In recent years, there has been an increase in health problems such as obesity and diabetes among young people. What are the causes of this trend and what measures could be taken to address 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
For this question, your introduction should clearly state your perspective on the primary causes and the most impactful solutions, even though it's a problem/solution essay. While acknowledging that multiple factors contribute, explicitly identify the 2-3 causes you will focus on as most significant and the 2-3 measures you believe are most effective, maintaining this emphasis throughout your body paragraphs. To balance, briefly mention other less impactful factors or solutions, but immediately reinforce why your chosen points are more critical or sustainable.
When discussing causes, consider specific examples like the proliferation of ultra-processed foods and sugary beverages, alongside the rise of sedentary screen-based entertainment, which has replaced active play among young people. For solutions, you could reference the UK's 'sugar tax' on soft drinks as a government intervention, or the success of school-based initiatives that integrate daily physical activity and nutrition education, rather than just relying on generic 'healthy eating' advice.
A common pitfall for this question is providing a superficial list of causes and solutions without sufficient depth or specific examples. Students often mention 'unhealthy diet' and 'lack of exercise' without elaborating on *why* these have increased or *how* they specifically impact young people. To avoid this, select 2-3 distinct, well-developed causes (e.g., pervasive digital entertainment leading to sedentary habits, or aggressive marketing of unhealthy foods to children) and ensure your proposed measures directly correspond to and address these specific causes, demonstrating a clear cause-and-effect relationship.
To transition smoothly in this problem/solution essay with an underlying opinion, use clear signposting that moves from analysis to action. When shifting from discussing causes to proposing solutions, phrases like 'In light of these contributing factors,' or 'Consequently, addressing these pervasive issues requires...' are highly effective. Within your solution paragraphs, ensure logical progression using terms such as 'A primary measure would involve...' followed by 'Furthermore, complementary efforts must also focus on...' to connect your ideas cohesively.
For a band 8-9, examiners look for a nuanced understanding of the *interplay* between various causes, rather than just listing them. This means demonstrating how factors like digital media consumption, urban design, and food industry marketing collectively contribute to the problem, rather than just individual poor choices. Solutions should be multi-faceted and address systemic issues (e.g., regulatory frameworks, public health campaigns, educational reform) with specific, well-justified examples, showing a deep grasp of policy implications and societal impact, all while maintaining a consistent and well-supported argument.
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
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The consumption of fast food has increased dramatically in recent years. What are the reasons for this trend and what effects does it have on society?
Many countries are importing food from other nations rather than producing it locally. What are the reasons and consequences of this trend?
The best way to improve health is through exercise rather than medication. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
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