The topic of public health and its impact on economic development is increasingly relevant in today’s globalized world. This subject has appeared in various forms in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being a popular theme in future tests. Let’s explore a sample question and learn how to craft a compelling essay on this important topic.
Analyzing the Question
Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this subject:
Some people believe that governments should invest more in public health programs to boost economic growth. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
This question requires you to discuss the relationship between public health investments and economic growth. You need to present your opinion and support it with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay (Band 8-9)
Here’s a high-scoring sample essay addressing the question:
In today’s interconnected world, the link between public health and economic prosperity has become increasingly evident. I strongly agree that increased government investment in public health programs can significantly contribute to economic growth for several compelling reasons.
Firstly, a healthier population is inherently more productive. When citizens have access to quality healthcare and preventive measures, they are less likely to fall ill or require extended medical leave. This results in reduced absenteeism and increased workforce productivity, directly benefiting the economy. For instance, countries like Japan and Singapore, which have invested heavily in public health, consistently rank high in both health outcomes and economic competitiveness indices.
Moreover, robust public health systems can lead to substantial long-term cost savings. By focusing on prevention and early intervention, governments can reduce the burden of chronic diseases, which are often expensive to treat. This not only alleviates pressure on healthcare budgets but also allows for the reallocation of resources to other growth-stimulating sectors. The United Kingdom’s National Health Service, despite its challenges, has demonstrated how universal healthcare can contribute to overall economic stability and growth.
Furthermore, investment in public health can drive innovation and create new economic opportunities. Research in medical technologies, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare delivery systems often stems from public health initiatives. These innovations can lead to the development of new industries, job creation, and potential export opportunities. Countries like Germany and Israel have successfully leveraged their strong public health sectors to become global leaders in medical technology and research.
However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the relationship between public health investment and economic growth is not always straightforward. Poorly managed or inefficient health programs can strain government budgets without yielding proportionate benefits. Therefore, it is essential for governments to implement evidence-based policies and regularly evaluate the effectiveness of their public health investments.
In conclusion, while the implementation of public health programs requires careful planning and management, the potential economic benefits are substantial. By fostering a healthier, more productive population, reducing long-term healthcare costs, and stimulating innovation, increased investment in public health can indeed be a powerful driver of economic growth.
(Word count: 329)
Sample Essay (Band 6-7)
Here’s a mid-range sample essay addressing the same question:
I agree that governments should invest more in public health programs to improve economic growth. There are several reasons why I believe this is important.
Firstly, healthy people can work better. When people are healthy, they don’t need to take many sick days and can work more efficiently. This means businesses can produce more goods and services, which is good for the economy. For example, in countries where there are good healthcare systems, workers are usually more productive.
Secondly, spending money on public health can save money in the long run. If governments invest in preventing diseases, they might spend less on treating serious illnesses later. This saved money can be used for other things that help the economy grow, like building roads or schools. Some countries have shown that preventive healthcare programs can reduce overall healthcare costs.
Thirdly, public health programs can create jobs. When governments invest in healthcare, they need to hire doctors, nurses, and other medical staff. This creates employment opportunities and helps reduce unemployment rates, which is beneficial for the economy.
However, it’s important to note that just spending money on health programs is not enough. The money needs to be spent wisely on effective programs. If not, it could be a waste of resources that could have been used elsewhere to boost the economy.
In conclusion, I believe that investing in public health can indeed help economic growth. It can lead to a more productive workforce, save money in the long term, and create jobs. However, governments need to make sure they invest in the right programs to get the best results.
(Word count: 271)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
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Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The higher-band essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced conclusion.
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Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and phrases like “inherently more productive,” “alleviates pressure,” and “foster a healthier population.” The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still conveys the main ideas effectively.
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Grammar: The higher-band essay demonstrates a wider range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and passive voice. The mid-range essay uses simpler sentence structures but maintains grammatical accuracy.
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Arguments: Both essays present clear arguments, but the Band 8-9 essay provides more specific examples and demonstrates a deeper understanding of the topic.
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Cohesion: The higher-band essay uses more sophisticated linking words and phrases, creating a smoother flow between ideas.
Important Vocabulary to Remember
- Public health (noun) /ˌpʌblɪk ˈhelθ/ – the health of the population as a whole
- Economic growth (noun) /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈɡrəʊθ/ – an increase in the amount of goods and services produced per head of the population over a period of time
- Productivity (noun) /ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvəti/ – the effectiveness of productive effort, especially in industry
- Absenteeism (noun) /ˌæbsənˈtiːɪzəm/ – the practice of regularly staying away from work or school without good reason
- Preventive measures (noun) /prɪˈventɪv ˈmeʒəz/ – actions taken to stop something before it happens
- Chronic diseases (noun) /ˈkrɒnɪk dɪˈziːzɪz/ – illnesses that persist for a long time and often cannot be completely cured
- Innovation (noun) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/ – the action or process of innovating, introducing new ideas or methods
- Implementation (noun) /ˌɪmplɪmenˈteɪʃn/ – the process of putting a decision or plan into effect
For more practice on IELTS Writing Task 2, you might find our article on the importance of gender equality in global education helpful, as it covers another crucial global issue often featured in IELTS exams.
Conclusion
The relationship between public health and economic development is a complex and multifaceted topic that is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Other potential questions on this theme might include:
- Discuss the role of preventive healthcare in reducing national healthcare costs.
- Some argue that investing in public health is more important for developing countries than for developed ones. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- Compare the economic impacts of investing in curative versus preventive healthcare systems.
To improve your writing skills, try composing your own essay on one of these topics or the main question discussed in this article. Feel free to share your essay in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. Remember, practice is key to mastering IELTS Writing Task 2!