Universal healthcare has become an increasingly prevalent topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. This essay question explores the critical issue of healthcare accessibility and its impact on society. Based on recent trends, it’s likely that this theme will continue to appear in future IELTS exams. Let’s examine a relevant question that has been featured in past IELTS tests:
Some people believe that it is the responsibility of individuals to take care of their own health and diet. Others however believe that governments should make sure that their citizens have a healthy diet. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question addresses the debate between individual responsibility and government intervention in healthcare, specifically focusing on diet and nutrition. It requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that individuals are responsible for their health and diet
- Explore the perspective that governments should ensure citizens maintain a healthy diet
- Present and justify their own opinion on the matter
Sample Essays for Different Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Sample
The question of whether individuals or governments should bear the responsibility for public health, particularly regarding diet, is a contentious issue in many societies. While both perspectives have merit, I believe that a balanced approach involving both individual accountability and government support is the most effective solution.
On one hand, proponents of individual responsibility argue that personal health choices, including diet, should remain within the realm of private decision-making. They contend that adults are capable of making informed choices about their nutrition and that government intervention in such personal matters could be seen as overreach. Moreover, this view emphasizes the importance of personal freedom and the right to make lifestyle choices without undue interference. For instance, individuals can educate themselves about nutrition, choose healthier food options, and engage in regular exercise without government mandates.
Conversely, those who advocate for government involvement argue that public health is a matter of national interest and that authorities have a duty to ensure the well-being of their citizens. This perspective is rooted in the belief that many health issues, including obesity and diet-related diseases, have significant societal and economic impacts. Governments have the resources and reach to implement comprehensive public health strategies, such as regulating food industries, providing nutritional education in schools, and launching awareness campaigns. Countries like Japan, with its nationwide health promotion programs, demonstrate how government initiatives can positively influence public health outcomes.
In my opinion, the most effective approach lies in a collaborative effort between individuals and governments. While personal responsibility is crucial for maintaining good health, government support and guidance can create an environment that facilitates healthier choices. For example, governments can implement policies that make nutritious foods more accessible and affordable, while individuals take the initiative to incorporate these options into their diets. Additionally, public health education programs can equip citizens with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their health, empowering them to take greater responsibility for their well-being.
In conclusion, while individuals should undoubtedly play an active role in managing their health and diet, governments have a vital part in creating supportive frameworks and policies. This balanced approach ensures that public health concerns are addressed comprehensively, combining personal accountability with systemic support to achieve the best outcomes for society as a whole.
(Word count: 365)
Band 6-7 Essay Sample
The topic of who should be responsible for people’s health and diet is often debated. Some think it’s up to individuals, while others believe the government should take charge. I will discuss both views and share my opinion.
Those who support individual responsibility say that adults should be able to make their own choices about what they eat. They believe that people can learn about healthy foods and decide for themselves. For example, someone can choose to eat more fruits and vegetables or exercise regularly without the government telling them to do so. This view values personal freedom and the right to make our own decisions about our bodies.
On the other hand, people who think the government should be involved argue that health is important for the whole country. They say that when many people are unhealthy, it causes problems for society, like higher healthcare costs. Governments have more power to make big changes, such as putting rules on food companies or teaching about nutrition in schools. Some countries have successfully used government programs to improve people’s health.
In my opinion, both individuals and the government have important roles to play in keeping people healthy. While we should be responsible for our own choices, the government can help by making it easier for us to be healthy. For instance, they could make healthy food cheaper or build more parks for exercise. At the same time, people need to make an effort to use these resources and make good choices.
To conclude, I believe that the best way to improve health and diet is through a combination of personal responsibility and government support. This approach can lead to healthier communities and a better quality of life for everyone.
(Word count: 295)
Band 5-6 Essay Sample
Some people think we should take care of our own health and what we eat. Others say the government should make sure we eat healthy food. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
People who say we should be responsible for our own health think adults can make good choices. They believe we can learn about healthy food and decide what to eat. For example, we can choose to eat fruits instead of candy without anyone telling us. This idea is about having freedom to choose.
Other people think the government should help us be healthy. They say when many people are not healthy, it’s bad for the country. The government can do big things like make rules for food companies or teach about good food in schools. Some countries have done this and people became healthier.
I think both people and the government should work together to make everyone healthy. We should try to make good choices about what we eat, but the government can help make it easier. They can make healthy food cost less money or build places for people to exercise. But we still need to choose to use these things.
In the end, I believe the best way to be healthy is if people try their best and the government helps too. This can make everyone’s life better.
(Word count: 226)
Explaining the Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a comprehensive understanding of the topic. It:
- Presents a clear and well-developed argument
- Uses sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures
- Provides relevant examples and elaborates on ideas
- Shows a nuanced understanding of the issue
- Maintains coherence and cohesion throughout
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows good writing ability but lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band essay. It:
- Addresses all parts of the task
- Presents a clear position
- Uses some less common vocabulary
- Has generally good coherence and cohesion
- Provides some supporting ideas and examples
Band 5-6 Essay:
This essay demonstrates basic writing skills and understanding of the topic. It:
- Addresses the task in a simple manner
- Uses basic vocabulary and sentence structures
- Presents some main ideas but with limited development
- Has some organizational coherence but may lack clear progression
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Universal healthcare (noun) /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsl ˈhelθkeə(r)/ – A system where all citizens receive health coverage and financial protection from the government.
Contentious (adjective) /kənˈtenʃəs/ – Causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument.
Intervention (noun) /ˌɪntəˈvenʃn/ – The action or process of intervening, especially by a government in a political or economic matter.
Proponent (noun) /prəˈpəʊnənt/ – A person who advocates for or supports a theory, proposal, or course of action.
Mandate (noun) /ˈmændeɪt/ – An official order or commission to do something.
Comprehensive (adjective) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – Including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.
Initiative (noun) /ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/ – The ability to assess and initiate things independently; an act or strategy intended to resolve a difficulty or improve a situation.
Accessible (adjective) /əkˈsesəbl/ – Able to be reached or entered; easily obtained or used.
Empower (verb) /ɪmˈpaʊə(r)/ – Give (someone) the authority or power to do something; make (someone) stronger and more confident.
Framework (noun) /ˈfreɪmwɜːk/ – A basic structure underlying a system, concept, or text.
Importance of Universal Healthcare
In conclusion, the topic of universal healthcare and government responsibility for public health remains a crucial issue in IELTS Writing Task 2. As you prepare for your exam, consider practicing with similar topics such as:
- The role of government in promoting physical activity
- Public funding for preventive healthcare programs
- The impact of lifestyle choices on national healthcare systems
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Feel free to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active practice is an effective way to improve your IELTS Writing skills and prepare for the exam.