This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of parents and governments and childhood obesity from the real IELTS exam.
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Dave
IELTS Essay: Parents and Governments and Childhood Obesity
In many countries, children are becoming overweight and unhealthy. Some people think that the government has the responsibility to solve this problem.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some feel that the current global obesity epidemic should be primarily handled by governments. In my opinion, though the state has a key role to play, this is mainly the duty of parents.
Those who argue in favor of this contention point to the power of governmental regulation. Governments hold this responsibility not just because their job is to safeguard public welfare but also because they are endowed with the authority to enact real reforms. In some countries, there are strict laws about the products that can be advertised during children’s programming and their maximum sugar and fat content. Countries that do not have strong regulatory bodies to create and enforce these laws naturally have considerably higher rates of obesity. In an ideal world, governments would be more responsible for public health in this crucial area.
However, since governments often fail to protect the public interest, parents should take responsibility themselves. Parents can best achieve this by leading by example. If children are not given sugary soft drinks, candy, and eat a diet constituted of mainly vegetables and fruits, they are likely to develop lifelong, positive eating habits. For instance, in nations such as France where food and nutrition are taken very seriously, the majority of children do not grow up addicted to unhealthy American fast food and obesity rates are lower. Admittedly, this can be difficult for parents from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who may struggle with finding the time, energy, and finances to provide nutritious meals for their children.
In conclusion, government can regulate certain industries but parents must themselves instill healthy habits in their children for there to be a meaningful impact. This issue may have reached a high point and must now be addressed.
Analysis
1. Some feel that the current global obesity epidemic should be primarily handled by governments. 2. In my opinion, though the state has a key role to play, this is mainly the duty of parents.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Those who argue in favor of this contention point to the power of governmental regulation. 2. Governments hold this responsibility not just because their job is to safeguard public welfare but also because they are endowed with the authority to enact real reforms. 3. In some countries, there are strict laws about the products that can be advertised during children’s programming and their maximum sugar and fat content. 4. Countries that do not have strong regulatory bodies to create and enforce these laws naturally have considerably higher rates of obesity. 5. In an ideal world, governments would be more responsible for public health in this crucial area.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
Keep developing it fully.
Vary long and short sentences.
1. However, since governments often fail to protect the public interest, parents should take responsibility themselves. 2. Parents can best achieve this by leading by example. 3. If children are not given sugary soft drinks, candy, and eat a diet constituted of mainly vegetables and fruits, they are likely to develop lifelong, positive eating habits. 4. For instance, in nations such as France where food and nutrition are taken very seriously, the majority of children do not grow up addicted to unhealthy American fast food and obesity rates are lower. 5. Admittedly, this can be difficult for parents from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who may struggle with finding the time, energy, and finances to provide nutritious meals for their children.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
Develop the example fully.
1. In conclusion, government can regulate certain industries but parents must themselves instill healthy habits in their children for there to be a meaningful impact. 2. This issue may have reached a high point and must now be addressed.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
Some feel that the current global obesity epidemic should be primarily handled by governments. In my opinion, though the state has a key role to play, this is mainly the duty of parents.
Those who argue in favor of this contention point to the power of governmental regulation. Governments hold this responsibility not just because their job is to safeguard public welfare but also because they are endowed with the authority to enact real reforms. In some countries, there are strict laws about the products that can be advertised during children’s programming and their maximum sugar and fat content. Countries that do not have strong regulatory bodies to create and enforce these laws naturally have considerably higher rates of obesity. In an ideal world, governments would be more responsible for public health in this crucial area.
However, since governments often fail to protect the public interest, parents should take responsibility themselves. Parents can best achieve this by leading by example. If children are not given sugary soft drinks, candy, and eat a diet constituted of mainly vegetables and fruits, they are likely to develop lifelong, positive eating habits. For instance, in nations such as France where food and nutrition are taken very seriously, the majority of children do not grow up addicted to unhealthy American fast food and obesity rates are lower. Admittedly, this can be difficult for parents from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who may struggle with finding the time, energy, and finances to provide nutritious meals for their children.
In conclusion, government can regulate certain industries but parents must themselves instill healthy habits in their children for there to be a meaningful impact. This issue may have reached a high point and must now be addressed.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
current global obesity epidemic lots of unhealthy, fat kids today
primarily handled by mostly deal with by
the state the government
key role to play important part in
mainly mostly
duty responsibility
those who argue in favor of people who support
contention opinion
point to argue
governmental regulation the state controlling, making laws
responsibility duty
safeguard public welfare take care of all citizens
endowed with given the power to
authority power to
enact real reforms make new laws
strict laws harsh rules
products food items
advertised commercials, etc.
children’s programming kid’s TV shows
maximum sugar most sweetness
fat content how much fat in something
regulatory bodies government institutions
enforce make sure of
laws naturally rules of course
considerably higher rates of obesity much higher levels of fat people
In an ideal world in a perfect world
public health how healthy people are
crucial area important part
fail not achieve
protect keep safe
public interest for the good of all people
take responsibility fulfill a duty
best achieve better accomplish
leading by example doing things so other people copy you
sugary soft drinks sweet colas and drinks
diet constituted of mainly food that you eat is mostly
lifelong your whole life
positive eating habits good diet
nations countries
nutrition how healthy food is
taken very seriously care a lot about
majority most of
addicted can’t stop eating
unhealthy American fast food McDonald’s, etc.
obesity rates how overweight people are
Admittedly it must be admitted
lower socioeconomic backgrounds poorer people
struggle with have a tough time with
finances money
provide nutritious meals give healthy foods
regulate certain industries control some fields
instill healthy habits make kid’s have consistent behaviors
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
Some feel that the c____________________________c should be p____________________y governments. In my opinion, though t__________e has a k______________y, this is m_________y the d____y of parents.
T__________________________f this c____________n p_______o the power of g______________________n. Governments hold this r______________y not just because their job is to s_____________________e but also because they are e_______________h the a___________y to e______________s. In some countries, there are s_____________s about the p_________s that can be a_____________d during c_______________________g and their m__________________r and f_____________t. Countries that do not have strong r__________________s to create and e_______e these l_______________y have c____________________________________y. I_________________d, governments would be more responsible for p_____________h in this c____________a.
However, since governments often f____l to p_________t the p_____________t, parents should t___________________y themselves. Parents can b___________e this by l___________________e. If children are not given s_______________s, candy, and eat a d_________________________y vegetables and fruits, they are likely to develop l_________g, p________________s. For instance, in n______s such as France where food and n_________n are t__________________y, the m______y of children do not grow up a__________d to u___________________________d and o___________s are lower. A___________y, this can be difficult for parents from l________________________________s who may s_____________h finding the time, energy, and f________s to p______________________s for their children.
In conclusion, government can r______________________s but parents must themselves i____________________s in their children for there to be a m_______________t. This issue may have r______________________t and must now be a___________d.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching videos from The New York Times YouTube channel below and practice with these activities:
This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay on the topic of a line chart showing forest industry production in the UK from the real IELTS exam.
The line chart displays data concerning production from the forest industry in the UK from 1980 to 2000. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that paper and packaging not only accounted for the most production throughout but also increased most significantly. Production of wood pulp fell slightly but overtook sawn-wood, which dropped steadily, by the end of the period.
Looking first of all at paper and packing, production in 1980 stood at approximately 230 million tonnes and grew steadily to 250 million by 1990. Over the next 10 years, output surged, finally reaching 350,000,000 tonnes by 2000.
Sawn-wood and wood pulp were considerably lower. The former started at precisely 200 million tonnes and fell consistently over the time surveyed to end at close to 140 million. In contrast, wood pulp began lower at 165 million tonnes, declined gradually to 150 million in 1990 and then recovered slightly to just over 155 million tonnes in 2000.
Analysis
1. The line chart displays data concerning production from the forest industry in the UK from 1980 to 2000. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that paper and packaging not only accounted for the most production throughout but also increased most significantly. 3. Production of wood pulp fell slightly but overtook sawn-wood, which dropped steadily, by the end of the period.
Paraphrase what the table shows.
Write a clear overview summarising the differences.
You might need another sentence for your overview.
1. Looking first of all at paper and packing, production in 1980 stood at approximately 230 million tonnes and grew steadily to 250 million by 1990. 2. Over the next 10 years, output surged, finally reaching 350,000,000 tonnes by 2000.
Begin writing about the data for the first categories.
Make sure you compare as much as possible.
1. Sawn-wood and wood pulp were considerably lower. 2. The former started at precisely 200 million tonnes and fell consistently over the time surveyed to end at close to 140 million. 3. In contrast, wood pulp began lower at 165 million tonnes, declined gradually to 150 million in 1990 and then recovered slightly to just over 155 million tonnes in 2000.
Write about the final other parts of the graph – include everything!
Compare the categories.
Everything must be included.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Take some notes on a piece of paper to aid your memory:
The line chart displaysdata concerning production from the forest industry in the UK from 1980 to 2000. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent thatpaper and packaging not only accounted for the most production throughout but also increased most significantly. Production of wood pulpfell slightly but overtook sawn-wood, which dropped steadily, by the end of the period.
Looking first of all at paper and packing, production in 1980 stood at approximately 230 million tonnes and grew steadily to 250 million by 1990. Over the next 10 years, output surged, finally reaching 350,000,000 tonnes by 2000.
Sawn-wood and wood pulp were considerably lower. The former started at precisely 200 million tonnes and fell consistently over the time surveyed to end at close to 140 million. In contrast, wood pulp began lower at 165 million tonnes, declined gradually to 150 million in 1990 and then recovered slightly to just over 155 million tonnes in 2000.
Answers
Try to write down or think of an antonym/opposite word for further practice:
displays shows
data numbers, figures
concerning having to do with
production how much is made
forest industry cutting down trees
UK the United Kingdom
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall
paper and packaging pieces of paper, boxes, etc.
accounted for took up
most production made the most
throughout the whole time
increased most significantly went up the most
wood pulp a material for making various wood products
fell slightly went down a little
overtook sawn-wood rose above wood that has been sawed/cut
dropped steadily decreased consistently
by the end of the period at the end of the time surveyed
looking first of all at considering first
stood at approximately was at around
grew steadily increased consistently
over the next for the following
output surged production grew a lot
finally reaching in the end getting to
considerably lower much less
former mentioned first
started at began at
precisely exactly
fell consistently went down steadily
over the time surveyed the time recorded in the graph
Remember and fill in the blanks. Note it on a piece of paper so you can remember better:
The line chart d_______________a c_____________g p__________n from the f_____________y in the U__ from 1980 to 2000. L__________________________________________________tp__________________g not only a______________r the m______________________t but also i_________________________y. Production of w_________pf___________y but o___________k s_____________d, which d______________y, b_____________________d.
L_______________________t paper and packing, production in 1980 s______________________y 230 million tonnes and g_____________________y to 250 million by 1990. O_____________t 10 years, o______________d, f______________g 350,000,000 tonnes by 2000.
Sawn-wood and wood pulp were c__________r. The f_____________r s_____________t p___________y 200 million tonnes and f______________________y o____________________d t______________________o 140 million. I____________t, wood pulp b_____________t 165 million tonnes, d________________y to 150 million in 1990 and then r______________y to j_______r 155 million tonnes in 2000.
Listening Practice
Listen to the related topic below and practice with these activities:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of looking after family from the real IELTS exam.
Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts to receive my full, exclusive IELTS Ebooks!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Looking after Family
Some believe that younger family members should be legally responsible for supporting older family members when they become physically, mentally and financially unable to look after themselves.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
There have been recent proposals for laws that would require younger generations to look after older family members when they are no longer capable of doing so themselves. In my opinion, these laws are ethically responsible yet should not be enacted considering the many circumstances they fail to take into account.
Supporters argue elderly care is a basic responsibility. As parents age, there is a near absolute chance they will have some combination of physical, mental, or financial difficulties. Since most older people are unable to work full-time jobs, the duty of care naturally falls to either the state or their families. The government has other concerns and their care is impersonal, as in the case of a state-funded nursing home. Children, who have an obligation to their original care-givers, are in much better positions to provide loving support. This could include living with them, supplying money, or helping them with medical bills.
However, this discounts the many contexts in which this care may not be appropriate. Many parents do not want to be a burden to their children and would rather look after themselves later in life. Others may not have been there for their children, or even been abusive. Moreover, the help that children offer will likely hinder their own progress in life. If they are wealthy, this is not a major concern as they can hire someone to look after their parents and the financial support will not be a burden. However, most working class families will struggle to advance socially when slowed by a duty of care for elderly parents, especially if this includes expensive medical bills.
In conclusion, despite the moral justifications, there are simply too many situations where these laws would result in injustices and inconveniences. Individuals should be given the opportunity to look after themselves.
Analysis
1. There have been recent proposals for laws that would require younger generations to look after older family members when they are no longer capable of doing so themselves. 2. In my opinion, these laws are ethically responsible yet should not be enacted considering the many circumstances they fail to take into account.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Supporters argue elderly care is a basic responsibility. 2. As parents age, there is a near absolute chance they will have some combination of physical, mental, or financial difficulties. 3. Since most older people are unable to work full-time jobs, the duty of care naturally falls to either the state or their families. 4. The government has other concerns and their care is impersonal, as in the case of a state-funded nursing home. 5. Children, who have an obligation to their original care-givers, are in much better positions to provide loving support. 6. This could include living with them, supplying money, or helping them with medical bills.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
Keep developing it fully.
Vary long and short sentences.
Conclude with more detail.
1. However, this discounts the many contexts in which this care may not be appropriate. 2. Many parents do not want to be a burden to their children and would rather look after themselves later in life. 3. Others may not have been there for their children, or even been abusive. 4. Moreover, the help that children offer will likely hinder their own progress in life. 5. If they are wealthy, this is not a major concern as they can hire someone to look after their parents and the financial support will not be a burden. 6. However, most working class families will struggle to advance socially when slowed by a duty of care for elderly parents, especially if this includes expensive medical bills.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
Develop the example fully.
State the results as well.
1. In conclusion, despite the moral justifications, there are simply too many situations where these laws would result in injustices and inconveniences. 2. Individuals should be given the opportunity to look after themselves.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
There have been recent proposals for laws that would require younger generations to look after older family members when they are no longer capable of doing so themselves. In my opinion, these laws are ethically responsible yet should not be enacted considering the many circumstances they fail to take into account.
Supporters argue elderly care is a basic responsibility. As parents age, there is a near absolute chance they will have some combination of physical, mental, or financial difficulties. Since most older people are unable to work full-time jobs, the duty of care naturally falls to either the state or their families. The government has other concerns and their care is impersonal, as in the case of a state-funded nursing home. Children, who have an obligation to their original care-givers, are in much better positions to provide loving support. This could include living with them, supplying money, or helping them with medical bills.
However, this discounts the many contexts in which this care may not be appropriate. Many parents do not want to be a burden to their children and would rather look after themselves later in life. Others may not have been there for their children, or even been abusive. Moreover, the help that children offer will likely hinder their own progress in life. If they are wealthy, this is not a major concern as they can hire someone to look after their parents and the financial support will not be a burden. However, most working class families will struggle to advance socially when slowed by a duty of care for elderly parents, especially if this includes expensive medical bills.
In conclusion, despite the moral justifications, there are simply too many situations where these laws would result in injustices and inconveniences. Individuals should be given the opportunity to look after themselves.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
recent proposals new calls for
require younger generations necessitate children and young adults
older family members elderly parents
no longer capable of doing so themselves can’t take care of themselves on their own
ethically responsible moral duty
enacted put in place
considering given
circumstances situations
fail to take into account don’t consider
supporters argue those in favor say
basic responsibility fundamental duty
near absolute chance almost 100% will happen
combination all together
physical related to the body
mental related to the mind
financial difficulties money trouble
unable can’t
work full-time jobs 40 hour workweeks
duty of care responsibility to look after
naturally falls to of course goes to
the state government
concerns relates to
impersonal unemotional
as in the case of such as when
state-funded nursing home retirement homes
obligation duty
original care-givers parents
in much better positions in improved situations
provide loving support take care of in a kind way
could include might require
supplying giving
medical bills hospital costs
discounts doesn’t consider
contexts situations
appropriate right
burden difficulty
look after themselves later in life take care as they get older
been there around
abusive hurt, neglected
hinder held back
progress moving forward
wealthy have lots of money
major concern big worry
hire give a job
financial support money
burden something that holds you back
working class families middle-class families
struggle have a tough time
advance socially get ahead in life
slowed held back
duty of care responsibility to look after
especially if in particular in the case of
expensive medical bills costly hospital expenses
moral justifications ethical reasons
injustices and inconveniences unfairness and not really convenient
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
There have been r___________________s for laws that would r__________________________s to look after o___________________________s when they are n__________________________________________s. In my opinion, these laws are e______________________e yet should not be e__________d c______________g the many c_____________s they f______________________t.
S__________________e elderly care is a b_____________________y. As parents age, there is a n______________________e they will have some c____________n of p________l, m_________l, or f______________s. Since most older people are u______e to w__________________________s, the d_______________e n_________________o either t__________e or their families. The government has other c___________s and their care is i____________l, a________________f a s___________________________e. Children, who have an o_____________n to their o_________________s, are i__________________________s to p______________________t. This c_____________e living with them, s____________g money, or helping them with m____________s.
However, this d__________s the many c_____________s in which this care may not be a__________e. Many parents do not want to be a b_______n to their children and would rather l____________________________e. Others may not have b___________e for their children, or even been a________e. Moreover, the help that children offer will likely h_______r their own p__________s in life. If they are w_________y, this is not a m___________n as they can h____e someone to look after their parents and the f_____________t will not be a b_______n. However, most w________________s will s_________e to a_________________y when s________d by a d___________e for elderly parents, e______________f this includes e___________________s.
In conclusion, despite the m__________________s, there are simply too many situations where these laws would result in i____________s and i__________________s. Individuals should be g____________________y to look after themselves.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching videos from The New York Times YouTube channel below and practice with these activities:
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