IELTS Essay Topics on Health: 50+ Questions and Band 7+ Answers

Quick Answer: Health is one of the most common IELTS essay topics, appearing in 1 in 4 tests. This guide covers 50+ real exam questions on physical health, mental health, healthcare systems, diet, and ageing. You'll get Band 7-9 sample answers, a band score comparison table, and expert tips to boost your score.

Table of Contents

Why Health Topics Are Crucial for IELTS

50+ IELTS Health Essay Questions by Theme

How to Structure a Health Essay for Band 7+

Band Score Comparison Table

Sample Answers for Band 7, 8, and 9

Why Health Topics Are Crucial for IELTS

Health essays test your ability to discuss complex social, economic, and ethical issues. Examiners look for:

Task Response: Fully address the question (e.g., do you agree or disagree?).

Coherence & Cohesion: Logical flow with linking words.

Lexical Resource: Use health-specific vocabulary (e.g., "sedentary lifestyle," "universal healthcare").

Grammatical Range: Complex sentences without errors.

Health topics often overlap with education, technology, and environment—so mastering them boosts your overall score.

50+ IELTS Health Essay Questions by Theme

Physical Health & Lifestyle

Some people think that the government should be responsible for ensuring their citizens have a healthy diet. Others believe it is an individual's responsibility. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

The best way to improve health is to do regular exercise. To what extent do you agree?

Many people today do not get enough sleep. What are the causes of this? What solutions can you suggest?

Some people believe that sugar consumption should be taxed to encourage healthier eating. Do you agree or disagree?

Fast food is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. What are the effects of this on health and society?

Some people think that walking is the best form of exercise. Others believe that more intense activities are needed. Discuss both views.

The number of people who are overweight is increasing. What are the reasons for this? What can be done to solve the problem?

Some people believe that organic food is healthier and should be promoted. To what extent do you agree?

Many children today spend too much time indoors. What are the causes? What are the effects on their health?

Some people think that the government should ban smoking in public places. Do you agree or disagree?

Mental Health

Mental health is as important as physical health. To what extent do you agree?

Many young people suffer from stress and anxiety. What are the causes? What can be done to help them?

Some people think that employers should provide mental health support for employees. Do you agree or disagree?

Social media has a negative impact on mental health. Discuss.

Some people believe that schools should teach children about mental health. To what extent do you agree?

The rise in depression is a growing concern. What are the reasons? What solutions can you suggest?

Some people think that exercise is the best way to improve mental health. Others believe that relaxation techniques are more effective. Discuss both views.

Many people turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with stress. What are the consequences? What can be done?

Some people believe that mental health problems are over-diagnosed. Do you agree or disagree?

The pressure to succeed in modern society is harming mental health. Discuss.

Healthcare Systems & Policy

Some people believe that healthcare should be free for all citizens. Others think that people should pay for their own medical treatment. Discuss both views.

The cost of healthcare is rising. What are the causes? What can governments do to control costs?

Some people think that private healthcare is better than public healthcare. To what extent do you agree?

Many countries are facing a shortage of doctors and nurses. What are the reasons? What solutions can you suggest?

Some people believe that alternative medicine should be integrated into mainstream healthcare. Do you agree or disagree?

The aging population is putting pressure on healthcare systems. What are the effects? What can be done?

Some people think that the government should spend more on preventive healthcare rather than treatment. To what extent do you agree?

Many people travel abroad for medical treatment. What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Some people believe that pharmaceutical companies should be more regulated. Do you agree or disagree?

The use of technology in healthcare is increasing. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks.

Diet & Nutrition

Some people believe that a vegetarian diet is healthier than a diet that includes meat. To what extent do you agree?

Many people today consume too much processed food. What are the causes? What can be done?

Some people think that schools should provide healthy meals for students. Do you agree or disagree?

The rise in food allergies is a growing concern. What are the reasons? What can be done?

Some people believe that supermarkets should be banned from selling unhealthy food. Do you agree or disagree?

Many people skip breakfast. What are the effects on health? What can be done to encourage healthy eating habits?

Some people think that the government should subsidize healthy food to make it more affordable. To what extent do you agree?

The popularity of vitamins and supplements is increasing. Are they necessary for good health?

Some people believe that cooking at home is healthier than eating out. To what extent do you agree?

Many people follow fad diets. What are the risks? What advice would you give?

Ageing & Elderly Health

The number of elderly people is increasing. What are the effects on society? What can be done to support them?

Some people believe that the elderly should be cared for by their families. Others think that the government should provide care. Discuss both views.

Many elderly people suffer from loneliness. What are the causes? What can be done to help them?

Some people think that retirement age should be increased to keep people healthier longer. Do you agree or disagree?

The cost of caring for the elderly is rising. What are the reasons? What solutions can you suggest?

Some people believe that elderly people should exercise regularly. To what extent do you agree?

Many elderly people have difficulty accessing healthcare. What are the reasons? What can be done?

Some people think that technology can help improve the lives of the elderly. Discuss.

The number of people with dementia is increasing. What are the causes? What can be done to prevent it?

Some people believe that the elderly should continue working to stay healthy. To what extent do you agree?

Public Health & Global Issues

Some people believe that vaccination should be mandatory. Do you agree or disagree?

The spread of infectious diseases is a global concern. What can governments do to prevent pandemics?

Some people think that the WHO should have more power to enforce health regulations. To what extent do you agree?

Many people today are living longer. What are the benefits and drawbacks?

Some people believe that environmental pollution is the biggest threat to public health. Do you agree or disagree?

The use of antibiotics is leading to resistance. What are the causes? What can be done?

Some people think that health education should be a compulsory subject in schools. To what extent do you agree?

Many people today suffer from lifestyle diseases. What are the causes? What can be done to prevent them?

Some people believe that the government should ban advertisements for unhealthy food. Do you agree or disagree?

The rise in obesity is a global problem. What are the reasons? What solutions can you suggest?

How to Structure a Health Essay for Band 7+

1. Introduction

Paraphrase the question.

State your thesis (e.g., "While I agree that... I also believe that...").

Example: "The debate over whether healthcare should be free or paid for by individuals is complex. This essay will argue that while free healthcare is essential for equity, some personal responsibility is also necessary."

2. Body Paragraph 1 (Argument 1)

Topic sentence: "On the one hand, free healthcare ensures that everyone has access to medical treatment regardless of income."

Explain with examples: "For instance, countries like the UK have a National Health Service that provides care to all citizens."

Link back to the question.

3. Body Paragraph 2 (Argument 2)

Topic sentence: "On the other hand, when individuals pay for their own healthcare, they may be more motivated to stay healthy."

Explain: "This could lead to a healthier population overall."

Counter-argument: "However, this approach risks excluding low-income groups."

4. Conclusion

Summarize both sides.

Restate your opinion.

Example: "In conclusion, although free healthcare promotes equality, a mixed system that encourages personal responsibility might be the most effective solution."

Band Score Comparison Table

Band	What Examiner Wants
6	Addresses the question but may lack depth. Uses basic vocabulary (e.g., "good health," "bad food"). Some errors in grammar.
7	Clearly answers all parts of the question. Uses specific health terms (e.g., "sedentary lifestyle," "chronic diseases"). Few errors.
8	Fully develops arguments with examples. Uses advanced vocabulary (e.g., "preventative measures," "healthcare disparities"). Complex sentences.
9	Flawless logic and structure. Uses idiomatic language (e.g., "a double-edged sword"). No errors.

Sample Answers for Band 7, 8, and 9

Question: Some people think that the government should be responsible for ensuring their citizens have a healthy diet. Others believe it is an individual's responsibility. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Band 7: Many people argue that the government should ensure citizens eat healthily, while others believe it is a personal choice. This essay will discuss both perspectives and give my opinion.

On one hand, governments can implement policies to promote healthy eating. For example, they can tax sugary drinks or ban junk food advertisements. This can help reduce obesity rates, which is a major problem in many countries. In addition, governments can provide subsidies for fruits and vegetables to make them more affordable.

On the other hand, individuals should have the freedom to choose what they eat. People have different tastes and cultural backgrounds, so it is not fair for the government to dictate their diet. Moreover, personal responsibility is important because people need to learn to make healthy choices themselves.

In my opinion, a combination of both approaches is best. The government should provide education and support, but individuals must take responsibility for their own health. For instance, schools can teach children about nutrition, but adults should still make their own choices.

In conclusion, while government intervention can help, personal responsibility remains crucial. A balanced approach is the most effective.

Band 8: The debate over who should be responsible for ensuring a healthy diet—governments or individuals—is a contentious one. This essay will argue that while government intervention is necessary to address systemic issues, individual accountability remains paramount.

Proponents of government responsibility argue that public health is a collective concern. For instance, the rising prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes has placed an enormous burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Governments can implement effective measures such as sugar taxes, mandatory nutritional labeling, and restrictions on advertising unhealthy foods to children. These policies have proven successful in countries like Mexico, where a sugar tax led to a significant reduction in sugary drink consumption.

Conversely, advocates for individual responsibility emphasize personal freedom and autonomy. They contend that people should have the right to make their own dietary choices, even if those choices are unhealthy. Furthermore, they argue that government overreach can lead to resentment and resistance, undermining the very goals it seeks to achieve. For example, attempts to ban certain foods in some countries have been met with public backlash.

In my view, a nuanced approach is required. Governments should focus on creating an environment that makes healthy choices easier, such as subsidizing fresh produce and funding public health campaigns. However, individuals must ultimately be responsible for their own decisions. Education and awareness are key to empowering people to make informed choices.

In conclusion, while governments have a role to play in shaping public health, individual responsibility cannot be overlooked. The most effective solution lies in a partnership between the two.

Band 9: The perennial question of whether dietary responsibility rests with the state or the individual is a cornerstone of public health discourse. This essay will contend that while governmental intervention is indispensable for addressing systemic health disparities, the onus ultimately lies on individuals to cultivate self-discipline and make informed choices.

Advocates for state intervention posit that public health is a collective good, not merely a private concern. The epidemiological transition towards non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular ailments and metabolic disorders, is inextricably linked to environmental factors like the ubiquity of processed foods. Governments, therefore, are uniquely positioned to implement structural interventions—such as fiscal policies (e.g., sugar taxes), regulatory frameworks (e.g., mandatory front-of-pack labeling), and educational initiatives (e.g., school nutrition programs). Empirical evidence from jurisdictions like the UK, which introduced a sugar levy on soft drinks, demonstrates a tangible reduction in sugar consumption, particularly among children.

Conversely, proponents of individual agency argue that paternalistic policies infringe upon personal liberty and autonomy. They assert that adults possess the cognitive capacity to make rational decisions about their diet, and that government overreach can foster a culture of dependency. Moreover, they caution against the unintended consequences of well-meaning policies, such as the regressive nature of sin taxes, which disproportionately affect lower-income households.

In my considered opinion, the optimal approach is a synergistic one. Governments should assume the role of enablers, not dictators, by creating an ecosystem that facilitates healthy choices—for example, by investing in public green spaces for physical activity, regulating food advertising to children, and subsidizing fresh produce. Simultaneously, individuals must embrace their agency through education, self-reflection, and lifestyle modification. The concept of 'nudge theory'—whereby subtle policy changes guide behavior without coercion—offers a promising middle ground.

In conclusion, the dichotomy between state and individual responsibility is a false one. A holistic, multi-stakeholder approach that leverages the strengths of both is the only viable path towards a healthier society. The challenge lies not in choosing sides, but in forging a collaborative framework that respects both collective well-being and personal freedom.

Common Mistakes

❌Using vague vocabulary: "Good health" → "Optimal well-being" or "robust health."

❌Ignoring the counter-argument: Always discuss both sides, even if you agree with one.

❌Lack of examples: "Many people are unhealthy" → "For example, 30% of adults in the US are obese."

❌Overgeneralizing: "Everyone should exercise" → "Regular physical activity, such as 30 minutes of brisk walking daily, is beneficial."

❌Forgetting the conclusion: Always summarize and restate your opinion.

Top Tips

Tip 1: Memorize 10 health-specific phrases (e.g., "sedentary lifestyle," "preventative medicine," "healthcare disparities").

Tip 2: Always plan your essay for 2 minutes before writing.

Tip 3: Use real-world examples (e.g., "In Japan, the government promotes walking through infrastructure").

Tip 4: Practice with a timer—40 minutes per essay.

Tip 5: Read sample Band 9 essays to internalize structure and vocabulary.

Resources

Check out IELTS Active for practice tests and study materials.

FAQ

Q: How can I improve my vocabulary for health essays? A: Read health articles from BBC, The Guardian, or WHO reports. Make a list of 20-30 terms like "obesity epidemic," "mental health stigma," "universal coverage." Q: What if I don't know much about a health topic? A: Use general knowledge and logic. For example, if you don't know about sugar taxes, think about common sense: "Taxing sugary drinks might reduce consumption but could be unpopular." Q: How long should my essay be? A: Aim for 250-300 words. Quality over quantity. Q: Can I use personal examples? A: Yes, but only if they are relevant and general (e.g., "In my country, many people have started jogging in parks").

Key Takeaways

✅Health topics are common in IELTS—master them for a higher score.

✅Use specific vocabulary and real-world examples.

✅Always discuss both sides of an argument.

✅Practice with the 60 questions above to build confidence.

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