Childhood obesity has become a growing global concern in recent decades. In many developed and developing countries alike, the number of overweight children is rising at an alarming rate. While some people argue that the government should take responsibilit...
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This guide provides a detailed analysis of a model essay covering the classic exam topic: Some people think that the government is responsible for the rise in obesity in children, while others think it is the fault of the parents. Discuss both sides and give your opinion. We will unpack the structure, arguments, and language that distinguish a top-grade response, giving you the tools to master the discussion of government vs parents responsibility for childhood obesity on your English exam.
This comprehensive guide delves into crafting a high-scoring discussion essay on the complex issue of childhood obesity. It explores the arguments for both government and parental responsibility, offering a model essay with detailed commentary. Students will learn how to construct a balanced argument, develop a strong thesis, and articulate a nuanced opinion, all while avoiding common pitfalls and demonstrating advanced academic writing skills for English exams.
Discussion essays are a staple of English exams, both written and oral. This task type tests not just your vocabulary and grammar, but also your ability to think critically, structure arguments, evaluate multiple sides of an issue, and conclude with a well-reasoned opinion. The prompt on childhood obesity is a classic example that touches upon themes like individual freedom versus state responsibility, public health, and the role of parenting. By mastering this type of assignment, you demonstrate to the examiner that you can apply your English skills to complex, relevant societal questions—a core competence in the curriculum. This particular topic taps into a broader debate on whether public health is a state or individual responsibility, making it a rich area for discussion.
Below, we will walk through a complete model essay, comment on its strengths, and show you how to build a similar text yourself. We will look at structure, argumentation, and what separates a mediocre response from one that aims for the top grades.
Here is the essay itself. Notice how it is structured with a clear introduction, two paragraphs presenting each side of the issue, a paragraph that seeks a synthesis, and a conclusion. This is a solid and respected structure for a discussion task.
The introduction does three things perfectly: 1) It introduces the topic (childhood obesity) as a significant societal problem. 2) It presents the two conflicting viewpoints required by the prompt (government vs. parents). 3) It concludes with a clear thesis statement that tells the reader what the essay will argue—that responsibility is shared, but parents hold the most decisive role. This thesis acts as a roadmap, giving the examiner a clear sense of your direction from the very beginning.
Childhood obesity has become a growing global concern in recent decades. In many developed and developing countries alike, the number of overweight children is rising at an alarming rate. While some people argue that the government should take responsibility for this issue due to its control over food regulations and education systems, others believe that parents are primarily to blame for their children’s unhealthy habits. This essay will examine both perspectives before arguing that although both sides share responsibility, parents play the most crucial role in preventing childhood obesity.
The next two paragraphs follow a logical structure. Each paragraph begins with a "topic sentence" that clearly presents the main point for that specific paragraph. This is followed by examples and elaborating reasoning (Evidence, Explanation). This is an effective way to build a convincing line of argumentation. The paragraph on parental responsibility, for example, directly addresses the core of the question: Should Parents Be Responsible for Their Children’s Obesity? by outlining their direct influence.
Those who blame the government argue that public authorities have the power to shape the food environment and health education. Governments regulate advertising, taxation, and school meal programs — all of which directly influence children’s eating habits. For instance, the widespread availability of cheap fast food and sugary drinks is often the result of weak government regulation. When authorities fail to impose taxes on unhealthy foods or limit junk food advertising targeting children, they indirectly encourage poor eating behaviors. Moreover, schools are under government control, and they could play a greater role in promoting physical activity and nutritional awareness. In countries like Japan, where the government mandates daily exercise and balanced school lunches, childhood obesity rates are significantly lower. This demonstrates that government policy can have a powerful impact on children’s health outcomes.
On the other hand, parents have a direct influence on their children’s daily routines and eating habits. They decide what food is purchased, how much time children spend watching television, and whether physical exercise is encouraged. When parents rely too heavily on convenience foods or allow unlimited screen time, they contribute to unhealthy lifestyles. For example, consistently buying processed snacks instead of fresh fruit or permitting hours of video games instead of outdoor play can establish detrimental patterns. Furthermore, parents serve as role models. Children often imitate their parents’ behavior, meaning that if adults eat unhealthily or avoid physical activity, their children are likely to follow suit. Therefore, it is essential that parents not only provide nutritious food but also cultivate healthy attitudes toward eating and exercise.
A sign of a mature response is the ability to see nuance and create a synthesis, as is done in the "Shared Responsibility" paragraph. Instead of just leaving the two sides in opposition, the author explores how they can collaborate. The conclusion wraps up the text by summarizing the main points without introducing new information, and it restates the thesis in slightly different words. This provides a sense of closure and completeness.
While both the government and parents have distinct responsibilities, the most effective solution lies in collaboration. Governments can support families by providing public education campaigns about nutrition, restricting junk food advertising, and ensuring that schools serve balanced meals. For instance, a government might fund programs that teach parents how to cook healthy meals on a budget or implement clearer nutritional labeling on food products. At the same time, parents must take personal responsibility by applying this knowledge at home — for example, by cooking more meals from scratch, setting limits on screen time, and engaging children in outdoor activities. This shared approach ensures that children receive consistent messages about health from both home and society. It also prevents either side from shifting the blame entirely onto the other, fostering a collective effort towards better public health outcomes.
In conclusion, the rise in childhood obesity results from a combination of environmental, governmental, and parental factors. However, while governments can create the conditions for healthy living, parents are ultimately the most influential in shaping their children’s behavior. Therefore, both sides must work together — governments providing structure and support, and parents ensuring healthy habits are maintained at home — to address this serious issue effectively.
To write a strong discussion essay, you need to know the key academic terms. Here are the most important ones, explained in detail. …