Public health campaigns and their influence on lifestyle choices is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests. Its prevalence stems from its global significance and the ongoing debates surrounding public health initiatives. Let’s explore this theme through a specific question that has been featured in recent IELTS exams.
Some people think that public health is the responsibility of the government while others think that people should be responsible for their own health. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that public health is the government’s responsibility
- Discuss the view that individuals should be responsible for their own health
- Present and justify their own opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score. Let’s look at sample essays for different band scores to understand how to approach this task effectively.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The debate over who should bear the primary responsibility for public health – the government or individuals – is a complex and multifaceted issue. While both sides present valid arguments, I believe that a balanced approach involving both parties is the most effective solution.
On one hand, proponents of government responsibility argue that the state has the resources and authority to implement wide-reaching health initiatives. Governments can enact policies, such as mandatory vaccinations and food safety regulations, that protect the entire population. Moreover, they can launch large-scale awareness campaigns to educate the public about health risks and preventive measures. For instance, the success of anti-smoking campaigns in many countries demonstrates the potential impact of government-led health initiatives.
On the other hand, those who advocate for individual responsibility contend that personal health choices ultimately lie with the individual. They argue that people should have the freedom to make their own decisions regarding diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits. This view emphasizes the importance of personal accountability and suggests that over-reliance on government intervention may lead to a lack of personal initiative in health matters. Additionally, individuals are best placed to understand their unique health needs and circumstances.
In my opinion, the most effective approach to public health involves a collaboration between government and individuals. While the government should provide the framework for a healthy society through policies, regulations, and education, individuals must take responsibility for implementing these guidelines in their daily lives. For example, the government can mandate nutritional labeling on food products, but it is up to individuals to use this information to make healthier choices.
Furthermore, this collaborative approach can address the limitations of each party acting alone. Government initiatives may be too broad to account for individual variations, while personal efforts may lack the resources and knowledge available to state institutions. By working together, we can create a more robust and adaptable public health system.
In conclusion, while both government and individual responsibility play crucial roles in public health, the most effective strategy involves a synergy between the two. This balanced approach can lead to more comprehensive and sustainable health outcomes for society as a whole.
Explanation of Band 8-9 Score
This essay demonstrates several key features that contribute to its high band score:
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Clear structure: The essay follows a logical structure with a clear introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, the author’s opinion, and a conclusion.
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Comprehensive coverage: All parts of the question are addressed thoroughly, with balanced arguments for both perspectives and a well-justified personal opinion.
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Cohesion and coherence: Ideas flow smoothly between paragraphs, with effective use of linking words and phrases.
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Lexical resource: The essay employs a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately, such as “multifaceted,” “proponents,” and “synergy.”
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Grammatical range and accuracy: Complex sentence structures are used effectively, with minimal errors.
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Task achievement: The response fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a fully developed position with relevant, extended, and well-supported ideas.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The question of who should be responsible for public health, the government or individuals, is often debated. Both sides have their own reasons, and I will discuss them before giving my opinion.
Some people think the government should be responsible for public health. They say that the government has more power and money to make big changes. For example, the government can make laws about food safety or start campaigns to teach people about health. They can also build hospitals and parks for people to use. These things are hard for normal people to do on their own.
On the other hand, others believe that people should take care of their own health. They say that everyone is different and knows what’s best for themselves. People can choose what to eat, how much to exercise, and when to see a doctor. If people rely too much on the government, they might become lazy about their health.
In my opinion, both the government and individuals have important roles in public health. The government should provide the basic things like hospitals, health education, and safe food. But people should also make an effort to stay healthy by eating well, exercising, and following health advice. It’s like a team effort – the government provides the tools, and people use them to stay healthy.
For example, the government can put nutrition labels on food, but people need to read and understand these labels to make healthy choices. Or the government can build parks, but people need to use them for exercise.
In conclusion, I believe that public health works best when both the government and individuals work together. The government should provide support and resources, while individuals should take responsibility for using these resources to maintain their health.
Explanation of Band 6-7 Score
This essay demonstrates several features that place it in the Band 6-7 range:
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Task achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing an opinion. However, the ideas could be more fully developed and supported.
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Coherence and cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but the use of cohesive devices is sometimes inaccurate or mechanical.
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Lexical resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, with some attempts at less common words. However, there is some repetition and lack of sophistication in word choice.
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Grammatical range and accuracy: There is a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, with generally good control. Some errors are present but do not impede communication.
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Structure: The essay has a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. However, the paragraphs could be more fully developed.
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Examples: The essay provides some examples, but they could be more specific and detailed to better support the arguments.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Public health (noun) – /ˌpʌblɪk ˈhelθ/ – The health of the population as a whole, especially as monitored, regulated, and promoted by the state.
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Campaign (noun) – /kæmˈpeɪn/ – An organized course of action to achieve a goal.
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Initiative (noun) – /ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/ – An act or strategy intended to resolve a difficulty or improve a situation.
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Accountability (noun) – /əˌkaʊntəˈbɪləti/ – The fact or condition of being accountable; responsibility.
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Intervention (noun) – /ˌɪntərˈvenʃən/ – The action or process of intervening.
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Regulatory (adjective) – /ˈreɡjələtɔːri/ – Serving or intended to regulate something.
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Proponent (noun) – /prəˈpəʊnənt/ – A person who advocates for a theory, proposal, or course of action.
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Synergy (noun) – /ˈsɪnədʒi/ – The interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.
These vocabulary items are particularly relevant to discussions about how public health awareness campaigns affect lifestyle changes and can help elevate the lexical resource component of your essay.
In conclusion, the topic of public health responsibility offers a rich ground for IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. It allows candidates to demonstrate their ability to analyze complex issues, present balanced arguments, and articulate their opinions clearly. As you practice, consider exploring related topics such as the impact of diet on physical health or the role of public health campaigns in reducing disease. These themes are likely to appear in future IELTS exams and will help you develop a well-rounded understanding of public health issues.
To further enhance your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will not only help you improve your writing but also allow you to engage with other learners and receive valuable feedback. Remember, consistent practice is key to achieving a high band score in IELTS Writing Task 2.