Question:
Some people believe that the best way to improve public health is
by increasing the number of sports facilities.
Others, however, think that this would have little effect on public
health.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion
Numerous people believe that the general health of the public can
be enhanced by providing sports amenities to people. Contrary to
that, others contest that it will have little impact on the general
public's health. In my opinion, although the provision of gaming
facilities will have a positive impact, there are more grave
concerns that need urgent attention, and need to be addressed.
In this essay, I will discuss both viewpoints and articulate my
opinion.
On the one hand, proponents of sports facilities believe that a
healthy environment will lead to a healthy mind and a fit body. If
there are more open spaces to play sports, such as football or
table tennis, it will encourage people to adopt healthy habits. As a
result of this, the dopamine levels in their bodies will increase,
decreasing serious problems, namely depression-related
disorders. Not only will it have a positive health impact, but also
propel people to spend time outdoors in nature. This, in turn, will
benefit society as a whole. I believe it will play a significant role in
promoting the overall well-being of the citizens.
On the other hand, the opponents tend to differ and doubt the
efficacy of this approach. They claim that its positive impact will
not be far-reaching and minimal because it fails to address graver
concerns, such as hunger, disease, and illiteracy. A good example
of this is the country, Pakistan, where the most attention-
deserving issues are poverty, malnutrition, and the lack of
education. Investing in these areas will affect society positively,
addressing the issues. If strategic funding is invested in these
areas, it could alleviate inequality and help the more needy.
I believe that, undoubtedly, sports does have a positive impact on
the lives and minds of people because of its numerous benefits. It
can help reduce certain cardiovascular diseases, whose ratio is
substantially increasing, owing to the unhealthy lifestyles of many
people. Nonetheless, it cannot solely be relied on for the
betterment of the nation. Striking a balance between the two
approaches could definitely yield fruitful results. An all-
encompassing and all-inclusive approach will be better.
In conclusion, there are two schools of thought on strengthening a
country’s prosperous state. Games and sports contribute
positively, but they are not the only method to improve the well-
being of people. More serious and underlying concerns should be
given due attention, benefiting the country as a whole.
Band 8 Model Essay
Some people argue that expanding the number of sports facilities is the most
effective way to improve public health, while others believe that this approach
would have a limited impact. This essay will examine both perspectives before
presenting my own view.
On the one hand, supporters of increased investment in sports facilities contend
that greater access to recreational spaces encourages people to adopt healthier
lifestyles. When individuals have opportunities to participate in physical activities
such as football or table tennis, they are more likely to exercise regularly, which
contributes to both physical fitness and mental well-being. Moreover, engaging in
outdoor activities can help reduce stress levels and promote social interaction,
thereby strengthening community cohesion. From this perspective, sports facilities
play an important role in enhancing overall public health.
On the other hand, critics argue that simply increasing the number of sports
facilities does not address the root causes of poor health. In many developing
countries, more pressing issues such as poverty, malnutrition, and limited access to
education have a far greater impact on public health outcomes. For example, in
countries like Pakistan, a large proportion of the population struggles with
inadequate nutrition and healthcare, problems that cannot be resolved through
sports infrastructure alone. Without tackling these fundamental challenges, the
benefits of additional sports facilities are likely to remain limited.
In my opinion, while sports facilities undoubtedly contribute to a healthier society,
they should not be viewed as a standalone solution. Physical activity can help
reduce the risk of lifestyle-related diseases, but long-term improvements in public
health require a more comprehensive strategy. Governments should therefore adopt
a balanced approach by promoting physical activity alongside investing in
healthcare, education, and poverty reduction.
In conclusion, although sports facilities can positively influence public health, their
impact is restricted if broader social and economic issues are ignored. A holistic
policy framework is essential to achieve sustainable improvements in the well-
being of the population.
Why This Is Band 8
✔ Fully developed and balanced argument
✔ Precise, natural academic vocabulary
✔ Clear cohesion without repetition
✔ Sophisticated yet controlled grammar
✔ No overgeneralisation or risky claims
🔗 How OTHER Linkers Are Embedded
Naturally (Band 7–8)
🧠 First: the core idea
Most linkers are actually adverbs.
Adverbs are flexible — they can sit before the verb, after the subject, or at the end.
Embedding = placing the linker where adverbs normally live.
1️⃣ However (contrast)
Sentence-start (clear contrast)
However, this approach is ineffective.
Embedded (formal, Band 8)
This approach, however, is ineffective.
🧠 WHY:
however comments on the whole sentence
commas mark it as a side note
2️⃣ Therefore / Thus / Hence (result)
Embedded (BEST for IELTS)
Governments should therefore invest in healthcare.
This policy will thus reduce inequality.
🧠 WHY:
result linkers work best near the verb
keeps logic smooth, not dramatic
3️⃣ Also (addition)
Embedded (almost always preferred)
This policy also improves public health.
🧠 WHY:
also is weak at sentence start
naturally modifies the verb
❌ Also, this policy improves public health. (sounds spoken)
4️⃣ Moreover / Furthermore (strong addition)
Sentence-start (most natural)
Moreover, it reduces long-term costs.
Embedded (advanced but rare)
It, moreover, reduces long-term costs.
🧠 WHY:
these add new ideas, so starting the sentence helps clarity
embedding is formal but should be used sparingly
5️⃣ Nonetheless / Nevertheless (concession)
Sentence-start (safe)
Nevertheless, the policy has limitations.
Embedded (formal)
The policy, nevertheless, has limitations.
🧠 WHY:
works like however, showing contrast with concession
6️⃣ Instead (replacement / contrast)
Embedded (very natural)
Governments should invest in education instead.
This policy encourages prevention instead of treatment.
🧠 WHY:
instead usually comes at the end or after the verb
7️⃣ Consequently / As a result (effect)
Sentence-start
Consequently, unemployment rates declined.
Embedded
Unemployment rates consequently declined.
🧠 WHY:
consequently behaves like therefore
embedded = academic
🧠 GOLDEN PATTERNS (memorise these)
✔ Result linkers → near the verb
therefore
thus
hence
consequently
👉 Subject + linker + verb
✔ Contrast linkers → commas
however
nevertheless
nonetheless
👉 Subject, linker, rest of sentence
✔ Weak add-ons → embedded
also
too
👉 Subject + also + verb
🎯 Final exam tip
If you’re unsure:
don’t stack linkers
embed one instead of starting every sentence with one