The topic of government-provided healthcare is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on analysis of past exams and current global trends, it’s highly likely that this subject will continue to appear frequently in future tests. Let’s examine a specific question related to this topic and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Some people believe that governments should provide free healthcare for all citizens. Others think that individuals should be responsible for their own healthcare costs. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question asks you to discuss two contrasting viewpoints on healthcare provision:
- Governments should provide free healthcare for all citizens
- Individuals should be responsible for their own healthcare costs
You are required to:
- Discuss both views
- Provide your own opinion
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score.
Healthcare Debate
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Healthcare is a fundamental human right, and its provision has been a subject of intense debate worldwide. While some argue that governments should bear the responsibility of providing free healthcare to all citizens, others contend that individuals should be accountable for their own medical expenses. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of government-funded healthcare argue that it ensures equal access to medical services for all citizens, regardless of their socioeconomic status. This approach can lead to a healthier population overall, as preventive care becomes more accessible, potentially reducing long-term healthcare costs. Moreover, a healthier workforce contributes to increased productivity and economic growth. Countries like the United Kingdom and Canada have successfully implemented universal healthcare systems, demonstrating the feasibility of this model.
On the other hand, those who advocate for individual responsibility in healthcare costs argue that this approach promotes personal accountability for one’s health choices. They contend that when people are financially invested in their healthcare, they are more likely to make healthier lifestyle choices and use medical services judiciously. Furthermore, proponents argue that privatized healthcare systems often lead to innovation and higher quality services due to competition among providers.
In my opinion, a balanced approach that combines elements of both viewpoints would be most beneficial. Governments should provide a basic level of healthcare coverage for all citizens, ensuring that essential medical services are accessible to everyone. This could include preventive care, emergency services, and treatment for chronic diseases. However, individuals should also have the option to purchase additional private insurance for enhanced coverage or specialized treatments.
This hybrid model would address the core ethical concern of healthcare as a basic right while still maintaining elements of personal responsibility and choice. It would also allow for a more sustainable healthcare system by distributing costs between the government and individuals based on usage and preferences.
In conclusion, while both arguments have merit, a compromise between government-provided healthcare and individual responsibility seems to be the most pragmatic solution. This approach would ensure basic healthcare for all while still allowing for personal choice and accountability in health matters.
(Word count: 329)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Healthcare is an important issue that affects everyone. Some people think the government should give free healthcare to all citizens, while others believe individuals should pay for their own healthcare. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support free government healthcare say it is good for society. When everyone can see a doctor without worrying about money, people are healthier. This means fewer sick days at work and school. Also, it helps poor people who cannot afford to pay for doctors. Countries like the UK have this system, and it works well for them.
On the other hand, people who think individuals should pay for healthcare have different reasons. They say that when people pay for their own healthcare, they take better care of their health. They might exercise more and eat healthier food. Also, private healthcare can sometimes be faster and have better service because hospitals compete with each other.
In my opinion, I think a mix of both ideas is best. The government should provide basic healthcare for everyone, especially for serious illnesses and emergencies. But people should also have the choice to pay for extra services if they want. This way, everyone can get the care they need, but there is still room for private healthcare too.
To conclude, both free government healthcare and individual responsibility have good points. A system that combines both could be the best solution for most countries.
(Word count: 245)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
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Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing each viewpoint, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion. This organization is crucial for achieving a high band score.
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Addressing the Task: Both essays discuss the two viewpoints presented in the question and provide a personal opinion, fulfilling all requirements of the task.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The Band 8-9 essay uses more sophisticated linking words and phrases (e.g., “Moreover,” “Furthermore,” “On the other hand”) compared to the Band 6-7 essay, which uses simpler transitions (e.g., “Also,” “On the other hand”).
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Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay demonstrates a wider range of vocabulary and more precise word choice (e.g., “socioeconomic status,” “preventive care,” “judiciously”) compared to the Band 6-7 essay, which uses simpler vocabulary.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The Band 8-9 essay uses more complex sentence structures and a wider range of grammatical constructions, while the Band 6-7 essay relies on simpler structures.
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Development of Ideas: The Band 8-9 essay provides more detailed explanations and examples to support its arguments, while the Band 6-7 essay offers more basic explanations.
Vocabulary to Remember
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Healthcare system (noun) /ˈhelθkeə ˈsɪstəm/ – The organization of people, institutions, and resources that deliver health care services to meet the health needs of target populations.
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Universal healthcare (noun) /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsl ˈhelθkeə/ – A health care system that provides health care and financial protection to all citizens of a particular country.
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Socioeconomic status (noun) /ˌsəʊʃɪəʊˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈsteɪtəs/ – The social standing or class of an individual or group, often measured as a combination of education, income, and occupation.
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Preventive care (noun) /prɪˈventɪv keə/ – Healthcare services that prevent illnesses or diseases before they occur.
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Judiciously (adverb) /dʒuːˈdɪʃəsli/ – In a way that shows good judgment or sense.
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Privatized (adjective) /ˈpraɪvətaɪzd/ – Transferred from public to private ownership or control.
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Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
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Pragmatic (adjective) /præɡˈmætɪk/ – Dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.
In conclusion, the topic of government-provided healthcare is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related topics such as:
- The impact of universal healthcare on a country’s economy
- The role of private insurance in healthcare systems
- Balancing quality and accessibility in healthcare provision
Remember to always analyze the question carefully, plan your essay structure, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your target band score. Feel free to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.
