The topic of universal healthcare access has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing approximately 3-4 times annually in recent years. Understanding The role of universal healthcare in modern societies is crucial for IELTS candidates as it frequently emerges in various forms, from discussing government responsibilities to debating healthcare funding models.
Universal healthcare access importance in modern society
Analysis of Common Question Types
Based on past IELTS examinations, questions about universal healthcare typically fall into three categories:
- Government responsibility
- Public vs private healthcare systems
- Healthcare funding and resource allocation
For today’s sample essays, we’ll focus on this frequently appearing question:
Some people believe that governments should provide universal access to healthcare, while others think individuals should pay for their own healthcare. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Essay Analysis Guide
This question requires candidates to:
- Examine both perspectives on healthcare funding
- Present balanced arguments
- Provide a clear personal stance
- Support arguments with relevant examples
The role of healthcare access in social equity shows us how this topic intersects with broader social issues.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.0)
The debate over whether healthcare should be universally provided by governments or individually funded is increasingly relevant in today’s society. While both approaches have their merits, I believe a government-funded universal healthcare system is more beneficial for society as a whole.
Those who advocate for individual healthcare funding argue that it promotes personal responsibility and reduces the burden on public resources. When people pay for their own medical care, they tend to make more conscious health choices and only seek treatment when necessary. Additionally, private healthcare systems often provide higher quality services and shorter waiting times due to market competition.
However, government-provided universal healthcare offers several compelling advantages. Firstly, it ensures that all citizens, regardless of their financial status, have access to essential medical services. This prevents the creation of a two-tier society where quality healthcare becomes a privilege of the wealthy. Moreover, universal healthcare systems often focus more on preventive care, which can reduce long-term healthcare costs and improve public health outcomes.
From my perspective, government-funded healthcare is more advantageous because it aligns with fundamental human rights and promotes social equality. Countries with universal healthcare systems, such as Canada and Sweden, demonstrate how this approach can lead to better overall health outcomes while protecting vulnerable populations from catastrophic medical expenses.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Healthcare access is an important topic in many countries today. Some people think governments should provide free healthcare, while others believe individuals should pay for it themselves. This essay will discuss both views and share my opinion.
People who support individual healthcare payment say it is better because it makes people more responsible. When people pay their own medical bills, they take better care of their health and don’t waste medical resources. Also, private healthcare often has better service and shorter waiting times.
On the other hand, government healthcare has many benefits. It helps poor people get medical treatment when they need it. Many people cannot afford expensive treatments, so government support is necessary. Also, when the government manages healthcare, it can control costs better.
I think government healthcare is better because it helps everyone in society. For example, in my country, many people avoid going to doctors because they cannot pay, which causes bigger health problems later. When the government provides healthcare, everyone can stay healthy and work better.
Should governments invest in clean water access presents similar arguments about public resource management.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8.0 Essay:
- Cohesive argument development
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Clear position with well-supported points
- Excellent paragraph organization
- Appropriate use of academic language
Band 6.5 Essay:
- Basic argument structure
- Simple but clear language
- Limited range of complex sentences
- Some repetition in vocabulary
- Basic examples and supporting evidence
Key Vocabulary
- Universal healthcare (n) /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsl ˈhelθkeər/ – healthcare available to all citizens
- Catastrophic expenses (n) /ˌkætəˈstrɒfɪk ɪkˈspensɪz/ – extremely high costs
- Two-tier system (n) /ˈtuː tɪə ˈsɪstəm/ – divided service levels
- Preventive care (n) /prɪˈventɪv keə/ – health maintenance to avoid illness
- Public resources (n) /ˈpʌblɪk rɪˈsɔːsɪz/ – government-funded facilities
Conclusion
Understanding how to write about importance of universal healthcare access is essential for IELTS success. Practice writing your own essay using these models as references. Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and improvement suggestions.
