The Sedentary Lifestyle

IELTS Writing Practice — AI-Powered Feedback

Writing Prompt

People in modern societies are becoming increasingly inactive, spending most of their day sitting at desks or in front of screens.

Why are people less physically active than in the past? What can be done to encourage a more active lifestyle?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Show Band 8–9 model answer

In many contemporary societies, physical inactivity has become a defining feature of daily life. While previous generations typically engaged in manual work and active leisure, today’s adults and children alike spend long hours seated. This essay will examine the main reasons for this trend and propose practical measures to promote more active lifestyles.

The first major cause is the transformation of work. Advances in technology have replaced physical labour with computer-based tasks in offices, call centres and even factories. Employees now perform most duties with a keyboard and mouse, often without leaving their chairs for extended periods. A second factor is the dominance of digital entertainment. Streaming services, social media and video games offer convenient, low-effort forms of leisure that compete directly with outdoor activities and sports. Urban design also contributes: many cities prioritise cars over pedestrians and cyclists, making active commuting inconvenient or unsafe. Finally, long working hours and academic pressure leave people feeling too tired or time-poor to exercise.

However, several interventions could help reverse this pattern. Governments can invest in safe cycle lanes, parks and sports facilities, thereby integrating movement into everyday routines rather than treating exercise as a luxury. Workplaces should introduce standing desks, walking meetings and scheduled stretch breaks to reduce prolonged sitting. For instance, some companies that encourage employees to take short walking breaks report improved productivity as well as better health. Schools can also play a vital role by ensuring daily physical education and limiting screen-based homework for younger children. At the individual level, people can set realistic goals, such as walking or cycling for short journeys, using fitness apps to track progress, and choosing active hobbies over passive entertainment.

In conclusion, modern work patterns, digital leisure and car-centred environments have all contributed to widespread inactivity. Through coordinated changes in urban planning, workplace culture, education and personal habits, societies can make active living the easier and more attractive choice.

Why this response works

This essay is clearly organised with a concise introduction, two well-developed body paragraphs and a focused conclusion. The position is consistent and directly addresses both parts of the question. Ideas are extended with specific, relevant examples (office work, digital entertainment, urban design, workplace initiatives). Cohesion is strong, with logical progression and varied linking. Lexical resource is broad and precise (e.g. “car-centred environments”, “integrating movement into everyday routines”). Grammar is accurate and varied, with complex structures used naturally and only minimal, unobtrusive error, making it a strong high-band exemplar.