The topic of preventive healthcare has become increasingly prominent in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations, appearing in various forms over the past few years. This trend aligns with global health concerns and Preventive healthcare: benefits and how it reduces burden on healthcare systems. Let’s analyze a recent task question and explore model answers across different band scores.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay on Benefits of Preventive Healthcare
Task Question Analysis
Some people believe that governments should invest more in preventive healthcare rather than treatment of illnesses. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
This question requires candidates to discuss importance of preventive healthcare for reducing costs while presenting a clear position on government healthcare spending priorities.
Band 8.0 Model Answer
In my opinion, I strongly agree that governments should prioritize preventive healthcare investments, as this approach offers numerous long-term benefits for both individuals and healthcare systems.
Firstly, preventive healthcare measures can significantly reduce the burden on medical facilities and healthcare professionals. When people receive regular health screenings and early interventions, serious illnesses can be detected and addressed before they become severe, thereby reducing the need for expensive treatments and lengthy hospitalizations. This approach is particularly relevant when considering impact of population growth on healthcare.
Moreover, investing in preventive care proves more cost-effective in the long run. Public health education campaigns, vaccination programs, and regular health check-ups require less financial investment compared to treating advanced diseases. For instance, the cost of diabetes prevention programs is significantly lower than managing complications arising from uncontrolled diabetes, which often requires specialized care and expensive medications.
Furthermore, preventive healthcare promotes better quality of life and increased productivity. When people maintain good health through preventive measures, they experience fewer sick days, higher work productivity, and better overall well-being. This positive impact extends to the economy as healthy workers contribute more effectively to economic growth.
However, while emphasizing preventive care, governments should maintain adequate funding for treatment facilities. A balanced approach ensuring both prevention and treatment services remains crucial for comprehensive healthcare delivery.
Healthcare professional educating patients about preventive care
Band 6.5 Model Answer
I agree that governments should spend more money on preventive healthcare because it can help people stay healthy and save money.
The main reason is that preventing illness is cheaper than treating it. When people get regular check-ups and learn about healthy living, they might not get serious diseases. This means hospitals don’t need to spend lots of money on expensive treatments. For example, if people exercise and eat healthy food, they might not get heart problems or diabetes.
Also, preventive healthcare helps people work better. When workers are healthy, they don’t take many sick days and can do their jobs well. This is good for the economy because companies don’t lose money due to sick workers. As discussed in articles about challenges and benefits of universal healthcare, this approach benefits everyone.
However, governments still need to spend money on treating sick people. Some illnesses cannot be prevented, so hospitals need good equipment and doctors to help sick people. The government should try to balance spending between prevention and treatment.
Therefore, while prevention is important, both types of healthcare need support from the government.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8.0 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “interventions,” “burden,” “comprehensive”
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear organization with well-developed ideas
- Strong coherence and cohesion
- Balanced argument with nuanced perspective
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Basic but clear vocabulary
- Simple sentence structures with some errors
- Basic organization
- Limited range of linking devices
- Simpler examples and explanations
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Preventive healthcare (n) /prɪˈventɪv/ – medical care to prevent illness
- Intervention (n) /ˌɪntəˈvenʃən/ – action taken to improve a situation
- Cost-effective (adj) /kɒst-ɪˈfektɪv/ – good value for money
- Comprehensive (adj) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – complete, including all aspects
- Long-term benefits (n) /lɒŋ-tɜːm/ – advantages that last for a long time
To practice your writing skills, try composing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section. Consider exploring related topics such as What are advantages and disadvantages of government-funded vs. private healthcare for additional practice.
