The topic of universal healthcare frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2, particularly in essays discussing government policies and social welfare. Based on analysis of past exam papers, questions about healthcare accessibility and its societal impact have appeared in approximately 15% of tests between 2019-2023, making it a highly relevant topic for IELTS candidates.
Should governments provide universal healthcare? This question has become increasingly important as countries worldwide grapple with healthcare challenges.
Analysis of Sample Question
Some people believe that governments should provide universal healthcare free of charge to all citizens. Others think individuals should be responsible for their own healthcare costs. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Examine arguments for and against government-funded healthcare
- Present balanced views from both perspectives
- Provide a clear personal stance supported by evidence
Universal healthcare debate showing modern hospital facilities
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The debate over whether healthcare should be universally provided by governments or funded individually is complex and multifaceted. While both approaches have merit, I believe a government-funded universal healthcare system offers greater societal benefits.
Those who support individual responsibility for healthcare costs argue that this approach promotes personal accountability and reduces strain on public resources. When people must pay for their own medical care, they tend to make more conscious health choices and may be less likely to misuse healthcare services. Additionally, private healthcare systems often drive innovation through competition and can provide more specialized, cutting-edge treatments.
However, should governments implement universal basic healthcare, there are numerous advantages. Firstly, universal healthcare ensures equal access to medical services regardless of socioeconomic status, preventing health inequalities from exacerbating social divides. Secondly, preventive care becomes more accessible, potentially reducing long-term healthcare costs for society. Furthermore, when people don’t delay seeking medical attention due to financial concerns, diseases can be caught and treated earlier, improving overall public health outcomes.
In my opinion, government-funded universal healthcare is the more ethical and practical approach. While individual responsibility is important, health is a fundamental human right that shouldn’t be contingent on financial capability. Countries with successful universal healthcare systems, such as Canada and Norway, demonstrate that this model can provide high-quality care while maintaining economic sustainability.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
The question of who should pay for healthcare is very important today. Some people think governments should give free healthcare to everyone, but others believe people should pay themselves. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
On one hand, making people pay for their own healthcare has some good points. When people pay themselves, they are more careful about their health and don’t waste medical services. Also, private healthcare can sometimes be better quality because hospitals compete with each other.
However, why mental health services should be free and accessible to everyone is an important consideration. Government healthcare helps poor people get treatment when they are sick. If people can’t afford doctors, they might get very sick and spread diseases to others. Also, some treatments are very expensive, and most people cannot pay for them.
I think governments should provide free healthcare because health is very important for everyone. Although it costs a lot of money, healthy citizens can work better and help the country’s economy. Many countries already show this system works well.
Key Vocabulary
- Universal healthcare (n) /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsl ˈhelθkeə/ – healthcare for all citizens
- Socioeconomic status (n) /ˌsəʊsɪəʊˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈsteɪtəs/ – social and economic position
- Preventive care (n) /prɪˈventɪv keə/ – health maintenance to prevent illness
- Exacerbate (v) /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ – make worse
- Contingent (adj) /kənˈtɪndʒənt/ – dependent on
- Sustainability (n) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – ability to maintain long-term
- Inequalities (n) /ˌɪnɪˈkwɒlətiz/ – lack of equality
- Multifaceted (adj) /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many aspects
Conclusion
The topic of universal healthcare remains crucial for IELTS candidates. Future questions might explore related themes such as impact of population growth on healthcare or technological advances in medical services. Practice writing essays on these topics and share your work in the comments for feedback and improvement.
