The topic of global health initiatives and their importance in combating diseases is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on an analysis of past exam questions and trends, this subject has appeared frequently and is likely to continue being a popular topic in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has been featured in recent IELTS exams:
Some people believe that international efforts to combat diseases in developing countries are ineffective and that money should be spent on other priorities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Analyzing the Question
This question asks for your opinion on the effectiveness of international efforts to fight diseases in developing countries. It requires you to:
- Discuss the impact of global health initiatives
- Consider alternative uses for the funds
- Present your stance on whether you agree or disagree with the statement
- Provide reasons and examples to support your position
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-scoring response.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Global health initiatives play a crucial role in combating diseases worldwide, particularly in developing nations. While some argue that these efforts are ineffective and resources should be redirected, I strongly disagree with this view. International cooperation in addressing health challenges is not only effective but also essential for global well-being and stability.
Firstly, global health initiatives have demonstrated significant success in reducing the burden of diseases in developing countries. For instance, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative has nearly eliminated polio worldwide, with cases declining by 99% since 1988. This remarkable achievement showcases the power of coordinated international efforts in tackling health crises. Similarly, programs targeting HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis have saved millions of lives and improved the quality of life for countless individuals in low-income regions.
Moreover, investing in global health yields far-reaching benefits beyond disease prevention. Improved health outcomes contribute to economic growth, social stability, and enhanced productivity in developing nations. Healthier populations are better equipped to participate in education and the workforce, leading to reduced poverty and increased global prosperity. Additionally, addressing health issues in developing countries helps prevent the spread of diseases across borders, protecting global public health.
While critics argue that funds could be better spent on other priorities, it is crucial to recognize that health is fundamental to all aspects of development. Without a healthy population, efforts to improve education, infrastructure, or economic systems are likely to falter. Furthermore, the interconnected nature of our world means that health crises in one region can quickly become global threats, as evidenced by recent pandemics. Therefore, investing in global health initiatives is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity for global security and stability.
In conclusion, international efforts to combat diseases in developing countries are both effective and indispensable. The successes achieved in disease prevention and control, coupled with the broader societal benefits, underscore the importance of continued investment in global health initiatives. Rather than redirecting funds, we should strive to enhance the efficiency and reach of these programs to create a healthier, more prosperous world for all.
(Word count: 339)
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that justify a high band score:
- Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with well-developed ideas and relevant examples.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect, and ideas are logically linked using cohesive devices.
- Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is sophisticated and precise, with a wide range of topic-specific terms (e.g., “Global Polio Eradication Initiative”, “economic growth”, “social stability”).
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a wide range of complex structures used accurately, with only minor errors that do not impede communication.
- Critical Thinking: The writer demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the topic, addressing potential counterarguments and providing insightful analysis.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
In recent years, there has been a debate about whether international efforts to fight diseases in developing countries are effective. Some people think that this money should be used for other important things. I disagree with this idea and believe that global health initiatives are very important.
First of all, international efforts have helped to reduce many diseases in poor countries. For example, programs to give vaccines have saved many children’s lives. Also, initiatives to fight HIV/AIDS have helped many people get medicine and live longer. These examples show that the money spent on health in developing countries is making a difference.
Secondly, helping to improve health in poor countries can also help the whole world. When people in developing countries are healthier, they can work better and contribute more to the global economy. Also, stopping diseases in one place can prevent them from spreading to other countries. This is especially important now because people travel a lot between countries.
Some people might say that there are other problems that need money more than health. They might think that education or building roads is more important. However, I think that health is the most basic need. If people are not healthy, they cannot go to school or work properly. So, investing in health helps solve other problems too.
In conclusion, I believe that international efforts to combat diseases in developing countries are very important and should continue. These programs have shown good results and help make the world safer for everyone. Instead of stopping these efforts, we should try to make them even better and more effective.
(Word count: 274)
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates good qualities that justify a mid-range band score:
- Task Achievement: The essay addresses the main parts of the task and presents a clear position. However, the ideas could be more fully developed with more specific examples.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear paragraphing. Some cohesive devices are used, but they could be more varied.
- Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, with some attempts at more sophisticated words. However, the range could be wider, and there’s some repetition.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control. There are some errors, but they don’t impede communication.
- Critical Thinking: The writer shows some ability to analyze the issue, but the arguments could be more nuanced and in-depth.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Nowadays, some people think that international efforts to fight diseases in poor countries are not working well. They say we should use the money for other important things. I don’t agree with this idea. I think helping poor countries with health problems is very important.
First, these international programs have helped many people in poor countries. They give medicine and vaccines to people who need them. This has saved many lives. For example, many children don’t get sick from diseases like polio anymore because of these programs.
Also, when we help poor countries with health, it can help everyone in the world. If people in poor countries are healthy, they can work better and make more money. This is good for the world economy. And if we stop diseases in one country, they won’t spread to other countries.
Some people might say we should use the money for other things like schools or roads. But I think health is the most important thing. If people are not healthy, they can’t go to school or work well. So, helping with health is like helping with everything else too.
In conclusion, I think international efforts to fight diseases in poor countries are very important. We should keep doing this work and try to make it even better. It helps people in poor countries and makes the world safer for everyone.
(Word count: 218)
Essay Analysis (Band 5-6)
This essay demonstrates qualities that justify a lower mid-range band score:
- Task Achievement: The essay addresses the main parts of the task and presents a clear position. However, the ideas are basic and lack depth and development.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a simple organizational structure with some paragraphing. Basic cohesive devices are used, but they are sometimes repetitive.
- Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, with mostly simple words and phrases. There are attempts to use topic-specific vocabulary, but the range is narrow.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay primarily uses simple sentence structures with some attempts at complex sentences. There are noticeable errors, but they generally don’t impede communication.
- Critical Thinking: The writer presents basic arguments but lacks depth in analysis and fails to consider more complex aspects of the issue.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Global health initiatives (noun phrase) – /ˈɡləʊbəl helθ ɪˈnɪʃətɪvz/ – Worldwide efforts to improve health and combat diseases
- Eradication (noun) – /ɪˌrædɪˈkeɪʃən/ – The complete elimination of something, especially a disease
- Burden of diseases (noun phrase) – /ˈbɜːdən əv dɪˈziːzɪz/ – The impact of a health problem in an area, measured by financial cost, mortality, morbidity, or other indicators
- Economic growth (noun phrase) – /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ɡrəʊθ/ – An increase in the amount of goods and services produced per head of the population over a period of time
- Social stability (noun phrase) – /ˈsəʊʃəl stəˈbɪlɪti/ – A state of society characterized by peace, order, and continuity
- Interconnected (adjective) – /ˌɪntəkəˈnektɪd/ – Having different parts or elements connected or related to one another
- Moral imperative (noun phrase) – /ˈmɒrəl ɪmˈperətɪv/ – A strongly-felt principle that compels a person to act
- Strategic necessity (noun phrase) – /strəˈtiːdʒɪk nəˈsesɪti/ – Something that is essential for achieving long-term goals or objectives
- Societal benefits (noun phrase) – /səˈsaɪətl ˈbenɪfɪts/ – Advantages or improvements that affect society as a whole
- Healthcare infrastructure (noun phrase) – /ˈhelθkeər ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of health services
Conclusion
The topic of global health initiatives and their role in combating diseases is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of developed countries in supporting healthcare in developing nations
- The balance between investing in health versus other development priorities
- The impact of global health crises on international relations and economies
- The ethical considerations of international health interventions
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Practice writing timed essays to improve your speed and efficiency in the actual test.
We encourage you to try writing your own essay on the topic provided in this article. Share your practice essay in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with other learners. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your IELTS Writing skills and prepare for success in the exam.