Public health initiatives play a crucial role in disease prevention, making it a popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. This subject has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a significant theme in future tests. Let’s explore a sample question and learn how to craft compelling essays on this important topic.
Analyzing the Question
Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this topic:
Some people believe that governments should be responsible for preventing and treating diseases, while others think it is the responsibility of individuals to maintain their own health. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the view that governments should be responsible for disease prevention and treatment
- Discuss the view that individuals should be responsible for their own health
- Provide your own opinion on the matter
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In the realm of public health, the debate over who should bear the primary responsibility for disease prevention and treatment – governments or individuals – is ongoing. While both parties undoubtedly play crucial roles, I believe that a collaborative approach is most effective in maintaining public health.
Proponents of government responsibility argue that public health is a matter of national importance. Governments have the resources and authority to implement wide-reaching health initiatives, such as vaccination programs, health education campaigns, and regulations on food safety and environmental pollutants. Moreover, they can ensure equitable access to healthcare services, which is particularly crucial for vulnerable populations. For instance, the success of many countries in eradicating diseases like polio can be attributed to government-led vaccination campaigns.
On the other hand, those who advocate for individual responsibility contend that personal health choices significantly impact overall public health. Individuals have direct control over their lifestyle choices, including diet, exercise, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. They argue that relying too heavily on government interventions may lead to a lack of personal accountability and potentially strain public resources.
In my opinion, the most effective approach to disease prevention and treatment involves a synergy between government initiatives and individual responsibility. Governments should provide the framework and resources for public health programs, while individuals should take an active role in maintaining their personal health. For example, a government might launch a comprehensive anti-obesity campaign, but its success ultimately depends on individuals making healthier food choices and engaging in regular physical activity.
Furthermore, I believe that governments have a particular responsibility to address health issues that individuals cannot tackle alone, such as air pollution or the spread of infectious diseases. Conversely, individuals should be proactive in utilizing the health resources provided by the government and making informed decisions about their health.
In conclusion, while the debate between government and individual responsibility in health matters continues, the most effective strategy for disease prevention and treatment lies in a balanced approach. By combining government-led public health initiatives with personal accountability, societies can create a robust and sustainable health ecosystem that benefits all.
(Word count: 329)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The question of who should be responsible for preventing and treating diseases – governments or individuals – is a complex issue. Both sides have valid points, and I think a combination of both approaches is necessary.
On one hand, governments have an important role in public health. They can create and enforce laws that promote health, such as banning smoking in public places or requiring food labels. Governments also have the money and power to run big health programs, like vaccination campaigns. These actions can help prevent diseases on a large scale. For example, many countries have successfully reduced the spread of COVID-19 through government-led measures like lockdowns and mask mandates.
On the other hand, individuals also have a responsibility for their own health. People can make choices that affect their health, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding harmful habits like excessive drinking. These personal decisions can have a big impact on preventing diseases. Additionally, when people take care of their own health, it can reduce the burden on the healthcare system.
In my opinion, both governments and individuals need to work together to prevent and treat diseases effectively. Governments should provide the necessary resources and create an environment that supports good health. This could include things like building parks for exercise, providing health education in schools, and ensuring access to affordable healthcare. At the same time, individuals should take advantage of these resources and make healthy choices in their daily lives.
I believe this combined approach is the most effective because it addresses the issue at both the societal and personal levels. Governments can tackle large-scale health problems and provide support, while individuals can take care of their day-to-day health needs.
In conclusion, while governments and individuals both have important roles in preventing and treating diseases, the best solution involves cooperation between the two. By working together, we can create healthier societies and reduce the impact of diseases.
(Word count: 309)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
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Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion. This organization is crucial for achieving a high band score.
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Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more sophisticated vocabulary and phrases, such as “collaborative approach,” “equitable access,” and “synergy.” The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still maintains clarity.
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Grammar: The higher band essay demonstrates a wider range of complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler constructions but still maintains grammatical accuracy.
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Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the Band 8-9 essay provides more detailed examples and a more nuanced argument.
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Cohesion and Coherence: Both essays use appropriate linking words and phrases to connect ideas, but the Band 8-9 essay demonstrates more sophisticated paragraph and essay-level cohesion.
Important Vocabulary to Remember
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Public health (noun, /ˌpʌblɪk ˈhelθ/): The health of the population as a whole, especially as monitored by the government.
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Disease prevention (noun phrase, /dɪˈziːz prɪˈvenʃn/): Actions taken to stop diseases from occurring or spreading.
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Health initiative (noun phrase, /helθ ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/): A plan or program designed to improve health outcomes.
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Vaccination campaign (noun phrase, /væksiˈneɪʃn kæmˈpeɪn/): An organized effort to administer vaccines to a large number of people.
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Equitable access (noun phrase, /ˈekwɪtəbl ˈækses/): Fair and equal opportunity to use or benefit from something, in this case, healthcare services.
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Lifestyle choices (noun phrase, /ˈlaɪfstaɪl ˈtʃɔɪsɪz/): Decisions individuals make about how they live their daily lives, which can affect their health.
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Health education (noun phrase, /helθ ˌedʒuˈkeɪʃn/): The process of teaching people about health and how to maintain it.
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Infectious disease (noun phrase, /ɪnˈfekʃəs dɪˈziːz/): An illness caused by microorganisms that can be spread from one person to another.
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Personal accountability (noun phrase, /ˈpɜːsnl əˌkaʊntəˈbɪləti/): The idea that individuals are responsible for their own actions and decisions.
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Health ecosystem (noun phrase, /helθ ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/): The interconnected network of factors, including healthcare services, policies, and individual behaviors, that influence public health.
Conclusion
The importance of public health initiatives in preventing diseases is a crucial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding how to approach this subject, you can craft well-structured, coherent essays that demonstrate your language skills and critical thinking abilities. Remember to practice writing essays on this topic and related themes, such as the role of public health in preventing disease or the importance of public health in economic development.
To further enhance your skills, try writing your own essay on the question provided in this article. Share your essay in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with fellow IELTS test-takers. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare you for success in the IELTS Writing Task 2.