IELTS.international
Two-Partacademic·2020

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?

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

1

Ensure you dedicate a distinct body paragraph to each part of the question: one for the causes of childhood obesity and another for the proposed solutions. For instance, Body Paragraph 1 could thoroughly explore the causes, while Body Paragraph 2 would then pivot to discuss the various measures to address these issues, ensuring a clear structure and full task response.

2

When discussing causes, you could cite the prevalence of ultra-processed foods and sugary beverages in Western diets, such as the pervasive fast-food culture in the US or the decline in physical education in schools globally. For solutions, consider examples like Singapore's "Healthy Meals in Schools Programme" or public health campaigns promoting active lifestyles, similar to those seen in Scandinavian countries.

3

A common mistake is to provide generic health advice that isn't specifically tailored to children or to conflate being overweight with general poor health without linking it directly to childhood obesity. Avoid simply listing 'eat less, exercise more'; instead, elaborate on *why* children are eating poorly (e.g., parental influence, marketing) and *why* they are less active (e.g., screen time, unsafe play areas), and then propose solutions that address these specific childhood contexts.

4

To transition smoothly from causes to solutions, use phrases that signal a shift from problem identification to proposed remedies. For example, after detailing the causes, you could begin the next paragraph with 'Given these underlying factors, a multi-pronged approach is essential to mitigate the rising rates of childhood obesity,' or 'Addressing these root causes necessitates a series of concerted efforts from various stakeholders.'

5

Examiners look for a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay of factors contributing to childhood obesity, moving beyond simplistic explanations to include socio-economic, cultural, and policy influences. A band 8-9 response will also present well-developed, practical, and varied solutions, demonstrating critical thinking by linking specific measures directly back to the identified causes and considering their feasibility and impact.

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 much sitting and little physical activity.
nutritional deficienciesA lack of essential vitamins and minerals in the diet, often paradoxically found in overweight individuals consuming calorie-dense but nutrient-poor foods.
public health initiativesGovernment or community-led programs aimed at improving the health of a population.
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 point.
this notion is predicated onThis idea is based on or depends on.
from my perspectiveUsed to introduce a personal viewpoint or opinion.
the evidence overwhelmingly suggestsUsed to indicate that there is a large amount of data supporting a particular conclusion.
notwithstandingIn spite of; despite.
it could be argued thatUsed to introduce a point that is debatable or one perspective among others.

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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