Public health services and their impact on healthcare costs is a topic that has gained significant attention in recent IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. This theme resonates with global concerns about healthcare accessibility and affordability, making it a relevant and frequently appearing subject in IELTS essays. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays for different band scores, providing you with valuable insights and practice opportunities.
Analyzing the Topic
Before we dive into the sample essays, let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this subject:
Some people believe that public health services should be free for everyone. Others think the government should not pay for people’s healthcare and individuals should be responsible for their own health costs. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question asks you to consider two contrasting viewpoints on healthcare funding and express your own opinion. It’s crucial to address both perspectives and clearly state your position.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Here’s a high-quality essay that would likely score in the Band 8-9 range:
The debate over whether public health services should be universally free or individually funded is a contentious issue in many societies. While both perspectives have their merits, I believe that a balanced approach combining elements of both systems would be most beneficial.
Proponents of free public health services argue that healthcare is a fundamental human right that should be accessible to all, regardless of financial status. They contend that a healthy population is more productive and contributes more to the economy, ultimately benefiting society as a whole. Moreover, preventive care provided through public health services can significantly reduce long-term healthcare costs by addressing health issues before they become severe. This approach can lead to a more efficient allocation of resources in the healthcare system.
On the other hand, those who advocate for individual responsibility in healthcare costs argue that this model promotes personal accountability for one’s health. They believe that when people are financially invested in their healthcare, they are more likely to make healthier lifestyle choices and use medical services judiciously. Additionally, a privatized healthcare system can foster innovation and competition, potentially leading to higher quality services and technological advancements in medical care.
In my opinion, the ideal solution lies in a hybrid system that combines the strengths of both approaches. A basic level of healthcare should be provided free of charge to ensure that essential medical services are accessible to all citizens, particularly for preventive care and emergency services. This could be supplemented by a contributory system for non-essential or specialized treatments, where individuals pay a portion of the costs based on their income level. Such a tiered system would maintain the principle of universal access while also encouraging personal responsibility and efficient use of healthcare resources.
To conclude, while the debate between free public health services and individual responsibility is complex, a balanced approach that incorporates elements of both systems is likely to be the most effective in providing comprehensive healthcare while managing costs. This hybrid model can ensure basic health coverage for all while promoting individual accountability and sustainable healthcare funding.
(Word count: 309)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates several qualities that contribute to its high band score:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly expressing a personal opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices.
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Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures with very few errors.
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
Now, let’s look at an essay that would likely score in the Band 6-7 range:
The question of whether public health services should be free for everyone or paid for by individuals is a topic of much debate. Both sides have good points, and I will discuss them before giving my own view.
Those who think public health services should be free say that everyone has a right to good health. They believe that if healthcare is free, more people will be able to get treatment when they need it. This can help prevent small health problems from becoming big ones, which can save money in the long run. Also, when everyone is healthy, they can work better and help the country’s economy.
On the other hand, people who think individuals should pay for their own healthcare say that this makes people more responsible for their health. When people have to pay, they might try harder to stay healthy by eating well and exercising. Some also say that private healthcare can be better quality because there is more competition between doctors and hospitals.
In my opinion, I think a mix of both systems could work well. Basic healthcare and emergency services should be free for everyone. This would make sure that no one is left without help when they really need it. But for other treatments, people could pay a small amount based on how much money they earn. This way, everyone contributes a fair share, but no one is left without healthcare because they can’t afford it.
To sum up, while there are good arguments for both free healthcare and individual payment, I believe a combined system would be best. This would provide basic care for all while also encouraging people to take some responsibility for their health.
(Word count: 276)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates qualities that align with a Band 6-7 score:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the ideas could be more fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated than in the Band 8-9 essay.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, but lacks the precision and sophistication of higher band scores.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with some errors, but these do not impede communication.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Here are some important vocabulary items used in the essays, along with their definitions:
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Contentious (adjective, /kənˈtenʃəs/): Causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument.
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Fundamental (adjective, /ˌfʌndəˈmentl/): Forming a necessary base or core; of central importance.
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Preventive care (noun, /prɪˈventɪv keər/): Healthcare that aims to prevent illnesses or diseases before they occur.
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Judiciously (adverb, /dʒuːˈdɪʃəsli/): With good judgment or sense.
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Hybrid (noun/adjective, /ˈhaɪbrɪd/): Something that is formed by combining two or more different elements.
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Tiered (adjective, /tɪəd/): Arranged in tiers or levels.
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Comprehensive (adjective, /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/): Including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.
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Sustainable (adjective, /səˈsteɪnəbl/): Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
Conclusion
The topic of public health services and healthcare costs is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Future questions might explore related themes such as the impact of technology on healthcare costs, the role of preventive care in reducing overall health expenditures, or the balance between public and private healthcare systems in different economic contexts.
To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic or a related one. You could consider questions like:
- How can governments balance the need for universal healthcare with limited budgets?
- What role should private insurance play in a country’s healthcare system?
- How might advances in medical technology affect the cost and accessibility of healthcare?
Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you refine your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing is practice, reflection, and continuous improvement. Good luck with your preparation!