IELTS Writing Task 2 (June 2026): Why Do People Continue Unhealthy Habits Despite Knowing the Risks?

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IELTS Writing Task 2 — June 2026

Why Do People Continue Unhealthy Habits Despite Knowing the Risks?

Learn how a Band 7 essay is structured, test your vocabulary, and discover what IELTS examiners really want.

⏱ 8 min read 🎯 Target: Band 7.0+ 📝 IELTS Task 2

📋 The Actual IELTS Question

June 2026 — Task 2 Question

Science has shown that some activities are good for people's health, while others are harmful. Despite knowing this, millions of people around the world continue to engage in unhealthy activities. Why do you think this happens? What can be done to encourage people to adopt healthier lifestyles?

💡 This is a two-part question. You must address both parts — reasons and solutions — or your Task Response score will suffer, regardless of how well you write.

🧠 Quick Vocabulary Quiz

Quiz 1 of 3 — Fill in the Blank

People continue unhealthy habits ______ knowing their negative effects.

✅ Correct — "Despite"
"Despite" means in spite of or even though. It introduces a contrast and is widely used in Band 7+ IELTS writing.

Example: Despite knowing that smoking causes serious diseases, many people continue to smoke.

Quiz 2 of 3 — Sentence Improvement

Which sentence sounds more like Band 7 IELTS writing?

✅ Correct — Option B
Band 7+ essays use precise vocabulary, formal register, and developed ideas — not single-word labels like "lazy." Examiners reward specificity.

✍️ Band 7 Sample Answer

Complete Model Essay

Science has demonstrated that certain activities promote good health, whereas others can be harmful. Nevertheless, many people continue to engage in unhealthy behaviours despite being fully aware of their negative consequences.

One major reason is that knowledge alone is often insufficient to change behaviour. Habits such as smoking, excessive drinking, and consuming junk food can become highly addictive. Although people understand the risks, they may struggle to overcome physical and psychological dependence. Furthermore, modern life is increasingly stressful, causing many individuals to use unhealthy habits as coping mechanisms.

Several measures can be taken to encourage healthier lifestyles. Governments should invest in public health campaigns that educate people about risks and provide practical solutions. In addition, higher taxes on cigarettes and sugary drinks may discourage consumption. Authorities should also improve access to affordable sports facilities, parks, and recreational centres so that healthy choices become easier and more attractive.

In conclusion, addiction, stress, and convenience often prevent people from making healthier decisions. Through education, government action, and improved access to healthy alternatives, societies can encourage positive lifestyle changes.

🔍 Why This Essay Deserves Band 7

Task Response

• Answers both parts of the question
• Provides clear reasons and practical solutions

Coherence & Cohesion

• Logical paragraph structure throughout
• Appropriate linking words used naturally

Lexical Resource

• Psychological dependence
• Public health campaigns
• Recreational centres
• Healthy alternatives

Grammar Range & Accuracy

• Mix of simple and complex sentences
• Accurate punctuation throughout

⚠️ Why Most Students Stay at Band 6

❌ Mistake 1: One Reason Only

"People smoke because they like it."
Too simple, lacks development. Always give at least two distinct reasons.

❌ Mistake 2: Vague Solutions

"Governments should make people healthy."
How? IELTS examiners expect specific, realistic solutions — taxes, campaigns, facilities.

❌ Mistake 3: Repeating Basic Vocabulary

"Bad habits." "Bad food." "Bad activities."
Use precise academic expressions instead — sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy dietary habits, addictive behaviour.

❌ Mistake 4: Points Without Explanation

Never state a point and move on. Explain why, give an example, and state the result. That is what separates Band 6 from Band 7.

📚 Vocabulary Bank — Use These in Your Essay

Word / Phrase	Meaning
Addiction	Dependence on a substance or behaviour
Psychological Dependence	Mental reliance on a habit or activity
Public Health Campaign	Government-run awareness programme
Sedentary Lifestyle	A lifestyle with very little physical activity
Preventive Measures	Actions taken in advance to avoid a problem
Financial Incentives	Monetary rewards to encourage certain behaviour
Health-Conscious	Actively mindful of maintaining good health
Recreational Facilities	Spaces for exercise, sport, and leisure

⚙️ The IELTS Writing Formula

Every body paragraph should follow this structure:

Point

→

Explain

→

Example

→

Result

Students who follow this consistently produce more developed ideas and score higher on Task Response.

🏆 Final Challenge — Can You Spot the Band 7 Sentence?

Quiz 3 of 3 — Sentence Quality

Which sentence would score higher in an IELTS essay?

✅ Correct — Option B
Sentence B demonstrates stronger vocabulary (widespread availability, processed food, dietary habits), more precise phrasing, and an academic style that IELTS examiners reward with higher Lexical Resource scores.

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