Manpreet from Jalandhar answered a Part 3 question about healthy lifestyles using only “healthy” and “unhealthy”. The examiner’s follow-up questions left her searching for words.

Learn IELTS health vocabulary as phrases with their usual partners, not as single words. The 15 phrases below sit in two groups, with three Task 2 questions and three Part 3 questions to practise on.

Why Do Follow-Up Questions Need More Than “Healthy”?

The official IELTS website says Part 3 tests your ability to explain your opinions and to analyse, discuss and speculate about issues. That needs words for causes, effects and solutions, not only “healthy” and “unhealthy”.

Long working hours, desk jobs, yoga and health insurance give you examples from daily life.

Health Words: Lifestyle

Word or phrase Meaning Example
sedentary lifestyle A way of life with a lot of sitting and little exercise. Desk jobs can lead to a sedentary lifestyle.
physical activity Movement that uses energy, such as walking, sport or housework. Regular physical activity helps people control their weight.
junk food Quick, convenient food that is thought to be bad for health. Eating too much junk food can harm your health.
obesity The condition of being so overweight that it harms health. The clinic runs a programme to help children with obesity.
mental health The condition of a person’s mind and emotions. Employers can support staff’s mental health by offering counselling.
stress-related illness An illness that is caused or made worse by stress. Long working hours can lead to stress-related illness.
regular check-ups Routine visits to a doctor or dentist to check your health. Regular check-ups can help doctors find problems early.
well-being General health and happiness. Walking in a park can support your physical and mental well-being.

Health Words: Healthcare

Word or phrase Meaning Example
healthcare system All the services and organisations that provide medical care in a country. A healthcare system needs enough doctors, nurses and hospitals.
access to healthcare Being able to reach and use medical services when you need them. People living far from hospitals may lack access to healthcare.
preventive healthcare Care that aims to stop illness before it starts. Preventive healthcare, such as vaccination, may lower long-term hospital costs.
public health campaign A planned effort to teach the public about a health issue. A public health campaign can teach people about healthy habits.
health insurance Insurance that pays for your medical treatment if you are ill. Health insurance can help families pay for sudden medical bills.
chronic disease An illness that lasts a long time and cannot be cured. Many people live with a chronic disease such as diabetes for years.
life expectancy The number of years a person is likely to live. Better healthcare can increase life expectancy.

Collocation and Word Form: Errors to Avoid

Incorrect: “Many desk workers do a sedentary lifestyle during the week.”

Correct: “Many desk workers lead a sedentary lifestyle during the week.”

Dictionary examples use lead, live or adopt a lifestyle, not “do” one.

Incorrect: “He became obesity after years of eating junk food.”

Correct: “He became obese after years of eating junk food.”

Obesity is the noun; obese is the adjective.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Health Practice Questions

Give yourself five minutes to plan each answer, which is our advice, not an IELTS rule. Then write it using at least four phrases from the tables.

Practice question 1 (written for this post)

Some people think governments are mainly responsible for people’s health, while others believe individuals are. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

  • Governments fund healthcare systems and can run public health campaigns.
  • Individuals decide what to eat and whether to take regular physical activity.
  • Individuals have limited control over factors such as poverty and pollution.
  • Government campaigns may achieve little if people ignore the advice.

Practice question 2 (written for this post)

Some people argue that employers should be responsible for the mental health of their staff. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

  • Long hours and tight deadlines can contribute to stress-related illness.
  • Supportive workplaces may improve staff morale and reduce absence.
  • Employers cannot control personal problems that affect staff’s well-being.
  • Employees also need to look after their own health outside work.

Practice question 3 (written for this post)

Many people are less physically active than people were in the past. Why is this, and what can be done about it?

  • Desk jobs and long commutes can leave little time or energy for exercise.
  • Screens may replace outdoor play and sport in free time.
  • Cities could provide safe parks and walking paths.
  • Employers and schools could build short activity breaks into the day.

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Health Questions and Sample Answers

Practise extended answers on abstract topics and language for giving reasons with these questions.

Why do many people now have less active lifestyles than in the past?

Sample answer (illustrative Band 7)

Mainly because of desk jobs. In the past, people did more manual work and walked more, but now many of us sit for hours and then travel home. A sedentary lifestyle like that, with very little physical activity, can lead to health problems later.

Is it better to prevent illness or to treat it?

Sample answer (illustrative Band 7)

Prevention is better, in my view, because treating a chronic disease can cost a lot over many years. Regular check-ups and public health campaigns help people spot problems early. Of course, we still need good hospitals, so a healthcare system has to do both.

Should schools teach children about health?

Sample answer (illustrative Band 7)

Yes, I think so. Children can learn about junk food and mental health at school, and they may pass those habits on to their families. But parents matter too, so school shouldn’t be the only place where children learn about well-being.

Tip

Pair each habit in your notes with a possible effect, then add one solution for each.

Key Takeaways

  • Learn health phrases with their usual partners, not just “healthy”.
  • Check word class: obesity is a noun, obese is an adjective.
  • Cover both personal choices and government action in Task 2.

The bottom line: In your next health answer, replace “healthy” with a more specific phrase, such as sedentary lifestyle or preventive healthcare.