1
Why do many people find it challenging to maintain healthy habits in modern society?
I suppose the main obstacle is the fast-paced nature of modern life. Most people are juggling demanding jobs and family commitments, which leaves very little mental bandwidth for meal preparation or exercise. For instance, after a ten-hour shift, grabbing ultra-processed convenience food is far easier than cooking from scratch. That said, a lack of self-discipline plays a role, but the sheer convenience of unhealthy alternatives makes consistency remarkably difficult for the average person.
2
Do you think governments should take direct responsibility for encouraging healthy living?
Yes, I firmly believe state intervention is necessary because poor public health places an immense burden on public services. Governments can implement preventative healthcare policies, such as taxing sugary beverages or funding accessible green spaces. In several European countries, subsidising sports facilities has drastically reduced lifestyle-related illnesses. However, authorities must strike a balance so that regulations do not feel overly intrusive or infringe on personal freedom.
3
How have modern working patterns affected people's physical well-being?
They have had a largely detrimental impact, primarily due to the rise of sedentary lifestyles. With so many individuals working remotely or in offices, physical movement has been engineered out of daily routines. For example, sitting for long stretches often leads to chronic back pain and cardiovascular issues. On the other hand, flexible working does allow disciplined people to fit exercise into their day, although many still struggle to switch off.
4
Will technology make people healthier in the future, or less active?
It could easily go either way, but I suspect it might be somewhat counterproductive overall. While wearable devices and health trackers provide useful data that motivates people to walk more, automation simultaneously reduces our need to exert physical effort. For instance, delivery services and automated transport mean people rarely need to leave their sofas. Thus, despite advanced health insights, our actual activity levels might continue to decline.
5
What are the advantages of promoting healthy living in schools compared to adulthood?
The primary benefit is that habits formed in childhood tend to become deeply ingrained. When schools teach nutritional literacy and make physical activity enjoyable, children carry those instincts into later life. For example, a child who learns to cook balanced meals is far less likely to rely on takeaways as an adult. Of course, adult education matters too, but reversing decades of poor habits is substantially harder.
Use the shape, not the sentences: a view, a reason, an example, a limit. Examiners mark memorised answers down.