IELTS HUBIELTS Discussion Essay on Health & Government & Society
Full IELTS Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
It is universally accepted that eating too much sugar has negative effects on people's health. Therefore, some believe that the government should control the amount of sugar people consume. Others think that it is the responsibility of an individual to monitor their sugar intake.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Write at least 250 words.
Introduction
Introduce the two viewpoints (government control vs. personal responsibility) regarding sugar intake and state the author's opinion (favors personal responsibility).
Body Paragraph 1 View 1
Discuss the arguments for government control. Points: reduce obesity/diabetes (example: Mexico sugar tax), encourage healthier market options.
Body Paragraph 2 View 2
Discuss the arguments for individual responsibility (and author's opinion). Points: uphold personal freedom (informed choices with education), avoid complacency reliant on government actions.
Conclusion
Summarize arguments for both sides and reiterate the author's stance that individual responsibility is more compelling.
Band 9 Sample Answer:
In the public health sector, there are two main viewpoints: one supports government control of sugar intake due to its harmful health effects, while the other stresses personal responsibility in managing one's own diet. I personally agree with the latter, that people should manage their own eating habits.
Those who support government control of sugar intake have good reasons. Firstly, they believe that such actions could reduce the growing rates of obesity and diabetes, diseases often associated with too much sugar. For example, countries like Mexico, which introduced a sugar tax, experienced a notable drop in the sales of sugary drinks, indirectly reducing sugar consumption. Secondly, they argue that government control could lead to healthier food options in the market. This could be done by encouraging companies to make low-sugar alternatives, giving consumers healthier choices.
However, despite these arguments, I firmly believe in the importance of personal responsibility. The first reason is the principle of personal freedom: everyone should have the right to make their own health decisions. This includes the freedom to choose what to eat, and with proper education about the health risks of too much sugar, people can make informed decisions. Secondly, depending on government control might make individuals complacent about their health. Instead of actively trying to improve their eating habits, people might rely too much on the government's actions, which could lead to a careless attitude towards personal health.
In conclusion, while there are strong arguments for government control of sugar intake, I strongly believe that the responsibility should be with individuals. The principle of personal freedom and the possible risk of complacency make the argument for personal responsibility in managing sugar intake more convincing.
Band 7 Sample Answer:
In the realm of public health, there exists a dichotomy of perspectives: one advocating for governmental regulation of sugar consumption due to its detrimental health effects, and the other emphasizing individual responsibility in monitoring one's own intake. Personally, I align with the latter viewpoint, that individuals should take charge of their own dietary habits.
Those who champion government intervention in regulating sugar intake do so with valid reasoning. Firstly, they argue that such measures could curb the escalating rates of obesity and diabetes, diseases often linked to excessive sugar consumption. For instance, countries like Mexico, which implemented a sugar tax, saw a significant decrease in the sales of sugary drinks, thus indirectly reducing sugar intake. Secondly, they contend that government regulation could lead to healthier food options in the market. This could be achieved by incentivizing companies to produce low-sugar alternatives, thereby providing consumers with healthier choices.
However, despite these arguments, I stand firm in my belief that individual responsibility is paramount. The first reason is the principle of personal freedom: every individual should have the autonomy to make decisions about their own health. This includes the freedom to choose what to consume, and with proper education about the health risks associated with excessive sugar, individuals can make informed decisions. Secondly, relying on government regulation might breed complacency among individuals regarding their health. Instead of actively seeking to improve their dietary habits, people might become overly dependent on the government's measures, which could lead to a lackadaisical attitude towards personal health.
In conclusion, while there are compelling arguments for government intervention in controlling sugar intake, I firmly believe that the onus should lie with individuals. The principle of personal freedom and the potential risk of complacency make the case for individual responsibility in monitoring sugar consumption more persuasive.