predicated onThis idea or concept is based on or dependent upon.
from my perspectiveA phrase used to introduce one's personal opinion or viewpoint.
the evidence overwhelmingly suggestsA phrase indicating that there is a vast amount of data or research supporting a particular conclusion.
notwithstandingDespite; in spite of.
it could be argued thatA phrase used to introduce a possible interpretation or contention, often to present a counter-argument or a nuanced view.

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)

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