Plan this positive or negative essay about health with the ideas and outline below, write it on a 40-minute timer, then compare it with a band-8 model answer.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Many people now use apps and wearable devices to track their steps, sleep and diet.
Do you think this is a positive or a negative development?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
GoPrep wrote this practice question in the style of the exam. It is not an official IELTS question.
Pick two or three points from one or both columns. You do not need all of them, and your own examples score better than memorised ones.
Spend the first few minutes planning, then write.
0 words of 250 minimum
Your answer stays on this page only. Copy it before you leave.
Write your own answer first, then compare: how it answers the exact question, what each paragraph does, and which phrases you could borrow.
More and more people use apps and wearable devices to track their steps, sleep and diet. I believe this is a mainly positive development, although it carries some risks.
The main advantage is motivation. Seeing a daily step count or a sleep score makes health visible and gives users a clear target, so many people walk more or go to bed earlier simply to reach their goal. Devices can also share progress with friends, which adds friendly competition and encouragement. For people with conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, regular data allows them and their doctors to notice patterns and adjust treatment sooner. Some watches have even detected irregular heartbeats that users were not aware of, prompting them to seek treatment in time.
However, there are drawbacks. Some users become obsessed with the figures and feel anxious or guilty when they miss a target, which can lead to unhealthy behaviour such as extreme dieting. Consumer devices are not always accurate, and misleading numbers may either falsely reassure someone who is ill or cause needless worry. Privacy is another concern, since companies collect sensitive information about people's bodies and habits and may sell it to insurers or advertisers. In addition, the cost of the devices means that those who might benefit most can be left out.
These problems can be limited if users treat the data as a general guide, not a strict rule, and if governments regulate how health information is stored and shared. Doctors should remain the main source of medical advice.
In conclusion, fitness technology encourages healthier lifestyles and helps with early detection of problems, and since its risks can be reduced with sensible use and regulation, I consider it a positive trend.
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| wearable device | gadget worn on the body |
| health monitoring | checking health regularly |
| fitness goals | targets for exercise |
| obsession | unhealthy preoccupation |
| personal data | information about an individual |
| self-motivation | drive from within |
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