Universal healthcare as a fundamental human right is a topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on past trends and current global issues, it is highly likely to continue being a popular subject in future tests. This article will provide sample essays and in-depth analysis to help you prepare for this important topic.
Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people believe that healthcare is a basic human right and should be provided for free to all citizens. Others think individuals should pay for their own healthcare. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question asks you to:
- Discuss the view that healthcare should be free for all citizens
- Discuss the opposing view that individuals should pay for their healthcare
- Provide your own opinion on the matter
Remember to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced discussion of both perspectives before stating your own stance.
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
Healthcare provision is a contentious issue in many countries, with debates centered on whether it should be freely available to all or paid for by individuals. This essay will examine both viewpoints before offering a personal perspective.
Proponents of free universal healthcare argue that access to medical treatment is a fundamental human right that should not be determined by one’s financial status. They contend that a healthy population is more productive and contributes more to society, ultimately benefiting the economy. Moreover, free healthcare can prevent minor health issues from escalating into major problems, reducing long-term costs for both individuals and the healthcare system. Countries like Canada and the UK have successfully implemented universal healthcare systems, demonstrating their feasibility and benefits.
On the other hand, those who believe individuals should pay for their own healthcare often cite the high costs of maintaining a free system and the potential for overuse or abuse. They argue that when people have to pay for services, they are more likely to take better care of their health and use medical resources more judiciously. Additionally, a privatized system may lead to more competition among healthcare providers, potentially improving the quality of services and driving down costs.
In my opinion, while both arguments have merit, I believe that healthcare should be considered a basic human right and provided free of charge to all citizens. The societal benefits of a healthy population far outweigh the potential drawbacks. However, I also think that a hybrid system could be effective, where basic healthcare is free but certain non-essential services require payment. This approach could help maintain the system’s financial sustainability while ensuring everyone has access to essential medical care.
In conclusion, the debate over healthcare provision is complex, but I believe that ensuring all citizens have access to basic medical services is crucial for creating a fair and prosperous society. Governments should prioritize implementing systems that provide universal healthcare while also exploring ways to maintain their long-term viability.
(Word count: 309)
Illustration of universal healthcare debate
Band 6-7 Essay
The topic of healthcare provision is often debated, with some people believing it should be free for everyone, while others think individuals should pay for it themselves. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support free healthcare for all citizens argue that it is a basic human right. They say that everyone should have access to medical treatment regardless of their financial situation. This can help prevent serious health problems in the future and create a healthier society overall. Countries like Canada have shown that free healthcare systems can work well.
On the other hand, people who think individuals should pay for their own healthcare often point out that free systems are very expensive for governments to maintain. They believe that when people have to pay, they will be more careful about their health and not waste medical resources. Also, they argue that private healthcare can lead to better quality services because of competition.
In my opinion, I think healthcare should be free for all citizens. While it may be expensive, the benefits to society are more important. A healthy population can work better and contribute more to the economy. However, I also believe that some non-essential treatments could require payment to help cover costs.
To conclude, although there are arguments for both sides, I believe that providing free basic healthcare to all citizens is essential for a fair and healthy society. Governments should work on finding ways to make this possible while also keeping costs under control.
(Word count: 254)
Band 5-6 Essay
Healthcare is an important topic in many countries. Some people think it should be free for everyone, but others say we should pay for it ourselves. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
People who want free healthcare say it is a human right. They think everyone should get medical help when they need it, even if they don’t have money. This can make society healthier. Some countries like England have free healthcare, and it works well.
But other people say healthcare should not be free. They think it costs too much money for the government. They also say that if people have to pay, they will take better care of their health. Private healthcare might be better quality too.
I think healthcare should be free for everyone. It is very important for people to be healthy, and not everyone can afford to pay for doctors and medicine. If people are healthy, they can work better and help the country grow. But maybe some special treatments could cost money to help pay for the system.
In conclusion, I believe free healthcare is better for society. It helps everyone stay healthy and is fairer. Governments should try to make free healthcare work in their countries.
(Word count: 202)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and fully addresses all parts of the task. It presents a well-developed response with clear progression throughout. The main points are:
- Coherence and cohesion: Ideas are logically organized and well-linked.
- Lexical resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately.
- Grammatical range and accuracy: Various complex structures are used with flexibility and accuracy.
- Task achievement: All parts of the task are fully addressed with a clear position and well-supported ideas.
Band 6-7 Essay
This essay shows a satisfactory attempt at addressing the task. It presents relevant ideas but some may not be fully developed. The main points are:
- Coherence and cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some ideas may not be fully extended.
- Lexical resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used, with some attempts at less common words.
- Grammatical range and accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used, with some errors that do not impede communication.
- Task achievement: All parts of the task are addressed, but some aspects may be more fully covered than others.
Band 5-6 Essay
This essay addresses the task in a basic way. It presents some relevant information but ideas are not always well-developed. The main points are:
- Coherence and cohesion: There is a basic structure, but ideas may not always be clearly linked.
- Lexical resource: A limited range of vocabulary is used, with some inaccuracies in word choice or spelling.
- Grammatical range and accuracy: Sentences are generally simple, with some attempts at complex structures that may contain errors.
- Task achievement: An overall position is presented, but some parts of the task may be inadequately addressed or unclear.
Key Vocabulary
- Contentious (adjective) /kənˈtenʃəs/ – causing or likely to cause disagreement
- Proponent (noun) /prəˈpəʊnənt/ – a person who advocates for something
- Feasibility (noun) /ˌfiːzəˈbɪləti/ – the state or degree of being easily or conveniently done
- Judicious (adjective) /dʒuːˈdɪʃəs/ – having, showing, or done with good judgment or sense
- Hybrid (noun/adjective) /ˈhaɪbrɪd/ – something that is formed by combining two or more things
- Viability (noun) /ˌvaɪəˈbɪləti/ – ability to work successfully
- Escalating (verb) /ˈeskəleɪtɪŋ/ – increasing or developing rapidly
- Privatized (adjective) /ˈpraɪvətaɪzd/ – transferred from public to private ownership and control
- Contend (verb) /kənˈtend/ – assert something as a position in an argument
- Provision (noun) /prəˈvɪʒən/ – the action of providing or supplying something for use
Infographic of key healthcare vocabulary
Conclusion
The topic of universal healthcare as a fundamental human right is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of government in healthcare provision
- Balancing public health and individual responsibility
- The impact of healthcare systems on social equality
- Challenges in implementing universal healthcare
Remember to analyze the question carefully, plan your essay structure, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your target band score. Practice writing your own essay on this topic and consider sharing it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active approach to learning can significantly improve your IELTS Writing skills.
