Exercise is the Key to Health while Others Feel that Having a Balanced Diet is More Important – IELTS Writing Task 2

Discussion essays, like “Exercise is the Key to Health while Others Feel that Having a Balanced Diet is More Important”, are the second most common type of questions in IELTS Writing Task 2.

An IELTS Discussion essay question will begin with a statement that presents two opposing points of view. Your task will be to address both sides of the argument and offer your own viewpoint. As it is important to begin the exam on the right foot, it is necessary to master your writing skills by practising essay topics, like Exercise is the Key to Health while Others Feel that Having a Balanced Diet is More Important.

Let’s have a look at the discussion essay – Exercise is the Key to Health while Others Feel that Having a Balanced Diet is More Important- with three expert-curated sample answers for different IELTS band scores.

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Question

Outline

Band 7 Sample Answer

The age-old question of whether exercise or a balanced diet achieves good health has sparked debates among health enthusiasts. I believe both exercise and a balanced diet are important elements of a healthy lifestyle, each with its unique benefits. Therefore, I will explore the advantages of both sides by highlighting popular examples that reveal the impact of exercise and a balanced diet on overall well-being in this essay.

To begin with, exercise is often recognized as a key contributor to good health. Engaging in regular physical activity has been linked to improved cardiovascular health, increased energy levels, and enhanced mood. Famous personalities like Michelle Obama, the former First Lady of the United States, have supported the importance of exercise. Her “Let’s Move!” campaign aimed at coping with childhood obesity by promoting physical activity and healthy habits. Also, regular physical activity is associated with better sleep patterns and can help fight health conditions like insomnia, type 2 diabetes, etc.

However, followers of a balanced diet argue that what we eat plays a central role in our health. A diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods supports the proper functioning of your body, supporting growth, development, and various biological processes by providing essential vitamins and minerals. The Okinawans in Japan, well-known for their long lifespans, credit their health to a traditional diet rich in vegetables, tofu, and fish. This example highlights how a balanced and culturally influenced diet can contribute to a population’s all-around health and survival.

To conclude, while the debate between exercise and diet persists, evidence suggests that the two are connected and equally necessary. Hence, I am of the opinion that physical activity enhances the body’s ability to absorb and utilize nutrients, making a balanced diet more effective. Likewise, proper nutrition provides the energy and nutrients needed for the best performance during exercise.

Vocabulary 

• Age-old (Adjective)

Meaning: very old, or having existed for a long time

E.g.: It is an age-old belief that people who go to sleep early and rise early remain healthy.

• Enthusiasts (Noun)

Meaning: a person who is very interested in a particular activity or subject

E.g.: The sports enthusiasts attended every World Cup match that happened in the country.

• Highlighting (Verb)

Meaning: draw special attention to

E.g.: The manager warned the employees by highlighting their errors.

• Contributor (Noun)

Meaning: someone who takes part in something or makes a contribution

E.g.: Marie is one of the top contributors to the blogs.

• Cardiovascular (Adjective)

Meaning: of, relating to, or involving the heart and blood vessels

E.g.: He has been diagnosed with some cardiovascular diseases.

• Coping (Verb)

Meaning: the fact of dealing successfully with problems or difficult situations

E.g.: While he was coping with the new surroundings, they moved on.

• Obesity (Noun)

Meaning: a complex disease involving having too much body fat

E.g.: Obesity has become a common issue among young children nowadays.

• Insomnia (Noun)

Meaning: difficulty getting to sleep or sleeping long enough to feel refreshed

E.g.: She has been suffering from insomnia after his husband passed away.

• Lifespans (Noun)

Meaning: the length of time for which something exists or lasts

E.g.: The lifespan of most dogs is fifteen years.

• Persists (Verb)

Meaning: allow to remain in a place or position or maintain a property or feature

E.g.: Rob persists in every task and therefore, he deserves that post.

Band 8 Sample Answer

It is commonly believed among health addicts that exercise is the most crucial factor for a fit body. Nevertheless, others consider maintaining a balanced diet vital for overall health and well-being. From my point of view, both elements play crucial roles in maintaining well-being, and countless studies and real-life examples emphasize their significance. The following paragraphs of this essay will explore the arguments on both sides, reviewing the benefits of exercise and a balanced diet.

In today’s fast-paced and busy lifestyle, the importance of regular exercise is life-changing. Besides the appeal of a trim physique, exercise yields concrete health benefits. For instance, activities like brisk walking or jogging contribute to a robust heart, reducing the risk of heart disease. Moreover, the mental benefits are equally convincing. Simple routines like yoga or cycling can relieve stress and elevate mood, illustrating how exercise is a powerful prescription for both body and mind. Usain Bolt, the world-record-holding sprinter, is a prime example of how rigorous training and physical activity can lead to peak performance and overall fitness.

On the other hand, a balanced diet is essential for overall health, providing a diverse range of nutrients that support various bodily functions. For instance, incorporating colorful fruits and vegetables ensures an intake of vitamins and minerals crucial for immune function and liveliness. Balanced meals with complex carbohydrates, found in whole grains, sustain energy levels throughout the day, promoting focus and productivity. Additionally, maintaining a proper balance of proteins and fats aids in weight management, supporting muscle health and hunger management. Lastly, a balanced diet is critical in preventing chronic diseases, with nutrient-rich foods protecting against stress and inflammation.

In conclusion, it should be noted that regular exercise and a healthy diet influence the all-round development and maintenance of the body. As a result, I opine that striking a balance between regular exercise and a nutrient-rich diet remains the key to unlocking the full scope of health benefits, ensuring physical fitness, mental well-being, and longevity.

Vocabulary 

• Addict (Noun)

Meaning: a person who cannot stop doing or using something

E.g.: After Raman became an alcohol addict, his mother threw him out of their house.

• Countless (Adjective)

Meaning: very many; too many to be counted

E.g.: There were countless complaints against the change of the original version of the song.

• Trim (Adjective)

Meaning: neat and smart in appearance; in good order

E.g.: Jolly had a trim body because he used to exercise regularly.

• Physique (Noun)

Meaning: the form, size, and development of a person’s body

E.g.: Maintaining a presentable physique is important for sportsmen.

• Robust (Adjective)

Meaning: very strong or healthy

E.g.: The child had a robust appearance and so everyone liked him.

• Sprinter (Noun)

Meaning: a person who takes part in short, fast races

E.g.: He wishes to be the best sprinter in the world and break all records of Bolt.

• Liveliness (Noun)

Meaning: the quality of being full of energy and enthusiasm

E.g.: We were attracted to her liveliness and she became the life of the party.

• Chronic (Adjective)

Meaning: (especially of a disease or something bad) continuing for a long time

E.g.: Her health was affected by chronic lung problems.

• Unlocking (Verb)

Meaning: to free from restraints or restrictions

E.g.: Unlocking the gate as we went inside, he jumped out of nowhere.

• Longevity (Noun)

Meaning: the ability to last for a long time

E.g.: If you wish to increase the longevity of your dress, then dry wash it.

Band 9 Sample Answer

Vocabulary 

• Pursuit (Noun)

Meaning: a chase or a quest for something

E.g.: In pursuit of true love, he spent his life away from people caring for him.

• Precedence (Noun)

Meaning: the condition of being dealt with before other things or of being considered more important than other things

E.g.: The principal’s words have precedence over the shouts of the teachers.

• Wholesome (Adjective)

Meaning: good for you, and likely to benefit you physically, morally, or emotionally

E.g.: Surrounding oneself with a wholesome environment is ideal for mental peace.

• Cornerstone (Noun)

Meaning: something that is extremely important because everything else depends on

E.g.: Honesty and hardwork are the cornerstones of his institution.

• Vitality (Noun)

Meaning: energy and strength

E.g.: After he overcame his initial health issues, the child was filled with vitality as he began to play around.

• Cognitive (Adjective)

Meaning: relating to or involving the processes of thinking and reasoning

E.g.: Sita is blessed with unparalleled cognitive ability.

• Malnutrition (Noun)

Meaning: an imbalance between the nutrients your body needs and the nutrients it gets

E.g.: Most families in Africa suffer from malnourishment due to lack of enough food and water.

• Compelling (Adjective)

Meaning: very exciting and interesting and making you want to watch or listen

E.g.: He made a compelling argument which won the jury over.

• Endorsed (Verb)

Meaning: to make a public statement of your approval or support for something or someone

E.g.: Sachin endorsed the popular energy drink brand.

• Harmonious (Adjective)

Meaning: friendly, peaceful and without any arguments

E.g.: We need to maintain a harmonious relationship among all the communities.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Connectors for Gaining Bonus Points

Check out the list of connectors used in the above-given sample answers for the topic, Exercise is the Key to Health while Others Feel that Having a Balanced Diet is More Important, that will help you add coherence to your writing and earn points for your IELTS Writing Task 2.

• I believe
• Therefore
• To begin with
• Also
• However
• To conclude
• Hence
• Likewise
• Nevertheless
• From my point of view
• For instance
• Moreover
• On the other hand
• Additionally
• Lastly
• In conclusion
• From my perspective
• On the one hand
• Further
• In addition
• Above all
• On the flip side
• Other than
• On the whole
• Consequently
• From my standpoint

Now that you have gone through the sample answers on the topic – Exercise is the Key to Health while Others Feel that Having a Balanced Diet is More Important – it is time for you to try writing on your own. For that, leave your answers as a comment below or you can use our FREE evaluation service!

Additional Study Resources

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