GT Writing Task 2 (Essay Writing) Sample # 18
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.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1:
Public health, which often determines how happy and productive citizens in a country are, is a concern for people and administrations alike around the world. However, when it comes to measures of its improvements, opinions vary. I believe improved sports facilities have a correlation with better health for the general public but other measures should be fed into the system.
To begin with, sports facilities and amusement amenities naturally encourage people to use those facilities and thus increase the hours they spend doing exercise or physical exertion. A park or a gymnasium full of people talks in favour of this argument. If the authority builds more health clubs, sports fields and parks, thousands more would start using those. Moreover, sports reduce the risk of obesity and heart diseases and increasing the number of sports centres in local communities can help community members lead an active life and thus prevent deadly diseases.
Nevertheless, sports centres alone cannot guarantee the sound health of the citizens. Public awareness about the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle is required. On top of that, including health-related subjects in schools and participation of private organisations are required. Lessons students learn from schools have a great impact on the life they chose to lead. Besides, private organisations should arrange amenities for their employees to take part in sports activities within the office premises. Organisations like Google and Facebook, for instance, have already welcomed this practice and raised health awareness among their employees.
To conclude, I wholeheartedly welcome the idea of establishing more sports facilities for community members as these amenities are very useful for a healthy society. I also believe that other measures along with this initiative are required to build a healthy nation.
Model Answer 2:
The topic of improving public health often leads to discussions about the role of sports facilities. While some argue that increasing the number of sports facilities is the key to enhancing public health, others maintain that it may have limited impact and advocate for alternative measures. In this essay, I will explore both perspectives. Personally, I believe that other measures are also required.
Proponents of the first view believe that increasing sports facilities can significantly contribute to better public health. They argue that providing accessible and well-equipped facilities encourages physical activity and promotes a more active lifestyle. For instance, it is undeniable that regular exercise has numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, weight management, and reduced risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. By creating more sports facilities, individuals are more likely to engage in physical activity, leading to enhanced overall health and well-being.
On the other hand, critics of this view contend that solely increasing sports facilities may not yield substantial improvements in public health. They argue that factors such as personal motivation, education, and access to healthcare services are equally crucial. Merely having sports facilities does not guarantee their utilisation by the population, as individuals may face barriers such as lack of time, financial constraints, or limited awareness of the benefits of exercise. Moreover, public health concerns extend beyond physical activity and require comprehensive measures that address nutrition, mental health, and environmental factors.
In my opinion, while the availability of sports facilities is undoubtedly important, it is not the sole solution to improving public health. A multifaceted approach is required, encompassing various strategies. This includes promoting physical activity through sports facilities but also focusing on education, awareness campaigns, and policies that support healthy lifestyles. Additionally, ensuring access to affordable healthcare services, addressing social determinants of health, and implementing measures to improve nutrition and mental well-being are crucial components of a comprehensive public health strategy.
In conclusion, it is expected that by adopting a comprehensive strategy that includes adequate sports facilities in the community, affordable healthcare service, improved nutrition and food safety, and finally access to psychological support, societies can make significant strides in improving public health and well-being.
Model Answer 3:
Participating in sports regularly is beneficial for our health but whether more sports centres means a healthier nation is controversial. I believe a few more measures along with increasing public sports facilities are required to ensure good health for general people.
Not everyone can afford gymnasium fees, nor have the time to travel to a park located in a distant part of the city. A busy and competitive lifestyle is the primary reason many people do not adopt exercise into their daily routine. However, a great percentage of them feel the need to exercise and have a desire to get involved in outdoor activities. If the government establishes more sports and recreational centres, their participation would be ensured. Sports are always engaging and probably easier to get involved than doing exercises in a gymnasium. This initiative would encourage more youth to take sports rather than playing video games at home.
However, establishing more sports centres and maintaining all of them are expensive and it does not guarantee the participation of all community members. A government can rather educate people through campaigns which would include the necessity of an active lifestyle and the importance of a balanced diet – another important factor for a healthy life. Besides, poverty in many third-world countries is deep and parents would not take their children to sports centres when they are starving. These parents need a way to feed their children and the government should first ensure proper nutrition for all citizens and then invest in recreational activities.
To conclude, more sports centres are beneficial for people looking for a way to lead an active life but this alone cannot enhance public health. Proper food supply for the poor and a balanced diet for all should be maintained before taking expensive initiatives.