ACADEMIC WRITING

Sample answers
These models have been prepared as examples of very good answers. However, please note that for
each task this is just one example out of many possible approaches.

TEST 3
Task 1

The line chart illustrates the increase in the ageing population in Japan, Sweden and the USA, since
1940. It also indicates that the percentage of elderly people in all three countries is expected to rise
to almost 25% of the respective populations by the year 2040.

In 1940, the proportion of people aged 65 or more stood at only 5% in Japan, approximately 7% in
Sweden and 9% in the US. However, while the figures for the Western countries grew to about 15%
in around 1980, the figure for Japan dipped to only 2.5% for much of this period, before rising to
almost 5% again in the 1990s.

In spite of some fluctuation in the expected percentages, the proportion of older people will probably
continue to increase in the next two decades in the three countries. A more dramatic rise is predicted
between 2030 and 2040 in Japan, by which time it is thought that the figures of elderly people will be
between 23 and 27 per cent.
(168 words)

Task 2

The issue of cigarette advertising is an important one, especially in this country where so many
young adolescents smoke. One of the main causes of this problem is peer pressure. Another cause is
advertising, especially TV advertising. Smoking, as we all know, leads to a number of health problems
such as cancer and heart disease. Many people think that cigarette advertising should not be banned
since this would limit our free choice in this matter. However there is growing evidence that this
serious problem is getting out of control. Let us examine the facts more closely.

The most important reason why cigarette advertising should be banned is that cigarette is bad for our
health. Smoking causes lung cancer and heart disease. Many people also suffer from slow and
painful death from a disease called emphysema.

Another important reason why cigarette advertising should be banned is that it costs the tax payer
money. People who become sick from smoking have to be cared for in expensive hospitals. In addition
their deaths often results in financial problem for their families.

Finally cigarette smoking may lead to another problem namely drug addiction. Although there is not
conclusive evidence that this often happens, many experts in this area feel that there is a connection
between the two.

Perhaps a solution to this problem is the education of young children concerning the dangers of
taking up this habit. Also a heavy tax could be placed on cigarettes so that youngsters would not be
able to afford them. In any case, it seems beyond any reasonable doubt that cigarette advertising
should be banned.
(267 words)

1
 Test 26
TASK 1

The bar chart provides data on the changes in the sales of video material / DVDs, games software
and CDs around the world in billions of dollars over a three-year period. It can be seen that the sales
of videos / DVDs and games software have increased, while the sales of CDs have gone down slightly.

Between 2000 and 2003, videos and DVDs sales rose significantly by approximately 13 billion dollars.
Indeed, in 2000, almost 18 billion dollars worth of these items were sold, but by 2003, this figure had
risen to just over 30 billion dollars.

Similarly, sales for games software rose during this period, but less sharply. Sales increased from
about 13 billion dollars in 2000 to just under 20 billion dollars three years later. In contrast, during
the same time period, the sale of CDs fell slightly from 35 billion dollars in 2000 to about 32.5 billion
dollars in 2003.
153 words

TASK 2

To many people capital punishment is abhorrent, but is possible to view it as a valid means of
punishment. In my opinion, it can be justified as a penalty when three conditions are present. In
this essay, I intend to discuss these three issues in more depth.

The rules of society are made and enforced for the purpose of protecting its members. In cases where
the murder that has been committed is so frightful that society cannot allow the perpetrator back
into its fold, then the death penalty may be the only answer. For example, crimes against humanity
such as genocide, terrorist attacks which have resulted in many lives lost.

If the offender shows no remorse at all and is incapable of feeling any shame for his terrible actions,
the only solution may be death. In these cases, it is clear that the offender cannot be rehabilitated.

Another important consideration is to ensure to the best of everyone´s ability that the accused is
guilty beyond reasonable doubt. It someone is punished with imprisonment, and later found to be
innocent, he can be released from prison. However, when the punishment is death, it is impossible
to make amends. There have been a number of examples in history where a man was found to be
innocent after being hanged.

In conclusion, I believe that it is important to consider three main issues. The crime must be so bad
that it would be impossible to welcome the perpetrator back into society. There must be no hope that
the perpetrator can ever be rehabilitated back into society. There must be no doubt as to the
perpetrator´s guilt. In any situation that does not contain these components; I believe it is morally
wrong to impose the death penalty.
293 words

2
 TEST 4

TASK 1

The bar chart shows the percentage of cheque, direct debit card and credit card transactions used for
payment in New Zealand between 1993 and 2003. Overall, the use of cheques decreased while
electronic card use increased during the ten-year period.

The percentage of purchases paid by cheque in 1993 accounted for 55% of all payments, the highest
of all payment percentages represented in the chart. The percentage of cheques used decreased
steadily thereafter, reaching its lowest point in 1993, when only 12% of all transactions in New
Zealand were paid for by cheque.

In contrast, the use of both direct debit cards and credit cards showed an increasing trend between
1993 and 2003. Approximately 8% of all transactions were paid for using direct debit cards in 1993,
as opposed to only around 4% paid for with credit cards. The use of direct debit cards increased
significantly between 1993 and 1996, when their use accounted for around 24% of all payments,
dipping slightly to 22% in 1997. Then, from 1998 to 2003, direct debit card payments became the
most widely used form of payment, accounting for 31 percent of all payments in 1998 and increasing
to almost 40% by 2003. The use of credit cards as a form of payment also increased, from around
5% in 1993 to around 8% by 1996. Between 1996 and 1999, credit card use fluctuated slightly and
then steadily increased from 1999 to 2002, when around 18% of all transactions were paid for by
credit card, the highest percentage for this type of payment. In 2003, credit card use fell slightly to
around 17%.

In summary, electronic payment appears to be growing in popularity while the use of chequebooks
has decreased in the past decade.
(289 words)

TASK 2

The media presents the news to us through TV, newspapers and radio. Sometimes the reports we get
are personally coloured by journalist's personal opinions. Often human suffering is exploited or
people’s private lives are invaded for the sake of a story. However, in my opinion, a journalist's job is
solely to report the news; to convey as a clear and factual picture as possible and to do that with
discretion.

Unfortunately, reporters and photojournalists sometimes in a different manner and ignore principled
journalism. This is due to the huge financial rewards they get for gossip photos and stories. Too
often, the lead item in the media today is more likely to be about a celebrity arrest, marriage, divorce
or death instead of war, health, science breakthroughs or the state of the world economy. Through
our consumption of these intrusive photos or subjective articles, we create the environment that
breeds the paparazzi.

I believe there is a thing as journalistic responsibility. Reporters should present us with objective,
informative news reports. However, it's the newspapers that want the paparazzi pictures and celebrity
stories. The newspapers and magazines pay good money for them. Often editors talk about the
public interest as an excuse for publishing unprofessional items.

In conclusion, I think we all now need to examine our consciences; editors, journalists and the
general public alike. If we do this and stop buying from the tabloid press, then there will be a broader
market for real news; news conveyed clearly, factually and with discretion instead of celebrity gossip.
We would then create a much better place to live.
264 words

3
 Test 9

Task 1

The graphs provide data on the number of books British buy over the internet, as well as how much
money they spend.

The first is a line graph that records the amount of money (in pounds sterling) spent on books on the
internet in the UK from 1997 to 2002. In 1997 £11 million were spent. This rises by £5 million by
1998. The increase in money spent then rises less rapidly through 1999 (£19 million), 2000 (£22
million) and 2001 (£23 million) until 2002 when £24 million were spent. This gives a total increase
from 1997 to 2002 of £13 million.

The second is a pie chart that shows the relative percentages of books bought on the internet in the
UK individual countries. England is where by the far the most books are bought with 81% of the
market. Wales comes next with 10% closely followed by Scotland with 8%. Northern Ireland lies last
with only 1% of the market.
(161 words)

4
 TEST 35

Task 1

The diagrams give information on expenditure and consumption of fast foods in the UK.

The chart shows that high income earners consumed by far the most fast foods, spending at least 12
pence more on hamburgers than on the other foods. Average income earners also favoured
hamburgers (33 pence per week), followed by fish and chips at 24 pence, then 11 pence on pizza.
Low income earners spent the least money, however fish and chips were their most popular fast food,
followed by hamburgers and then pizza.

From the graph, we can see that in 1970, pizza was by far the most popular fast food.
The consumption of hamburgers and fish and chips rose steadily over the 20 year period,
hamburgers exceeding pizza around 1982, and fish and chips consumption rising above pizza around
1997. The consumption of pizza was in decline over much of the period until 1985, but experienced
a slight recovery to 1990.
156 words

Task 2

Many problems have been associated with the consumption of alcohol and so many citizens are
demanding that the authorities do something to make it illegal. Although I agree that action is
necessary to prevent the sale of alcoholic beverages, as they are having a serious effect on
people’s health, and relationships with others, I think that a total ban violates people’s human
rights.
The main reason why I think alcohol should be forbidden is because when people drink it has a grave
effect on their health. (1) Excessive levels of alcohol consumption have been linked to liver disease,
heart disease, and neurosis. Also, people who drink more are more likely to suffer from a heart
attack. (2) Young people that drink are more likely to suffer from depression. (3) Therefore alcohol
should be banned to enable people to have a long and happy life.
Another problem that drinkers face is a worsening of their relationships with others. (1) People
who get drunk will easily lose their friends if they behave badly and don’t treat their friends with
respect. Even family members will not tolerate violent or offensive behaviour. (2) Many family
disputes involve the consumption of excessive levels of alcohol by one or more of its members. (3) So,
people that overdo drink may end up lonely, and they may cause harm to their family.

However, alcohol should not be prohibited as people should be allowed to decide for themselves
whether to drink or not. (1) It is a basic human right for each person to choose their own actions,
even if they harm themselves. In addition, if governments ban the consumption of alcohol, (2) then
they should also ban other harmful activities such as eating fast food and smoking. One suggestion is
to pass laws prohibiting the sale of alcohol to teenagers, decision already adopted by the majority of
countries
In summary, while I agree with banning the sale of alcohol because it has a serious effect on people’s
health and their relationships with others, I also believe that people should have the right to choose
what they want to do. My recommendation is that the sale of alcohol should only be restricted to
people who have previously abused alcohol and to teenagers.
374 words

5
Text Completely agree Language
Organisation Features

general topic Many problems have been associated with the consumption of alcohol
3rd person, and so many citizens are demanding that the authorities do something
(avoid I) to make it illegal. I totally agree that action is necessary to prevent the
statement of sale of alcoholic beverages, because they are having a serious effect on
position people’s health, relationships with others, and the harmony of society
(specific topic) in general.
tells the reader
what you
will discuss in
the essay
sub-argument 1 The main reason why I think alcohol should be forbidden is because use of
support when people drink it has a grave effect on their health. Excessive emotive
levels of alcohol consumption have been linked to liver disease, heart language
disease, and neurosis. Also, people who drink more are more likely to technical
suffer from a heart attack. In addition, young people that drink are language
more likely to suffer from depression. Therefore alcohol should be
banned to enable people to have a long and happy life.
sub-argument 2 Another problem that drinkers face is a worsening of their nominalisatio
support relationships with others. People who get drunk will easily lose their n
friends if they behave badly and don’t treat their friends with respect.
Even family members will not tolerate violent or offensive behaviour. I
think that many family disputes involve the consumption of excessive
levels of alcohol by one or more of the participants. So, people that
binge drink may end up lonely, and they may cause harm to their
family.
sub-argument 3 Finally, the effects of drinking are taking a huge toll on society in use of
support general. Drinking causes a great deal of vandalism and crime on the concession
streets. In addition, the cost to the health system is enormous. words
Drinking also results in many road fatalities, I had a classmate that
died when drinking and driving. Therefore, alcohol should be
prohibited in order to protect our society in general.
summary of In summary, I reaffirm my position that alcohol should be forbidden Paraphrase
main points because it has a serious effect on people’s health and their
opinion relationships with others. It is also causing many problems in society. use of the
Therefore we must do something to solve this problem or we will be imperative
living terrible lives in an unhealthy society.

6
Text Organisation Language
Features
general topic Many problems have been associated with the consumption
3rd person, (avoid I) of alcohol and so many citizens are demanding that the
authorities do something to make it illegal. Although I
statement of position agree that action is necessary to prevent the sale of
tells the reader what you alcoholic beverages, as they are having a serious effect
will discuss in the essay on people’s health, and relationships with others, I think
that a total ban violates people’s human rights.
Supporting argument 1 The main reason why I think alcohol should be forbidden is use of
because when people drink it has a grave effect on their emotive
Explanation (1) health. (1) Excessive levels of alcohol consumption have language
been linked to liver disease, heart disease, and neurosis. technical
Example (2) Also, people who drink more are more likely to suffer from a language
heart attack. (2) Young people that drink are more likely to
Conclusion (3) suffer from depression. (3) Therefore alcohol should be
banned to enable people to have a long and happy life.
Supporting argument 2 Another problem that drinkers face is a worsening of their Nominalisatio
Explanation (1) relationships with others. (1) People who get drunk will n
easily lose their friends if they behave badly and don’t treat
Example (2) their friends with respect. Even family members will not
tolerate violent or offensive behaviour. (2) Many family
Conclusion (3) disputes involve the consumption of excessive levels of
alcohol by one or more of its members. (3) So, people that
overdo drink may end up lonely, and they may cause harm
to their family.
Contracting argument However, alcohol should not be prohibited as people use of
Explanation (1) should be allowed to decide for themselves whether to sequence
drink or not. (1) It is a basic human right for each person to
choose their own actions, even if they harm themselves. In
Conclusion (2) addition, if governments ban the consumption of alcohol, (2)
then they should also ban other harmful activities such as
eating fast food and smoking. One suggestion is to pass laws
prohibiting the sale of alcohol to teenagers, decision already
adopted by the majority of countries
Summary of main points In summary, while I agree with banning the sale of alcohol paraphrase
because it has a serious effect on people’s health and their use of the
opinion relationships with others, I also believe that people should imperative
have the right to choose what they want to do. My
recommendation is that the sale of alcohol should only be
restricted to people who have previously abused alcohol and
to teenagers.

7
 EXAM 16

TASK 1 (earthquakes)

The table presents detailed data on the ten worst earthquakes in the world. These are spread over a
period of a little more than 100 years with the majority of them located in the Americas.

The most powerful earthquake occurred on May 22, 1960 in Southern Chile and hit with a force of
9.5. North Sumatra, Tibet (in the 1950s) and the Adreanof Islands (2005) all experienced an 8.6
quake and were ranked last in this list.

Both, the 1950s and 1960s have three quakes each in the top ten list with all of them happening over
a 15-year period between 1950 and 1965. Chile and Ecuador experienced an 8.8 quake but these
took place 104 years apart. Three earthquakes were reported in Alaska within an 8-year period; the
1964 ranked second in the list with a magnitude of 9.2. The other two took place in 1965 (8.7) and
1957 (8.6). Likewise, Sumatra experienced two earthquakes, ranked third and eighth largest, in
2004 and 2005 with a magnitude of 9.1 and 8.6 respectively.

The majority of these ten quakes, six of them, took place in the months of January, February or
March.
192 words

Task 2

Problem solution: DRUGS

The use of illegal drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, are becoming more and more common in
many countries.

What are some of the problems associated with drug abuse, and what are some of the possible
solutions?

Steps in Planning your Essay

1. Underline key vocabulary in the question and write words with the same or related meaning.
2. Decide what kind of response is needed.
3. Brainstorm key points for the answer.
4. Plan the structure of your essay.

Problems & solutions don’t overlap Problems & solutions overlap

Introduction  Paraphrase the question.  Paraphrase the question
 State specific topic  State specific topic
This essay will look at…… This essay will look at……

Paragraph 2 Topic sentence: introduce problems Topic sentence: introduce problem 1

Problem 1 Example Problem 1
Problem 2 Example Solution 1

Paragraph 3 Topic sentence: introduce solutions Problem 2: introduce problem 2

Solution 1 More Info Problem 2
Solution 2 More Info Solution 2

Conclusion Summary sentence(s) Summary sentence(s)

Opinion/recommendation Opinion/recommendation

8
Steps in Writing your Essay

1. Write the start of the introduction by paraphrasing the question.

2. Write the second part of your introduction based on the structure of your essay.
3. Write your topic sentences based on the points you have brainstormed.
4. Write supporting sentences that directly relate to your topic sentences.
5. Conclusion: The first part is a summary of your main points.
6. Conclusion: The second part is your opinion or recommendation based on your SUMMARY.

Generating Ideas

Problems

 Effect on parents, distress, pain

 Effect on family (brothers, sisters, wives, husbands, children)
 Effect on work, productivity, punctuality, career
 Criminal problems, theft, police resources, smuggling, mafia, underworld, gangs
 Medical problems, addiction, death, overdose, driving, irrational decisions or behavior,
hospitalization, medical resources, treatment, clinics, detoxification, counseling

Solutions

 Education, schools, awareness, campaigns, choices, advertising

 Counseling, treatment, advice, confidential, helpline
 Communication between parents and children, meals, non-judgmental, firm, close, open
communication
 Close family relationships: brothers, sisters, parents
 Employment, meaningful activity, activities in evenings,
 Good environment, leisure, sports, friends
 Expectations

Vocabulary

Spend a minute or two making alternatives and finding synonyms or related words for words in the
instructions

 Drug abuse = drug addiction

 Drugs: heroin, cocaine, amphetamines, narcotics, hallucinogenics, marijuana, cannabis, ecstasy,
prescription drugs, hard drugs, soft drugs
 Drug user = addict = victims of drug abuse = users
 Drugs = illegal substances
 Smuggling = trafficking
 Dealing = selling
 Dealer = pusher
 Common = widespread, rife, prevalent, ubiquitous
 Country = societies, nations, communities

9
Introduction
Rephrase Drug abuse is becoming increasingly serious in many nations. Although
Topic: drugs threaten many societies, their effects can also be combated successfully.

This essay looks at some of the problems caused by drug use on society, and
Address task: suggests some solutions to reduce the effects.

Paragraph 2: Problems
Topic Sentence Drug abuse causes multiple problems for countries and communities.

The medical effects are very obvious.

Medical effects
Addicts abuse their bodies and neglect their health and, and so eventually
Medical require expensive treatment or hospitalization.
Explanation
In some cases, such as Marilyn Monroe, a drug overdose even leads to death.
Example
The second effect is crime.

Crime People who take drugs become crazy and irrational and often cause harm and
danger to themselves and others.
Crime Explanation

Paragraph 3: Solutions
Topic Sentence However, the menace of drugs can be fought.

Education Education is the main way to tackle this issue.

Education People need to be aware of the effects so that they can avoid this problem.
Explanation Children need to be told at home and in school about the dangers and need for
avoiding drugs. The government could also use infomercials to educate their
citizens.

Police A second approach is to increase police manpower and powers to stop dealers
Explanation and to enforce the law.

Conclusion
Topic Sentence In conclusion,

Summary of essay: Drug abuse is a serious issue because it causes harmful effects on people’s
problem: health and people who are high often commit crimes. The best approaches to
solution deal with it are to educate the public about its effects and also to give the
police more power to fight drug related crimes.

Although the problem is unlikely to be entirely eliminated in the short term

Opinion/ there are concrete steps to reduce the effects it is having on the current
recommendation society.

Drug abuse is becoming increasingly serious in many nations. Although drugs threaten many
societies, their effects can also be combated successfully. This essay looks at some of the problems
caused by drug use on society, and suggests some solutions to the problems.

Drug abuse causes multiple problems for countries and communities. The medical effects are very
obvious. Addicts abuse their bodies and neglect their health and, and so eventually require expensive
treatment or hospitalization. In some cases, such as Marilyn Monroe, a drug overdose even leads to
death. The second effect is crime. People who take drugs become crazy and irrational and often cause
harm and danger to themselves and others.

However, the menace of drugs can be fought. Education is the main way to tackle this issue. People
need to be aware of the effects so that they can avoid this problem. Children need to be told at home
and in school about the dangers and need for avoiding drugs. The government could also use
10
infomercials to educate their citizens. A second approach is to increase police manpower and powers
to stop dealers and to enforce the law.

In conclusion, drug abuse is a serious issue because it causes harmful effects on people’s health and
people who are high often commit crimes. The best approaches to deal with it are to educate the
public about its effects and also to give the police more power to fight drug related crimes. Although
the problem is unlikely to be entirely eliminated in the short term there are concrete steps to reduce
the effects it is having on the current society.
270 words

EXAM 17

Task 1

The chart shows the time spent by UK residents on different types of telephone calls between 1995
and 2002.

Local fixed line calls were the highest throughout the period, rising from 72 billion minutes in 1995 to
just under 90 billion in 1998. After peaking at 90 billion the following year, these calls had fallen
back to the 1995 figure by 2002.

National and international fixed line calls grew steadily from 38 billion to 61 billion at the end of the
period in question, though the growth slowed over the last two years.

There was a dramatic increase in mobile calls from 2 billion to 46 billion minutes. This rise was
particularly noticeable between 1999 and 2002, during which time the use of mobile phones tripled.

To sum up, although local fixed line calls were still the most popular in 2002, the gap between the
three categories had narrowed considerably over the second half of the period in question.
159 words

Task 2

It has been suggested that high school students should be involved in unpaid community services as
a compulsory part of high school programmes. Most of the colleges are already providing
opportunities to gain work experience; however, these are not compulsory. In my opinion, sending
students to work in community services is a good idea as it can provide them with plenty of valuable
skills.

Life skills are very important and by doing voluntary work, students can learn how to communicate
with others and work in a team, but also how to manage their time and improve their organizational
skills. Nowadays, unfortunately, teenagers do not have many after-school activities. After-school
clubs are no longer that popular and students mostly go home, sit in front of the TV, browse internet
or play video games.

By giving them compulsory work activities with charitable or community organizations, they will be
encouraged to do something more creative. Skills gained through compulsory work will not only be an
asset on their CV, but will also increase their ability to obtain an employment. Students will also
gain more respect towards work and money as they will realise that it is not that easy to earn a job
and hopefully will learn to spend them in a more practical way.

Healthy life balance and exercise are strongly promoted by the NHS, and therefore any kind of spare
time doing charity work will prevent youngsters from sitting and doing nothing. It is also possible that
it could reduce the crime level in the high school age group. If students have activities to do, they will
not be bored and come up with silly ideas which can be dangerous for them or their surroundings.

In conclusion, I think this is a very good idea, and I hope this programme will be put into action for
high schools and colleges shortly.
310 words

11
 EXAM 18

Task 1

The pie charts compare the proportions of people falling into three distinct age groups in Yemen and
Italy in two different years.

It is clear that Italy had the older population in the year 2000, and that the same is predicted for the
year 2050. The populations of both countries are expected to age over the fifty-year period.

In the year 2000, just over half of the population of Yemen was aged 14 or under, while most Italians
(61.6%) fell into the 15 to 59 age group, and only 14.3% were children under 15 years of age. People
aged 60 or over accounted for almost a quarter of the Italian population, but only 3.6% of the
inhabitants of Yemen.

By 2050, it is predicted that the proportion of children under 15 will drop in both countries, most
noticeably in Yemen where the figure is estimated to fall by 13.1%. On the other hand, the figures for
elderly people are expected to rise, by 2.1% in Yemen and a massive 18.2% in Italy. Finally, it is
anticipated that the 15 to 59 age group will grow by around 10% in Yemen, but shrink by around
15% in Italy.
195 words

Task 2

A problem of modern societies is the declining level of health in the general population, with
conflicting views on how to tackle this worrying trend. One possible solution is to provide more sports
facilities to encourage a more active lifestyle.

Advocates of this believe that today’s sedentary lifestyle and stressful working conditions mean
that physical activity is no longer part of either our work or our leisure time. If there were easy
to-reach local sports centres, we would be more likely to make exercise a regular part of our lives,
rather than just collapsing in front of a screen every evening. The variety of sports that could be
offered would cater for all ages, levels of fitness and interests: those with painful memories of physical
education at school might be happier in the swimming pool than on the football pitch.

There may be, however, better ways of tackling this problem. Interest in sport is not universal, and
additional facilities might simply attract the already fit, not those who most need them. Physical
activity could be encouraged relatively cheaply, for example by installing exercise equipment
in parks. This has the added benefit that parents and children often use them together just for fun,
which develops a positive attitude to exercise at an early age.

As well as physical activity, high tax penalties could be imposed on high fat food products,
tobacco and alcohol, as excessive consumption of any of these contributes to poor health. Even
improving public transport would help as it takes longer to walk to the bus stop than to the car.

In my opinion, focusing on sports facilities is too narrow an approach and would not have the desired
results. People should be encouraged not only to be more physically active but also to adopt a
healthier lifestyle in general.
306 words

12
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.
Introduction
 conflicting views on how to tackle
this trend
 One solution: provide more sports
facilities to encourage a more active
lifestyle

Paragraph 1: sports centres
 Sedentary lifestyle, stressful
working conditions resulting in poor
physical activity
 regular exercise vs TV
 variety of sports
Paragraph 2: additional facilities
 installing exercise equipment in
parks
 parents and children can use them
together = positive attitude to
exercise at an early age
Paragraph 3: other ways
 high tax penalties on high fat food
products
 improving public transport
Conclusion
 sports facilities is too narrow
approach
 encourage people to be physically
active
 to adopt healthier lifestyle
A problem of modern societies is the declining level of
health in the general population, with conflicting views
on how to tackle this worrying trend. One possible
solution is to provide more sports facilities to
encourage a more active lifestyle.
Advocates of this believe that today’s sedentary
lifestyle and stressful working conditions mean that
physical activity is no longer part of either our work
or our leisure time. If there were easy to-reach local
sports centres, we would be more likely to make
exercise a regular part of our lives, rather than just
collapsing in front of a screen every evening. The variety
of sports that could be offered would cater for all ages,
levels of fitness and interests: those with painful
memories of physical education at school might be
happier in the swimming pool than on the football pitch.
There may be, however, better ways of tackling this
problem. Interest in sport is not universal, and
additional facilities might simply attract the already fit,
not those who most need them. Physical activity could
be encouraged relatively cheaply, for example by
installing exercise equipment in parks. This has the
added benefit that parents and children often use them
together just for fun, which develops a positive attitude
to exercise at an early age.
As well as physical activity, high tax penalties could be
imposed on high fat food products, tobacco and
alcohol, as excessive consumption of any of these
contributes to poor health. Even improving public
transport would help as it takes longer to walk to the
bus stop than to the car.
In my opinion, focusing on sports facilities is too
narrow an approach and would not have the desired
results. People should be encouraged not only to be
more physically active but also to adopt a healthier
lifestyle in general.
306 words
13