IELTS Writing Task 2 Band 8 Sample Essays: Should Public Health Services Be Free for All Citizens?

The topic of free public health services for all citizens is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on past trends and current global health concerns, this subject is likely to appear frequently in future tests. Let’s examine a specific question related to this topic and analyze sample essays for different band scores.

Some people believe that governments should provide free healthcare for all citizens, while others think individuals should be responsible for their own health costs. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Analysis of the Question

This question requires candidates to:

1. Discuss arguments for government-provided free healthcare
2. Discuss arguments for individual responsibility in health costs
3. Provide their own opinion on the issue

A well-structured essay should include an introduction, two body paragraphs discussing both views, a paragraph stating the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion.

Band 8 Sample Essay

Here’s a sample essay that would likely score a Band 8:

In recent years, the debate over whether governments should provide free healthcare for all citizens or if individuals should bear their own health costs has intensified. While both perspectives have merit, I believe a balanced approach combining elements of both systems would be most beneficial.

Those who advocate for government-funded healthcare argue that it ensures equal access to medical services for all citizens, regardless of their financial 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, proponents contend that a healthier workforce is more productive, ultimately benefiting the economy.

On the other hand, supporters of individual responsibility in healthcare costs argue that this system promotes personal accountability for one’s health choices. They believe that when people are financially invested in their health, they are more likely to make healthier lifestyle choices and use medical services judiciously. Additionally, this approach may reduce the tax burden on citizens and allow for more diverse and innovative healthcare options.

In my opinion, a hybrid system that combines elements of both approaches would be ideal. Governments should provide basic healthcare services and emergency care for all citizens, ensuring that no one is denied essential medical treatment due to financial constraints. However, individuals could be responsible for certain elective procedures or lifestyle-related health issues. This balanced approach would maintain the benefits of universal access while still encouraging personal responsibility.

In conclusion, while both government-funded and individual-responsibility healthcare systems have their merits, a compromise between the two could offer the best solution. This approach would ensure basic health coverage for all while still promoting individual accountability and allowing for innovation in healthcare services.

(Word count: 276)

Explanation of Band 8 Score

This essay would likely receive a Band 8 score for the following reasons:

1. Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear opinion.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, and ideas are logically connected.

3. Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms like “preventive care” and “elective procedures”.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly, with only minor errors.

Band 6-7 Sample Essay

Here’s a sample essay that would likely score in the Band 6-7 range:

The question of whether governments should provide free healthcare for everyone or if people should pay for their own health costs is a complex issue. There are good points on both sides of this argument.

Those who support free government healthcare say it’s important because it means everyone can get medical help when they need it, no matter how much money they have. This can make the whole country healthier because people can go to the doctor before they get really sick. Also, when the government pays for healthcare, it might be cheaper overall because they can buy things in bulk.

On the other hand, people who think individuals should pay for their own healthcare believe it makes people more responsible for their health. If you have to pay for your own doctor visits, you might try harder to stay healthy. Also, when the government doesn’t have to pay for healthcare, they can use that money for other important things like education or roads.

Healthcare Funding Allocation

In my opinion, I think a mix of both ideas could work best. The government could provide basic healthcare for everyone, like check-ups and emergency care, but people could pay for extra things they want. This way, everyone can get the care they need, but there’s still some personal responsibility.

To sum up, both free government healthcare and individual payments have good points. A system that combines both could be a good solution, making sure everyone can see a doctor while still encouraging people to take care of their health.

(Word count: 254)

Explanation of Band 6-7 Score

This essay would likely receive a Band 6-7 score for the following reasons:

1. Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the development of ideas is less thorough compared to the Band 8 essay.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, but lacks the precision and sophistication of the Band 8 essay.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, with some errors that do not impede communication.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Healthcare (noun) /ˈhelθkeər/ – The maintenance and improvement of physical and mental health through medical services.

2. Preventive care (noun phrase) /prɪˈventɪv keər/ – Health care services that prevent illness or disease.

3. Elective procedures (noun phrase) /ɪˈlektɪv prəˈsiːdʒərz/ – Medical procedures that are scheduled in advance and are not emergencies.

4. Universal access (noun phrase) /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsl ˈækses/ – The ability of all people to have equal opportunity to a service or product.

5. Tax burden (noun phrase) /tæks ˈbɜːdn/ – The amount of tax that must be paid by a person, company, or country.

6. Judiciously (adverb) /dʒuːˈdɪʃəsli/ – With good judgment or sense.

7. Hybrid system (noun phrase) /ˈhaɪbrɪd ˈsɪstəm/ – A system that combines two different elements or approaches.

8. Financial constraints (noun phrase) /faɪˈnænʃl kənˈstreɪnts/ – Limitations or restrictions due to available financial resources.

9. Workforce (noun) /ˈwɜːkfɔːs/ – The total number of people employed or available for work.

10. Innovation (noun) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/ – A new method, idea, or product.

In conclusion, the topic of free public health services for all citizens is a complex and relevant issue that is likely to appear in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare, practice writing essays on related topics such as:

• The role of government in providing healthcare
• The balance between public and private healthcare systems
• The impact of healthcare costs on society

We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your IELTS Writing skills and prepare for the exam.

For more information on related topics, you might find these articles helpful:

• Should Governments Increase Taxes on High-Income Individuals?
• Should Public Transportation Be Free for All?
• Should Governments Fund Universal Healthcare Systems?