The topic of elderly care has consistently appeared in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations, particularly focusing on whether seniors should be cared for at home or in specialized institutions. Based on analysis of past exams from 2018-2023, this theme has appeared approximately 3-4 times per year, making it a high-frequency topic that candidates should prepare for.
Analysis of Recent IELTS Task 2 Question
Some people believe that elderly people should be cared for at home by their families, while others think they should be cared for in specialized institutions. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Examine both perspectives on elderly care
- Present arguments for both home care and institutional care
- Provide a clear personal stance
- Support arguments with relevant examples
Band 8.5 Sample Essay
In the ongoing debate about elderly care, some advocate for family-based home care while others support institutional care. While both approaches have their merits, I believe a combination of both systems would be most beneficial in today’s society.
Family-based care at home offers several significant advantages. The emotional well-being of elderly individuals is often better preserved when they remain in familiar surroundings with loved ones. This arrangement allows for personalized attention and maintains strong family bonds, which are particularly important in Asian cultures. Moreover, home care can be more cost-effective for families who cannot afford expensive nursing facilities.
However, professional institutional care presents compelling benefits. Modern care facilities are equipped with specialized medical equipment and trained staff who can provide round-the-clock professional attention. This becomes crucial for elderly individuals with serious medical conditions requiring constant monitoring. Additionally, these institutions often offer structured social activities and interaction with peers, which can combat isolation and depression common among older adults.
In my opinion, the ideal solution would be a flexible system combining both approaches. Families could provide care at home while utilizing professional support services when needed. For instance, day care centers could offer specialized care during working hours, while families maintain primary caregiving responsibilities. This hybrid approach would balance professional medical care with the irreplaceable emotional support of family members.
Looking ahead, governments should develop comprehensive elderly care policies that support both family caregivers and professional institutions. This could include financial subsidies for home care equipment, training programs for family caregivers, and quality standards for care facilities.
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
Nowadays, there is much discussion about where elderly people should receive care. Some people think families should take care of old people at home, while others believe special places like nursing homes are better. I will discuss both ideas and share my thoughts.
Taking care of old people at home has some good points. First, old people feel more comfortable in their own house with family members around. They can eat familiar food and follow their daily routine. Also, in many countries, it is traditional for children to look after their parents, and this helps keep family relationships strong.
On the other hand, care homes can be better in some ways. These places have doctors and nurses who know how to handle health problems. They also have special equipment that might not be available at home. Additionally, old people can make friends with others their age in these facilities.
I think the best choice depends on each situation. If an old person is healthy and just needs basic help, family care at home might be good. But if they have serious health problems, a care facility could be safer. Sometimes, families can use both options, like keeping parents at home but using day care centers sometimes.
In conclusion, both home care and special facilities have their good points. The choice should depend on the old person’s needs and the family’s situation.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “compelling benefits,” “hybrid approach,” “comprehensive policies”
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear organization with well-developed ideas
- Strong cohesion between paragraphs
- Balanced discussion with nuanced opinion
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Simple but clear vocabulary
- Basic sentence structures with some errors
- Adequate organization but less sophisticated
- Simple linking words
- Basic development of ideas
Key Vocabulary
- institutional care (n) /ˌɪnstɪˈtjuːʃənl keə/ – professional care provided in specialized facilities
- round-the-clock (adj) /raʊnd ðə klɒk/ – continuous, 24-hour service
- comprehensive (adj) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – complete, including all aspects
- subsidies (n) /ˈsʌbsɪdiz/ – financial support from government
- irreplaceable (adj) /ˌɪrɪˈpleɪsəbl/ – impossible to replace
- structured (adj) /ˈstrʌktʃəd/ – organized in a clear way
- hybrid (adj) /ˈhaɪbrɪd/ – combining different elements
For practice, try writing your own essay addressing this question, focusing on specific examples from your country’s elderly care system. Share your essay in the comments for feedback and discussion.