The topic of universal healthcare provision by governments is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on past exam trends and the current global focus on healthcare systems, it’s highly likely that this topic will continue to appear in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has been featured in recent IELTS exams:
Some people believe that governments should provide free healthcare for all citizens. Others think that individuals should be responsible for their own health and medical costs. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for government-provided free healthcare
- Discuss arguments for individual responsibility in healthcare costs
- Provide a personal opinion on the issue
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score. Let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, starting with a Band 8-9 essay.
Band 8-9 Sample Essay
Healthcare provision is a contentious issue in many countries, with debates centered on whether governments should bear the responsibility or if individuals should manage their own medical expenses. While both perspectives have merit, I believe a balanced approach combining government support and individual responsibility is most effective.
Proponents of free universal healthcare argue that it ensures equal access to medical services for all citizens, regardless of their economic status. This approach can lead to a healthier population overall, as preventive care becomes more accessible, potentially reducing long-term healthcare costs. Moreover, a government-funded system can negotiate better prices for medications and treatments, making healthcare more cost-effective on a national scale.
On the other hand, those who advocate for individual responsibility in healthcare costs argue that it promotes personal accountability for one’s health. When people are financially invested in their healthcare, they may be more inclined to adopt healthier lifestyles and make informed decisions about their medical treatments. Additionally, a system where individuals pay for their healthcare can potentially reduce unnecessary medical visits and procedures, leading to more efficient use of resources.
In my opinion, the ideal approach lies in a hybrid system that combines elements of both viewpoints. 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 be encouraged to take responsibility for their health through co-payments for certain services or incentives for maintaining healthy lifestyles.
This balanced approach would address the ethical imperative of ensuring basic healthcare for all while also promoting individual responsibility and efficient use of resources. It could be implemented through a tiered system where essential services are fully covered by the government, while non-essential or elective procedures require some level of individual contribution.
In conclusion, while the debate between government-provided healthcare and individual responsibility is complex, a nuanced approach that incorporates elements of both can lead to a more equitable and sustainable healthcare system. This balanced solution would ensure that all citizens have access to essential medical services while also encouraging personal accountability for health and well-being.
(Word count: 345)
Explanation of Band 8-9 Score
This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a high band score (8-9) for the following reasons:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion. It offers a nuanced perspective by suggesting a hybrid approach.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. It uses a range of cohesive devices effectively (e.g., “On the other hand”, “Moreover”, “Additionally”).
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “contentious”, “preventive care”, “ethical imperative”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and appropriately (e.g., complex sentences, conditional structures).
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Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with clear reasoning and relevant examples.
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
Healthcare is an important issue in many countries. Some people think the government should provide free healthcare for everyone, while others believe individuals should pay for their own medical costs. Both views have their advantages and disadvantages.
Those who support free healthcare provided by the government say it is good for society. When everyone can see a doctor without worrying about money, people are healthier overall. This is especially important for poor people who might not go to the doctor if they have to pay. Also, if the government controls healthcare, they can make sure everyone gets the same quality of treatment.
On the other hand, people who think individuals should pay for their own healthcare have different reasons. They say that when people pay for their own medical costs, they take better care of their health. For example, they might exercise more or eat healthier food to avoid getting sick. Also, if people have to pay, they might only go to the doctor when they really need to, which could save money for the healthcare system.
In my opinion, I think a mix of both ideas is best. The government should provide basic healthcare for everyone, like emergency services and vaccinations. But for other treatments, people could pay a small amount. This way, everyone can get help when they really need it, but people also have a reason to stay healthy.
To conclude, while both views on healthcare have good points, I believe a system that combines government support with some individual responsibility would work best. This could help keep people healthy while also making sure the healthcare system is not too expensive.
(Word count: 277)
Explanation of Band 6-7 Score
This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a Band 6-7 score for the following reasons:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting both views and offering a personal opinion. However, the ideas are less fully developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure with introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. It uses some cohesive devices, but less skillfully than the higher band essay.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, but lacks the sophistication and range seen in the Band 8-9 essay.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control, but lacks the variety and precision of the higher band essay.
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Development of Ideas: Main points are supported with reasons and examples, but these are less detailed and nuanced compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Universal healthcare concept
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Universal healthcare (noun) /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsl ˈhelθkeə(r)/ – A system where all residents of a country are assured access to healthcare.
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Preventive care (noun) /prɪˈventɪv keə(r)/ – Healthcare services aimed at preventing illnesses before they occur.
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Cost-effective (adjective) /kɒst ɪˈfektɪv/ – Providing good value in relation to the amount of money spent.
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Accountability (noun) /əˌkaʊntəˈbɪləti/ – The fact or condition of being responsible for one’s actions.
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Incentive (noun) /ɪnˈsentɪv/ – Something that motivates or encourages someone to do something.
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Equitable (adjective) /ˈekwɪtəbl/ – Fair and impartial.
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Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
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Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression.
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Imperative (noun) /ɪmˈperətɪv/ – An essential or urgent thing.
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Hybrid (adjective) /ˈhaɪbrɪd/ – Composed of mixed parts or elements.
Conclusion
The topic of government provision of universal healthcare is a complex and frequently debated issue in IELTS Writing Task 2. As demonstrated in the sample essays, a strong response to this question requires a balanced consideration of both perspectives, along with a well-reasoned personal opinion.
For future practice, consider exploring related topics such as:
- The role of private healthcare in a predominantly public system
- The impact of universal healthcare on national economies
- Ethical considerations in healthcare resource allocation
- The relationship between healthcare access and social inequality
To further improve your writing skills, we encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you refine your ideas and writing style, preparing you for success in your IELTS Writing Task 2.
For more insights on related topics, you might find these articles helpful:
- Should There Be a Universal Basic Income?
- The Role of Government in Regulating Artificial Intelligence
- Should Governments Provide Free Internet Access for All Citizens?
Remember, consistent practice and exposure to a variety of perspectives will enhance your ability to construct well-reasoned arguments in your IELTS Writing Task 2 responses.
