The topic of “Comparing Levels of Healthcare Access in Different Countries (2000-2023)” is highly relevant in the context of the IELTS Writing Task 1. In this section of the exam, candidates are often required to describe, summarize, or explain information presented in graphs, charts, tables, or diagrams. Healthcare access comparison data is a common type of information candidates may encounter.
Sample Task 1:
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The table below shows the percentage of people with access to healthcare in three different countries (Country A, Country B, and Country C) over the period from 2000 to 2023. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Countries | 2000 | 2005 | 2010 | 2015 | 2020 | 2023
—|—|—|—|—|—|—
Country A | 75% | 78% | 82% | 85% | 88% | 90%
Country B | 60% | 65% | 70% | 74% | 78% | 80%
Country C | 50% | 55% | 60% | 63% | 67% | 70%
Key Terminology
This topic may include terms and phrases such as “healthcare access,” “percentage,” “comparison,” and “time period.” Proper understanding of these terms is crucial to accurately interpret and present information.
Analyzing the Task
To achieve a high band score, candidates need to:
- Identify main trends and significant details.
- Compare data by noting increases, decreases, or stability over the given period.
- Use a range of grammatical structures and precision in vocabulary.
Example Description
Let’s analyze the given table and produce a sample writing task response:
Summary of Key Data Points
- Country A shows a steady increase in healthcare access from 75% in 2000 to 90% in 2023.
- Country B also experiences an upward trend, starting at 60% in 2000 and reaching 80% in 2023.
- Country C, while also improving, starts lower at 50% in 2000 and ends at 70% in 2023.
Writing Task 1 Template
Following the systematic approach, here’s a sample response:
The table illustrates the proportion of individuals with access to healthcare in three countries (Country A, Country B, and Country C) between 2000 and 2023. Overall, all three countries demonstrate an upward trend in healthcare accessibility over the given period.
In 2000, Country A had the highest percentage of healthcare access at 75%, whereas Country C had the lowest at 50%. Over the next 23 years, Country A consistently experienced growth, culminating at 90%. Country B began with lower access than Country A at 60% but saw a similar steady increase, reaching 80% by 2023. Despite starting with the lowest percentage, Country C also made significant improvements, rising to 70% by the end of the period.
Between 2000 and 2023, the growth rates of healthcare access varied among the countries. Country A’s access increased by 15 percentage points, a less rapid rise compared to Country B’s 20 percentage points. However, it was Country C that showed the most notable progress, with a 20 percentage points increase—albeit from a lower base.
In conclusion, although all three countries improved their healthcare access, disparities remain. Country A leads with the highest percentage, followed closely by Country B, and finally Country C, despite its considerable progress.
(167 words)
Important Vocabulary and Expressions
Key Vocabulary
- Proportion (n) /prəˈpɔr.ʃən/: the fraction or percentage of a whole.
- Steady Increase (phrase): continuous and consistent growth.
- Upward Trend (phrase): a consistent increase over time.
- Significant (adj) /sɪɡˈnɪf.ɪ.kənt/: noticeable or important.
- Healthcare Accessibility (phrase): the ability for individuals to obtain health services.
Grammar and Structure
- Present Perfect Tense to indicate changes over time that are connected to the present (e.g., “Country A has consistently experienced growth”).
- Comparative Structures to show differences and similarities (e.g., “more significant progress,” “less rapid rise”).
- Complex Sentences for higher-level analysis and clarity (e.g., “Despite starting with the lowest percentage, Country C also made significant improvements…”).
Conclusion
To excel in IELTS Writing Task 1, particularly with data comparison such as healthcare access, practice identifying major trends, accurately describing data, and using a range of grammatical structures and vocabulary. Always aim for clarity and coherence to ensure your report is easily understandable and well-organized.
For more practice tasks and tips, explore related topics at Comparing Levels of Access to Healthcare in Different Countries (2000-2023).