IELTS Writing Task 2 - Essay

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

It is undeniable that earlier generations led notably active lifestyles and followed more balanced diets. As the world continues to evolve, so do our habits. Many people worry that the growing prevalence of fast-food culture and sedentary routines has a detrimental effect on children’s health. I firmly believe that today’s diet and way of living pose a serious threat to the well-being of younger generations, and I will elaborate on this in the following paragraphs.

One major issue is the convenience-driven food culture. Thanks to rapid technological advances and widespread delivery services, ordering meals at home has never been easier. Although this approach saves time and effort, it often involves consuming calorie-dense, oily, and highly processed foods. Over time, such unhealthy eating patterns can lead to conditions like high cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension among the young. For example, recent studies indicate that childhood obesity rates in many developed nations have tripled over the past few decades. Additionally, restaurants, food trucks, and cafés are readily accessible and affordable, making it simpler for children and adolescents to pick up lunch or dinner on the go and perpetuating a cycle of poor dietary choices.

Another contributing factor is the decline in regular physical activity compared to previous generations. In the past, people typically walked or cycled to work, performed more labor-intensive jobs, and participated in regular exercise sessions at school. Nowadays, many educational institutions prioritize academic subjects and standardized testing over physical education, providing fewer organized opportunities for children to stay active. Although gyms and extracurricular sports exist, they often require fees and additional time that some families simply cannot spare.

In conclusion, modern eating habits and an increasingly sedentary lifestyle place young people at a higher risk of chronic health problems. The abundance of inexpensive, unhealthy food options—and the ease with which they can be obtained—exacerbates these issues. To safeguard the next generation, it is essential for families and schools to collaborate by promoting healthier dietary habits and ensuring that regular physical activities remain an integral part of children’s lives.