Universal healthcare is a topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Its prevalence in past tests suggests a high probability of encountering similar questions in future exams. This article will provide you with comprehensive sample essays and analysis to help you tackle this challenging subject effectively.
Let’s examine a typical question on this topic:
Some people believe that it is the responsibility of individuals to take care of their own health and not rely on their governments. Others, however, say that governments have a responsibility to provide universal healthcare. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the view that individuals should be responsible for their own health
- Discuss the view that governments should provide universal healthcare
- Give your own opinion on the matter
Remember to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced argument before stating your position.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Individual responsibility versus government-provided healthcare is a contentious issue in many societies. While some argue that personal health should be a private matter, others believe it’s a fundamental right that governments must ensure. In my opinion, a balanced approach combining individual responsibility and government support is the most effective solution.
Those who advocate for individual responsibility argue that personal health choices significantly impact one’s wellbeing. They believe that when people are accountable for their health, they make better lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. This approach can lead to a healthier population overall and reduce the burden on healthcare systems. Moreover, proponents argue that this fosters a sense of self-reliance and reduces dependence on government resources.
On the other hand, supporters of government-provided healthcare emphasize that access to medical care is a basic human right. They contend that a universal healthcare system ensures that all citizens, regardless of their socioeconomic status, can receive necessary medical treatment. This approach can lead to better public health outcomes, as preventive care becomes more accessible, and infectious diseases can be more effectively controlled. Furthermore, they argue that a healthy population is more productive, which ultimately benefits the nation’s economy.
In my view, the ideal approach lies in striking a balance between these two perspectives. While individuals should be encouraged to take responsibility for their health through education and incentives, governments should also provide a safety net of essential healthcare services. This could involve public health campaigns to promote healthy lifestyles, coupled with a universal healthcare system that covers basic medical needs. Such a hybrid model would leverage the benefits of personal accountability while ensuring that no one is left without access to necessary medical care.
In conclusion, the debate between individual responsibility and government-provided healthcare is complex, with valid arguments on both sides. A nuanced approach that combines elements of both viewpoints is likely to yield the best results for society as a whole, promoting both personal health consciousness and equitable access to medical care.
(Word count: 329)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the question, discussing both viewpoints and clearly stating the writer’s opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. It uses a variety of cohesive devices effectively (e.g., “On the other hand,” “Moreover,” “Furthermore”).
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “contentious,” “advocate,” “proponents,” “socioeconomic status”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and appropriately (e.g., complex sentences, conditional statements, passive voice).
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Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with clear reasoning and relevant examples.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Some people think individuals should be responsible for their own health, while others believe governments should provide healthcare for everyone. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
On one hand, those who support individual responsibility say that people should take care of their own health. They think if people are responsible for their health costs, they will make better choices like eating healthy food and exercising. This could lead to a healthier population and less pressure on healthcare systems. Also, they argue that government-provided healthcare can be expensive and lead to higher taxes.
On the other hand, supporters of universal healthcare say that everyone should have access to medical care, regardless of their income. They believe this is a basic human right. Government-provided healthcare can help prevent diseases and treat people early, which can save money in the long run. It can also help reduce inequality in society.
In my opinion, both individual responsibility and government support are important for health. People should try to live healthy lifestyles, but governments should also provide basic healthcare for everyone. This could include things like vaccinations, emergency care, and treatment for serious illnesses.
To conclude, while individuals should take care of their health, I believe governments have a role in providing basic healthcare to ensure a healthy and fair society.
(Word count: 234)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates competence in several areas but lacks the sophistication of the higher band essay:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the question, but the discussion and opinion could be more fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated (e.g., frequent use of “Also,” “On the other hand”).
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate but less varied compared to the Band 8-9 essay. There’s less use of topic-specific vocabulary.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences but with less variety than the higher band essay.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are presented clearly but with less depth and fewer examples than the Band 8-9 essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Universal healthcare (noun) – /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsl ˈhelθkeə(r)/ – A healthcare system that provides health coverage to all residents of a particular country or region.
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Contentious (adjective) – /kənˈtenʃəs/ – Causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument.
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Advocate (verb) – /ˈædvəkeɪt/ – To publicly support or recommend a particular cause or policy.
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Socioeconomic (adjective) – /ˌsəʊʃiəʊˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk/ – Relating to or concerned with the interaction of social and economic factors.
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Preventive care (noun) – /prɪˈventɪv keə(r)/ – Healthcare that focuses on disease prevention and health maintenance.
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Equitable (adjective) – /ˈekwɪtəbl/ – Fair and impartial.
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Incentive (noun) – /ɪnˈsentɪv/ – Something that motivates or encourages someone to do something.
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Nuanced (adjective) – /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression.
In conclusion, mastering essays on universal healthcare challenges requires a deep understanding of the topic, strong analytical skills, and the ability to present balanced arguments. Practice writing essays on this topic, considering various perspectives and potential solutions. You can also try writing essays on related topics such as the challenges of implementing universal healthcare or how to address the challenges of providing universal healthcare.
To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice will help you refine your writing and prepare effectively for your IELTS exam.