IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)
IELTS Essay # 469 - The best way to improve public health is by increasing the number of sports facilities
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people say that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the number of sports facilities. Others, however, say that this would have little effect on public health and that other measures are required.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: [Opinion: increasing sports facilities offers the best solution for enhancing public health]
Public health improvement has become a significant priority globally, with some individuals suggesting that building more sports facilities is the most effective strategy. Others argue that such an approach would have minimal impact, advocating alternative measures instead. Although both perspectives have merits, I believe increasing sports facilities offers the best solution for enhancing public health.
Those who doubt the effectiveness of additional sports facilities for enhanced public health argue that public health depends on various complex factors beyond just physical activity. They point out that dietary habits, healthcare accessibility, education on health-related issues, and living conditions play equally crucial roles in health outcomes. For instance, without adequate nutrition or knowledge about healthy lifestyles, people may remain unhealthy even if abundant sports centres are available. Thus, they suggest that investment should prioritise public awareness campaigns and improved healthcare infrastructure rather than sports amenities alone.
However, increasing the availability of sports facilities directly encourages regular physical activity, which is fundamental to overall health. When people have convenient and affordable access to gyms, swimming pools, or community sports centres, they are more likely to engage in regular exercise. For example, research has shown that towns with accessible recreational centres have significantly lower rates of obesity and related chronic diseases. Furthermore, sports facilities provide structured environments that motivate individuals to adopt healthier routines, which can substantially reduce the incidence of lifestyle-related illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
In my opinion, while other factors like education and healthcare services are essential, accessible sports facilities are uniquely effective in promoting sustained physical activity, which directly combats numerous health issues. The availability of dedicated spaces for exercise creates a culture of health consciousness, leading to long-term improvements in public well-being.
In conclusion, although multiple factors influence public health, increasing sports facilities is indeed the most effective way to enhance overall public health due to its ability to encourage consistent physical activity and foster healthier lifestyle choices.
Model Answer 2: [Opinion: merely constructing additional sports centres would indeed be insufficient]
Public health improvement is a critical goal for societies worldwide. While some advocate that increasing sports facilities is the optimal way to boost public health, others argue this measure alone would have a minimal impact, insisting that alternative methods are necessary. In my view, merely constructing additional sports centres would indeed be insufficient, and more comprehensive strategies must be employed.
Supporters of increased sports facilities believe they provide essential opportunities for regular physical exercise, promoting healthier lifestyles. Easy access to gyms, parks, and recreational areas encourages individuals to engage more actively in physical activities, directly addressing issues like obesity and heart disease. For example, urban areas equipped with abundant sports amenities often witness greater participation rates in physical exercise among residents, correlating with improved general fitness and well-being.
However, critics rightly argue that solely expanding sports infrastructure would not significantly impact public health without complementary initiatives. Firstly, health problems frequently stem from poor dietary choices, inadequate healthcare access, and insufficient health education, issues that cannot be resolved merely by providing sports amenities. For instance, without proper nutritional awareness, people may continue consuming unhealthy diets, negating any benefits from increased physical activity. Additionally, social and economic factors, such as poverty and stress, heavily influence public health, requiring targeted interventions like better healthcare systems, dietary education, and mental health support programmes.
In my opinion, although sports facilities contribute positively to community health, focusing exclusively on this aspect neglects the broader determinants of public health. A holistic approach, incorporating education on healthy lifestyles, improved healthcare access, and initiatives to address socio-economic challenges, would be far more effective.
In conclusion, while expanding sports facilities encourages physical activity, this measure is insufficient in isolation. Addressing public health comprehensively through education, healthcare improvements, and socio-economic interventions provides a far more impactful and lasting solution.
Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:
Essay Question:
Some people say that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the number of sports facilities. Others, however, say that this would have little effect on public health and that other measures are required.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Essay Type:
Discussion Essay.
The main question of this essay:
Is increasing the number of sports facilities the best way to improve public health, or are other measures necessary?
Arguments in favour of increasing sports facilities to improve public health:
1. Promotes regular physical activity:
Providing accessible sports facilities encourages more people to engage in regular physical exercise, directly combating obesity, heart disease, and other lifestyle-related health issues. For instance, cities with numerous public parks and gyms typically report higher levels of physical activity among residents.
2. Creates opportunities for community engagement:
Sports facilities foster community interactions, motivating individuals to maintain active and healthier lifestyles through peer encouragement and social activities. For example, local sports leagues can create strong community bonds, further boosting health and emotional well-being.
3. Reduces barriers to fitness:
Affordable or free sports centres lower economic and logistical barriers, making exercise more accessible to all socioeconomic groups. For example, public sports complexes in low-income neighbourhoods often result in increased exercise participation among previously inactive residents.
4. Encourages healthy habits from an early age:
Increased sports facilities allow schools to promote physical education, helping children to develop lasting exercise habits and healthier lifestyles. For instance, children who participate in organised sports programmes tend to maintain regular physical activity into adulthood.
5. Improves mental health and well-being:
Physical exercise in public sports centres can significantly improve mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. For example, individuals who regularly engage in sports or fitness classes frequently report improved mood and reduced mental stress levels.
Arguments why other measures are required to improve public health:
1. Importance of nutritional education:
Improving dietary habits through educational campaigns is crucial because exercise alone cannot counteract the negative effects of poor nutrition. For example, communities with effective nutritional awareness programmes often experience reduced obesity rates.
2. Enhancing healthcare access:
Better access to affordable healthcare services is vital for managing chronic diseases and preventing health issues from escalating. For instance, regions that invest in healthcare infrastructure typically show better overall health outcomes compared to areas focusing solely on sports facilities.
3. Addressing socioeconomic factors:
Public health often depends heavily on economic stability and living conditions. Addressing poverty, unemployment, and housing conditions can profoundly influence community health outcomes. To illustrate, social programmes targeting poverty reduction frequently lead to improved public health statistics.
4. Environmental improvements:
Reducing pollution, improving air quality, and creating greener environments can significantly enhance community health. For example, cities implementing stricter environmental regulations generally report fewer respiratory illnesses and related health problems.
5. Public health awareness campaigns:
Raising awareness about hygiene, preventive care, and healthy lifestyles can have a substantial positive impact on public health. As an example, national vaccination and health education campaigns have proven effective in decreasing the prevalence of preventable diseases.
Those who support expanding sports facilities argue that making exercise more accessible will lead to a healthier population. While engaging in sports is an excellent way to maintain good health, simply building more facilities does not guarantee increased participation. For example, many cities have well-equipped gyms and sports centres that operate late into the night, yet they struggle to retain regular members. People often sign up with enthusiasm but fail to maintain their commitment due to a lack of time, motivation, or financial constraints. Therefore, while having more sports centres is beneficial, it is not a complete solution to improving public health.
On the other hand, those who advocate for alternative measures argue that other factors have a more significant impact on public health. Over time, people's lifestyles have changed considerably, with unhealthy habits becoming more prevalent. There are three main aspects that need attention: diet, working conditions, and living environments. Firstly, the increasing consumption of fast food and processed meals negatively affects health, leading to obesity and related illnesses. Secondly, demanding work schedules and sedentary jobs contribute to stress and a lack of physical activity, further deteriorating health. Lastly, urban areas often suffer from pollution and poor sanitation, which increase the risk of disease. Addressing these issues should take priority over simply increasing the number of sports facilities.
In conclusion, while some believe that expanding sports facilities is the best way to improve public health, others argue that a broader approach is necessary. Although physical activity is important, public health improvement requires addressing dietary habits, workplace conditions, and environmental factors. A balanced strategy that incorporates multiple measures will be far more effective in promoting a healthier society.
It is often said that prevention is better than cure, and many modern diseases stem from unhealthy lifestyles. A sedentary routine, excessive work-related stress, and an over-reliance on fast food have made people increasingly vulnerable to conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression—diseases that require costly long-term treatment. Governments allocate vast amounts of funds to manage these illnesses, which could instead be reduced by promoting physical activity. Establishing sports centres would encourage people to adopt healthier lifestyles, strengthening their immune systems and enhancing both their personal and professional lives. For instance, regular exercise has been proven to boost cognitive function and overall productivity, further contributing to a healthier and more efficient workforce.
However, focusing solely on building sports facilities is not without its critics. Many argue that improving public health requires a multifaceted approach, as physical activity is just one contributing factor. For example, people in rural areas often engage in strenuous daily labour, yet they still suffer from poor health due to malnutrition, lack of healthcare access, and insufficient health education. In regions like Jajarkot and Ropla, thousands of people succumb to preventable diseases such as diarrhoea due to the absence of clean water and basic medical facilities. Implementing sports centres in such areas while ignoring critical healthcare needs would be an ineffective and misplaced policy.
In conclusion, while promoting physical activity through sports centres can positively impact public health, it should not be viewed as the sole solution. A comprehensive strategy that includes healthcare infrastructure, public health awareness, and improved nutrition is necessary to ensure long-term health improvements for all citizens.
Firstly, physical activity begins in childhood with basic movements such as walking, running, and playing, but children often lack an understanding of the importance of exercise. As they grow older, they develop awareness of its benefits, highlighting the need for both physical and mental well-being. However, modern society places little emphasis on physical fitness. Many parents, due to their busy schedules, rely on fast food, leading to unhealthy eating habits in their families. Additionally, urban living often limits children's outdoor activities, contributing to a rise in childhood obesity and related illnesses such as juvenile diabetes. While various indoor activities such as yoga, karate, and dance provide physical and mental benefits, they should be made more accessible and affordable to encourage greater participation. For instance, in my community, part-time classes for swimming, yoga, and martial arts are available at low cost, helping individuals stay active.
Moreover, physical fitness alone is insufficient if individuals are unaware of how to maintain overall well-being. Many athletes, despite their rigorous training, engage in unhealthy habits such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, which negatively impact their health in the long run. Health awareness should be instilled from childhood, with parents playing a key role in educating their children about a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, community leaders, including teachers, doctors, and public health officials, should actively promote the importance of both physical and mental wellness. Furthermore, environmental factors such as proper waste disposal, afforestation, and pollution control significantly contribute to public health and should not be overlooked.
In conclusion, while sports activities contribute to good health, they are not sufficient on their own. Mental awareness, a nutritious diet, proper education, and environmental well-being are equally essential. Since prevention is
Firstly, sports facilities offer an alternative to unhealthy lifestyle choices, particularly among young people. Many individuals, especially office workers, lead sedentary lives due to the nature of modern jobs. According to the British Association of Doctors, 80% of occupations involve prolonged sitting, which contributes to health issues such as obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Unlike our ancestors, who engaged in regular physical labour, people today must actively seek out exercise to maintain their health. While gyms and fitness centres provide an opportunity for physical activity, their availability does not guarantee that more people will use them.
Moreover, improving public health requires a more holistic approach. A well-balanced diet plays a crucial role in maintaining good health. Reducing the consumption of processed foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats can have a greater impact than regular exercise alone. Governments should focus on promoting organic and nutritious food options while regulating unhealthy food advertisements. Additionally, incorporating fitness education into school curricula can encourage children to adopt healthier lifestyles from an early age. Furthermore, increasing taxes on harmful substances such as alcohol and tobacco can discourage their consumption and help prevent addiction-related health issues.
In conclusion, while sports facilities such as gyms, swimming pools, and stadiums contribute to public health, they are not the sole solution. A combination of measures, including promoting a healthy diet, implementing fitness education, and regulating harmful substances, would be far more effective in ensuring long-term improvements in public health.
Sports facilities positively impact public health both directly and indirectly. Regular physical activity helps individuals maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart conditions. Additionally, doctors often recommend daily exercise, such as morning walks, as a natural way to manage certain illnesses. Furthermore, access to sports facilities encourages children to develop healthy habits from a young age, contributing to better physical growth and overall well-being. Engaging in sports can also prevent individuals from adopting unhealthy lifestyles, such as excessive alcohol consumption or drug addiction. Therefore, the importance of investing in sports facilities cannot be overlooked.
On the other hand, other measures must be implemented alongside sports facilities to improve public health. Reducing water contamination, controlling environmental pollution, and improving air quality are vital for preventing serious health conditions. For example, many diseases are transmitted through contaminated air and water, leading to widespread health issues. Doctors often emphasize the importance of breathing fresh air, which is crucial for maintaining good health. Thus, tackling pollution and ensuring clean water supplies are fundamental steps toward improving public health.
In conclusion, a comprehensive approach is necessary to enhance public health. While increasing sports facilities is beneficial, it must be complemented by pollution control, improved sanitation, and access to nutritious food. Governments and health authorities should implement multiple strategies rather than focusing solely on expanding sports infrastructure to achieve a healthier society.
Some people believe that having sufficient sports facilities in the community is the best way to improve public health. They think that the availability of these recreational and sports facilities will shift the attention of people from detrimental vices to sports - which is a great form of exercise. In our community, for instance, members of the local council in cooperation with the youth sector proposed the constitution of a gymnasium was finished early last year. It became the venue for different events not only within our community but also in the neighbouring community. Since the construction of the sports facility, the local health station reported a significant decrease in the number of ill youths admitted to health centres.
On the other hand, others think that sports facilities will have little effect on public health and that other measures are needed. They believe that there are activities that are more effective and more important, health programmes for example. For them, having an activity that everyone can participate in is more effective than building more sports facilities. Perhaps activities, like conducting a daily exercise or helping the local health department in locating ill people within the community, would be a greater help. As for my experience, I was once a volunteer in our health station wherein we looked for people in the community needing health attention and referred them to the municipal health office for evaluation and treatment. It had a tremendously positive impact on the overall health of the community people.
In conclusion, I think a combination of sports facilities and other important initiatives like awareness campaigns and treating already ill people in the community will bring the best result. This is why the government should focus on both the improve public health.
Firstly, sports activities offer significant physical and psychological benefits that contribute to overall well-being. Regular participation in games such as badminton and basketball enhances cardiovascular health and helps reduce body fat, leading to improved physical fitness. Moreover, engaging in sports can boost concentration levels and alleviate stress, particularly for individuals dealing with workplace pressures. Thus, incorporating sports into daily routines plays a crucial role in fostering a healthier lifestyle.
However, a key challenge for the government is to raise awareness and generate public interest in sports participation. Merely establishing sports facilities across cities may not be enough to encourage people to use them. Awareness campaigns and incentives should be introduced to highlight the benefits of physical activity. This can be achieved through targeted advertising and reward-based programs, such as offering incentives for regular participation in fitness activities.
In conclusion, while developing sports infrastructure is a positive step, it is equally important to encourage public engagement with these facilities. A combination of accessible sports venues and well-planned promotional efforts will significantly contribute to creating a healthier society.
On the one hand, some people think that the best solution for improving public health is by providing a lot of sports facilities in society. The existence of jogging track facilities, athletic fields, basketball halls or football fields in residential areas would trigger the residents to do some exercises daily. With the increasing number of people who do physical exercises, it is expected that the rate of several diseases which are caused by unhealthy lifestyles, such as diabetes, heart attack or obesity would be reduced. Consequently, public health expenditures will decline and it could be allocated for other important aspects such as education or public transportation.
On the other hand, another group of people believe that building some sports facilities in the community would not be effective without health education campaigns. It is undeniable that health campaigns are essential to enhance awareness among the public about having a healthy lifestyle. The campaign should be well prepared, socialised properly and implemented thoroughly. Once people realise what it takes to have a healthy lifestyle and how it is essential, then they will utilise the sports facilities that have been built by the government.
In conclusion, several people think that adding more sports facilities in the neighbourhood would improve public health, but others believe that it would only have a small effect. There are other things that should also be prepared besides building the facilities. In my opinion, I do believe that building some sports facilities in residential areas should be aligned with health education campaigns, therefore, the facilities would be utilised by the public.
[ by - Darwin Lesmana ]
On the one hand, making sports facilities more accessible can encourage people to engage in physical activity, which is crucial for maintaining good health. When gyms, parks, and sports centres are available in every neighbourhood, individuals are more likely to incorporate exercise into their daily routines. This is particularly important in urban areas where people may not have enough space at home for physical activities. For example, if people have easy access to local fitness centres or walking trails, they may be more motivated to stay active, leading to reduced rates of obesity and heart disease. In the past, many individuals avoided exercise due to the inconvenience of travelling long distances to reach a sports facility.
On the other hand, simply increasing the number of sports facilities is not enough to significantly improve public health. Many people remain inactive despite the availability of such facilities due to a lack of awareness about the benefits of regular exercise. Therefore, educational campaigns promoting physical activity should be implemented alongside infrastructure development. For instance, the media can play a crucial role by broadcasting programs that highlight the importance of fitness in maintaining both physical and mental well-being. Additionally, schools and universities should conduct awareness sessions to educate students on the long-term benefits of an active lifestyle.
To draw the conclusion, while expanding sports facilities is a positive step, it must be complemented by public awareness campaigns to maximize its impact. If people understand that regular exercise is an investment in their long-term health, they are more likely to use these facilities. Therefore, a combination of infrastructure development and education is the most effective approach to improving public health.
On the one hand, expanding access to sports facilities can encourage more people to engage in physical activities, which is essential for maintaining good health. Regular exercise helps prevent diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart conditions by keeping the body active and improving overall fitness. For example, if more public parks, gyms, and sports complexes are built, individuals may be more inclined to incorporate exercise into their daily routines. Additionally, participation in sports fosters discipline, teamwork, and mental well-being, which are also crucial aspects of a healthy lifestyle.
On the other hand, some people argue that sports facilities alone are insufficient to improve public health, as several other factors must be addressed. Poor sanitation, lack of access to clean drinking water, and inadequate healthcare facilities contribute significantly to health problems. For instance, in many developing countries, millions of people suffer from waterborne diseases due to unclean water supplies, which cannot be solved merely by encouraging sports activities. Moreover, poverty and unemployment often prevent individuals from prioritizing health and fitness, as they struggle to meet their basic needs.
In my opinion, while increasing the availability of sports facilities can be beneficial, a more comprehensive approach is necessary to achieve significant improvements in public health. Governments must prioritize essential services such as clean water, sanitation, healthcare access, and poverty reduction alongside promoting physical activity. Without addressing these fundamental issues, public health challenges will persist regardless of how many sports facilities are constructed.
In conclusion, while sports facilities play a role in promoting a healthier lifestyle, they are not a standalone solution. A balanced strategy that combines fitness opportunities with improvements in healthcare, sanitation, and economic stability is the most effective way to enhance public health.
Discuss both these views and give your opinion.
Essay:
Over the last two decades, health consciousness has accelerated significantly amongst the crowd. People indulge in various fitness activities and habits for their wellbeing. Myriad factors contribute to public health. Some opine that increasing sports facilities is the best approach for ameliorating public health, whereas others believe that it has a marginal impact on the growth rate of public health and other measures are mandatory in achieving the satisfactory results. I am strongly inclined to the latter view.
On one hand, many people believe that the optimal way of enhancing the health conditions amongst people is by increasing the number of sports facilities. Meanwhile, by doing so, there would be more opportunities for people to engross in those sports facilities. However, even if this initiative leads to a spike in uplifting health conditions in the early phase, it needs immense motivation and discipline from individuals to adhere to this practice in the long run.
Apart from physical fitness, one's mental health is also equally significant. So this is another key area which can not be overlooked.
On the other hand, many others regard that increasing the sports facilities solely can not attribute to enhance the overall public health. Individuals have an inevitable role to take up the responsibility of self-care. It is essential to follow balanced dietary habits to overcome the risk of obesity and heart diseases.
The government should consider investing in health awareness programs and advertisements so as to promote the bad effects of junk food, smoking, alcohol and drug abuse. Additionally, the government should support poor people by providing them with free medical aids. As per a recent survey by Delhi University, 30 per cent of children in India are suffering from malnutrition. So improving this condition is far more important than establishing some health and sports centres.
To encapsulate, increasing the number of sports facilities helps in improving public health marginally, for the exponential growth, it is important to undertake umpteen measures which are articulated in the latter view.
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