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Opinionacademic·2025

In some countries, the average weight of people is increasing, and their levels of health and fitness are decreasing. What do you think are the causes of these problems and what measures could be taken to solve them?

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

In your introduction, clearly state your primary causes (e.g., sedentary lifestyles, processed foods) and the main types of solutions you'll propose (e.g., government regulation, individual responsibility). While you should acknowledge that other factors exist, ensure your essay consistently prioritizes and elaborates on your chosen causes and solutions, using phrases like "While several factors contribute, the most pervasive causes are..." or "Although other interventions have merit, the most impactful measures involve..." to maintain your stance.

2

To strengthen your arguments, cite specific examples such as the "sugar tax" implemented in countries like the UK and Mexico, which has shown some success in reducing consumption of sugary beverages. You could also reference the growing prevalence of sedentary occupations and digital entertainment, contrasting it with the active lifestyles promoted by urban planning in cities like Amsterdam, known for its extensive cycling infrastructure.

3

A common pitfall is presenting a list of causes and then a separate list of solutions without explicitly linking them. To avoid this, ensure that each proposed measure directly addresses a cause you've previously discussed; for instance, if you identify excessive screen time as a cause, your solution should focus on promoting outdoor activities or regulating digital device use, rather than a generic suggestion like "eat healthy."

4

When transitioning from discussing causes to proposing solutions, use clear signposting phrases such as "Having examined the primary drivers of this health crisis, it is imperative to consider viable countermeasures" or "To mitigate these escalating issues, a multi-pronged approach is essential." Within the solutions paragraphs, use phrases like "Furthermore, addressing [specific cause] necessitates [specific solution]" to maintain coherence and logical flow.

5

For a band 8-9, examiners look for a nuanced discussion that goes beyond superficial causes and generic solutions, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of the interplay between individual behaviour, societal structures, and governmental policies. This includes presenting well-developed arguments for *why* certain causes are more impactful and *how* specific measures would effectively address them, using precise academic vocabulary and complex sentence structures to convey these intricate relationships.

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.
metabolic syndromeA cluster of conditions — increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels — that occur together, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
public health initiativesPrograms or policies implemented by government 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 convincing point.
this notion is predicated onThis idea is based on or depends on.
from my perspectiveIn my opinion; from my point of view.
the evidence overwhelmingly suggestsThe data or facts strongly indicate.
notwithstandingIn spite of; despite.
this is not to say thatThis does not mean that; used to clarify a point or avoid misinterpretation.

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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