This question asks if healthy food and exercise are really necessary for longevity.
The question asks, ‘to what extent do you agree or disagree ‘ with a given statement. With this question type, you don’t have to discuss different points of view. However, for an examiner to award the higher band 9.0, they will want to see that you have covered all parts of the topic.
This model essay follows the following template:
Introduction: with the position/opinion
1st Body Paragraph: gives one argument to support the point of view
2nd Body Paragraph: gives a second argument to support the writer’s opinion
Conclusion: paraphrases the writer’s position and the topic sentences
The Question
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people think that we can live a long and healthy life without regular exercise or a balanced diet.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
The Answer
It may be an uncomfortable truth for some, but those who think exercise and diet are not fundamental to longevity are unfortunately mistaken. For the vast majority of people, eating well and moving more will directly result in living a longer, healthier and happier life.
The impact of our lifestyle choices on our health is extremely well documented. Since at least the 1960s, science has shown repeatedly that eating the right foods in the correct amount, combined with regular physical activity, reduces the risk of developing a wide range of health conditions and associated complications. The consensus among the scientific and medical community is clear, and to suggest otherwise is mere speculation.
Diet and exercise are interlinked; they go hand in hand. Poor nutrition inhibits the body from reaping the full benefits of physical activity, while a sedentary lifestyle often increases the desire to eat unhealthy foods – thus creating a vicious circle and accelerating weight gain. On the other hand, consuming healthy foods empowers the human body to perform better, thus making exercise more enjoyable – which, in turn, reduces cravings for junk food. With improved metabolism comes psychological benefits, too; among them are the release of endorphins, which contribute to a more positive mood, a reduction in stress and a higher quality of sleep.
To conclude, it is indisputable that lifestyle makes a significant impact on our health and wellbeing, both physically and psychologically. I therefore strongly disagree with the idea that you can live a long, healthy life without eating well and exercising often.
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