The topic of government-funded healthcare is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. It’s a subject that frequently appears in actual exams and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests. This is because healthcare is a universal concern that affects every society, making it an ideal topic for assessing candidates’ ability to articulate complex ideas in English.
In this article, we’ll analyze a specific question related to this topic and provide sample essays for different band scores. This will help you understand how to approach such questions and what distinguishes high-scoring essays from lower-scoring ones.
IELTS healthcare debate
Analyzing the Question
Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this topic:
Some people believe that governments should provide free healthcare for all citizens. Others think that this would be too expensive and there are better alternatives. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the viewpoint that governments should provide free healthcare for all citizens
- Discuss the opposing viewpoint that this would be too expensive and there are better alternatives
- Provide your own opinion on the matter
Remember, IELTS essays are assessed on four criteria: Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Let’s look at sample essays for different band scores and analyze why they received their respective scores.
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 such a system would be financially unsustainable and that better alternatives exist. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of government-funded universal 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 the long-term burden on the healthcare system. Moreover, a centralized system could potentially negotiate better prices for medications and medical equipment, leading to cost savings.
On the other hand, critics of this approach argue that the financial burden on governments would be enormous and potentially unsustainable. They contend that the quality of care might decrease due to increased demand and limited resources. Additionally, they argue that a free healthcare system might lead to overuse and abuse, with people seeking unnecessary medical attention simply because it’s free. These critics often propose alternatives such as a mixed system with both public and private options or a tiered system based on income.
In my opinion, while the ideal of free healthcare for all is admirable, the practicalities of implementing such a system are daunting. I believe that a compromise solution is necessary. Governments should provide a basic level of healthcare for all citizens, covering essential services and emergency care. However, this could be supplemented by a tiered system where individuals can opt for additional private coverage for non-essential services. This approach would ensure that no one is left without basic medical care while also allowing for personal choice and potentially reducing the financial burden on the government.
In conclusion, the debate over government-funded healthcare is complex and multifaceted. While universal free healthcare has its merits, the financial implications cannot be ignored. A balanced approach that combines government support with personal responsibility may be the most viable solution to this challenging issue.
(Word count: 329)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent task achievement, addressing all parts of the question with a well-developed response. The writer discusses both viewpoints thoroughly and provides a clear personal opinion with justification.
The essay’s coherence and cohesion are strong, with ideas logically organized and linked using a variety of cohesive devices. The introduction clearly outlines the essay’s structure, and each paragraph focuses on a specific point.
The lexical resource used is sophisticated and precise. The writer employs a wide range of vocabulary accurately, including less common phrases like “socioeconomic status,” “preventive care,” and “viable solution.”
Grammatical range and accuracy are also excellent, with a variety of complex structures used correctly. The essay demonstrates control over grammar and punctuation with only minimal errors.
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7
Healthcare is an important issue for all countries. Some people think the government should give free healthcare to everyone, but others say this is too expensive and there are better ways. I will discuss both ideas and give my opinion.
People who support free healthcare for everyone say it is good because all people can see a doctor when they are sick, even if they don’t have much money. This can help make the whole country healthier. Also, if the government buys medicine for everyone, it might be cheaper.
However, other people think free healthcare for everyone would cost too much money for the government. They worry that if healthcare is free, too many people will go to the doctor even when they don’t really need to. They think it’s better to have some private healthcare options too.
In my opinion, I think the government should provide some free healthcare, but not everything should be free. For example, emergency care and basic check-ups could be free, but people might have to pay for extra tests or special treatments. This way, everyone can get help when they really need it, but the government doesn’t have to pay for everything.
To conclude, free healthcare for everyone is a difficult problem. It has good points and bad points. I think the best answer is to have some free healthcare, but not make everything free.
(Word count: 253)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates adequate task achievement. It addresses all parts of the question, presenting both viewpoints and offering a personal opinion. However, the ideas are not as fully developed as in the Band 8-9 essay.
The coherence and cohesion are generally good. The essay has a clear structure with each paragraph focusing on a specific point. However, the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated than in the higher band essay.
The lexical resource is sufficient for the task. The vocabulary is generally appropriate, but lacks the precision and sophistication of the Band 8-9 essay. There is some attempt at using less common vocabulary (e.g., “emergency care”), but this is limited.
Grammatical range and accuracy are adequate. The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, generally with good control. However, there is less variety in sentence structures compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
-
Universal healthcare (noun): A system where all residents of a country are assured access to health care.
/ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsl ˈhelθkeə(r)/ -
Socioeconomic status (noun): An individual’s or group’s position within a hierarchical social structure.
/ˌsəʊsɪəʊˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈsteɪtəs/ -
Preventive care (noun): Health care services that prevent illness or disease.
/prɪˈventɪv keə(r)/ -
Sustainable (adjective): Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
/səˈsteɪnəbl/ -
Tiered system (noun): A system with different levels or ranks.
/tɪəd ˈsɪstəm/ -
Viable (adjective): Capable of working successfully; feasible.
/ˈvaɪəbl/ -
Multifaceted (adjective): Having many different aspects or features.
/ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ -
Burden (noun): A duty or responsibility that causes worry, difficulty, or hard work.
/ˈbɜːdn/ -
Daunting (adjective): Seeming difficult to deal with in prospect; intimidating.
/ˈdɔːntɪŋ/ -
Compromise (noun): An agreement or settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions.
/ˈkɒmprəmaɪz/
In conclusion, the topic of government-funded healthcare is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of private insurance in healthcare systems
- The impact of technology on healthcare costs and accessibility
- Balancing quality and affordability in healthcare provision
Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammar, and fully address all parts of the question. Practice by writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.
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