Real Article: The Cost of Comfort
You wake up. Grab a coffee. Sit at a desk for eight hours. Order food. Watch a show.
This is modern life — and it’s slowly destroying our health.
Across the globe, lifestyle-related diseases are rising. Obesity, diabetes, heart disease — all linked not to infections, but daily habits. Inactivity. Poor diet. Chronic stress. Experts call these the “silent epidemics.”
Governments spend billions treating conditions that, in many cases, are preventable. But fixing the problem isn’t easy. We live in cities built around cars, food systems full of sugar and salt, and jobs that require sitting for most of the day.
Public health experts say we need structural change. Parks, bike lanes, food education, mental health support. These aren’t luxuries — they’re essential. Because the real threat to global health might not be a virus… but our way of life.
Next time you grab fast food or skip sleep, ask: is this just a habit — or a health decision?
Vocabulary Deep Dive
| Word | Synonym | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Chronic illness | Long-term disease | Chronic implies persistent, often lifestyle-related |
| Preventable | Avoidable | Preventable is used in medical/public health contexts |
| Inactivity | Sedentary lifestyle | Inactivity emphasizes lack of movement; sedentary focuses on sitting |
| Public health | Community health | Public health refers to systems, policies, and population-level well-being |
There — now you can talk like a Band 7+ candidate on lifestyle disease and health systems.
Article 2: Not Just a Gym Problem
People often believe health is a personal choice. Eat better. Exercise. Sleep.
But research shows that public health is deeply shaped by economics and infrastructure. In low-income areas, access to healthy food is limited. Fast food is cheap. Green spaces may not exist. Unsafe neighborhoods reduce outdoor activity. These factors make preventable diseases more likely.
Work culture matters too. Long hours and high stress levels contribute to mental and physical decline. Chronic illness doesn’t just appear — it builds silently, over years.
If we want a healthier future, we must build a healthier environment. Not just for individuals, but for society.
IELTS Reading Test
- What are two examples of lifestyle-related illnesses mentioned in Article 1?
- Complete the sentence:
“Chronic illness doesn’t just appear — it ______ silently, over years.” - True / False / Not Given:
Exercise alone is enough to stop lifestyle diseases. - Multiple Choice:
Which of the following best defines “public health”?
A. Personal fitness
B. Hospital treatment
C. Government health strategy
D. Mental health support - Matching Headings (for Article 2):
- A. Health Is a Choice
- B. Health and Environment
- C. Decline of Fitness Culture
- D. Chronic Conditions Defined
- E. Structural Health Inequality
Suggested Answers
- Obesity and diabetes 2. builds 3. Not Given 4. C. Government health strategy 5. A, E, C, D, B
IELTS Speaking Challenge
Focus Vocabulary: chronic illness | preventable | inactivity | public health
Warm-Up:
- How important is physical activity in your daily life?
- Should governments encourage healthy habits?
- What public health problems exist in your country?
Band 6 Style:
“Health is important. People should eat better. Government can help.”
Band 7 Style:
“Many chronic illnesses are preventable through public health policies. However, in areas with poverty or inactivity, these illnesses remain widespread.”
Try This Frame:
“In my opinion, ______ affects people’s health more than ______. A stronger focus on ______ could reduce the risk of ______.”
Try with:
- fast food
- education
- lifestyle
- chronic illness
There — you can speak fluently about modern health challenges.
IELTS Writing Challenge
Task 2 Prompt:
Some people believe health is a personal responsibility. Others argue that the government should ensure public health.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Band 7 Sample:
“While individuals must make healthy choices, the role of government in promoting public health is undeniable. From reducing inactivity through urban design to preventing chronic illness with education, structural changes are essential.”
Structure Guide:
- Intro: Introduce the two positions
- Body 1: Personal responsibility (diet, exercise)
- Body 2: Government support (infrastructure, policy, healthcare access)
- Conclusion: Health is shared responsibility
Use These Words: public health, preventable, chronic illness, inactivity
Grammar Focus: Cause and Effect with “Due to” and “Because of”
Structure:
• Clause + due to + noun
• Clause + because of + noun/phrase
Examples:
• “Chronic diseases are increasing due to inactivity.”
• “Public health is improving because of better education.”
Practice:
- Rewrite: The illness spreads because people eat poorly.
→ The illness spreads due to poor eating habits. - Try your own with:
- stress
- lack of exercise
- sleep patterns
- diet choices
This is key grammar for high-band explanations.
Rewrite Challenge
Question:
Should health be the government’s responsibility?
Sentence Planner:
- Many people suffer from chronic illness due to lifestyle factors.
- Some believe personal choice is the key to better health.
- Others argue that health is shaped by public systems and support.
- In my opinion, governments must lead efforts to prevent disease and promote well-being.
Vocabulary to Include: public health, preventable, chronic illness, inactivity
There — you’ve created a clear, academic response.
Final Reflection
✔️ You’ve just:
• Explored lifestyle illness and public health
• Mastered 4 high-band words
• Practised Band 7 grammar and structure
• Built strong IELTS responses in every skill
Now you can speak and write confidently about health in the modern world.
To learn how to use concession and comparison — essential skills for IELTS and academic writing — join the full course now.
This topic connects to another essential IELTS lesson—check it out here: