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:
Some governments are spending public money on building free sports facilities and gyms for all citizens.
Is this a positive or 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.
Some governments are spending public money on building free sports facilities and gyms for all citizens. I believe this is a positive development, although its success depends on how well the facilities are planned.
The benefits to health and society are considerable. Regular exercise reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes and depression, so a physically active population places less pressure on hospitals and enjoys a better quality of life. Free access matters because gym fees and club memberships are too expensive for many low-income families, so public facilities give everyone the chance to be active. They also serve as meeting places where neighbours, young people and elderly residents can interact, which builds community and keeps teenagers away from antisocial behaviour. Finland and Singapore are examples of countries that have invested heavily in public sports centres and parks as part of their health policy.
On the other hand, critics worry about cost and use. Building and maintaining stadiums, pools and gyms requires a significant amount of public money, which could be used for schools or hospitals, and some facilities become underused or neglected if they are in the wrong location or lack equipment and staff. People who already exercise are the most likely to use them, while those who most need to become active may not be attracted, so the health benefits might be smaller than expected.
To avoid this, governments should consult residents about what they want, place facilities close to homes and public transport and offer programmes such as classes and coaching to attract beginners. Funding should include maintenance costs as well as construction.
In conclusion, free sports facilities promote health and community life, and if they are carefully planned and promoted, their benefits justify the spending.
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| sports facilities | places for exercise |
| preventive healthcare | steps to avoid illness |
| community spirit | sense of togetherness |
| taxpayers' money | public funds |
| low-income households | families with little money |
| active lifestyle | regular physical activity |
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