Write for an Academic Discussion

A professor has posted a question about a topic and students have responded with their thoughts and ideas. Make a contribution to the discussion.
You will have 10 minutes to write.

Your professor is teaching a class on public health.

In your response, you should do the following.

• • Express and support your opinion.
• • Make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.

An effective response will contain at least 100 words.

Professor’s question:

When discussing public health initiatives, a key debate emerges between two main approaches: education and regulation. One perspective suggests that the best way to encourage healthier lifestyles is by educating the public about good nutrition and exercise. The other argues that government regulations, such as taxes on unhealthy products, are necessary to drive significant change. Which approach do you think is more effective for improving a population's overall health? Why?

Student response 1:

I believe education is the better long-term strategy because it empowers individuals to make informed decisions for themselves. When people understand the reasons behind healthy choices, they are more likely to adopt them permanently. In contrast, regulations can feel restrictive and may not change underlying behaviors.

Student response 2:

While education is important, I think regulations are more effective. Many people know what is healthy, but they don't always act on that knowledge. Regulations, for instance, a tax on sugary drinks, create a direct financial incentive to make a better choice, which can lead to faster and more widespread results.