TASK 2:
ESSAY INFORMATION:
Written by: IELTS I-Ready, 23/5/2025
Marked by: Ex-BC Examiner
(IELTS Academic – 22/5/2025)
Question: Some people think 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 other measures are needed. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
ANSWER:
Some people believe that the most effective way to improve public health is to increase the availability of sports facilities, while others argue that this would not make a significant difference and that other strategies should be adopted. In my opinion, although expanding access to exercise venues is beneficial, it should be combined with broader health initiatives to achieve lasting improvements.
On the one hand, proponents of increasing sports infrastructure believe in its effectiveness for two main reasons. Firstly, that easy access to exercise facilities encourages people to lead more active lifestyles. By providing a greater variety of venues such as gyms, swimming pools, and outdoor parks, governments can create an environment that promotes physical activity. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who currently lack convenient or affordable options to work out. For example, in urban areas where people may be discouraged by expensive private gyms, public sports centers offer an accessible alternative, potentially leading to a decrease in obesity and related diseases. Secondly, the presence of well-equipped and accessible sports facilities can motivate individuals to adopt healthier habits by making exercise more convenient and enjoyable.
On the other hand, critics argue that simply adding more sports facilities will not greatly improve public health for two main reasons. First of all, many people do not use the existing facilities due to a lack of motivation, awareness, or time. This suggests that the real issue lies not in accessibility, but in personal habits and priorities. Without a change in mindset, new gyms or parks are likely to remain underused. Moreover, poor health often stems from unhealthy lifestyle choices unrelated to exercise, such as smoking, poor diet, and excessive alcohol consumption. To address these, governments should implement public awareness campaigns and introduce regulations, such as limiting sugar in processed foods or banning smoking in public areas. These measures can tackle the root causes of illness more directly and have a wider impact across all age groups.
In conclusion, although expanding sports facilities can help promote a healthier lifestyle, it is not a stand-alone solution. A multifaceted approach that addresses behavioural, dietary, and medical factors is essential to improving public health in a sustainable and impactful way.
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VOCABULARY HIGHLIGHT
public health: sức khỏe cộng đồng
sports facilities: cơ sở thể thao
exercise venues: địa điểm tập thể dục
broader health initiatives: các sáng kiến y tế rộng hơn
lead more active lifestyles: sống năng động hơn
promotes physical activity: thúc đẩy hoạt động thể chất
accessible alternative: lựa chọn thay thế dễ tiếp cận
obesity and related diseases: béo phì và các bệnh liên quan
adopt healthier habits: hình thành thói quen lành mạnh hơn
lack of motivation/awareness: thiếu động lực / nhận thức
unhealthy lifestyle choices: lựa chọn lối sống không lành mạnh
public awareness campaigns: chiến dịch nâng cao nhận thức cộng đồng
implement regulations: ban hành các quy định
processed foods: thực phẩm chế biến
a multifaceted approach: cách tiếp cận đa chiều
sustainable and impactful: bền vững và có tác động mạnh mẽ
