Medical research funding is a crucial topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Based on analysis of past exams and current trends, this subject is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s examine a real IELTS question on this topic and explore sample essays for different band scores.
Some people think that governments should spend money on medical research to prevent widespread diseases, while others believe that money should be spent on the current health system. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analysis of the Question
This question presents a common IELTS Writing Task 2 format: discussing two contrasting views and providing a personal opinion. The topic focuses on government spending in healthcare, specifically comparing investment in medical research versus improving the existing health system. To answer this question effectively, candidates must:
- Discuss reasons for funding medical research to prevent widespread diseases
- Explain arguments for investing in the current health system
- Provide a balanced discussion of both viewpoints
- State and justify their own opinion
Let’s examine sample essays for different band scores to understand how to approach this question effectively.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Medical funding is a critical issue that governments worldwide grapple with, as they strive to balance immediate healthcare needs with long-term disease prevention. While some argue for increased investment in medical research to combat widespread diseases, others advocate for strengthening the existing health system. In my opinion, a balanced approach that addresses both aspects is crucial for comprehensive healthcare improvement.
Proponents of funding medical research argue that preventing diseases at their source is more cost-effective and beneficial in the long run. By investing in research to understand and potentially eradicate widespread diseases, governments can significantly reduce future healthcare costs and improve overall public health. For instance, the development of vaccines for diseases like polio and smallpox has saved countless lives and reduced the burden on healthcare systems globally. Moreover, research into emerging threats like antibiotic-resistant bacteria is essential to prevent potential future pandemics.
On the other hand, those who support investing in the current health system emphasize the immediate needs of patients and healthcare providers. They argue that many people struggle to access quality healthcare due to overcrowded hospitals, long waiting times, and inadequate facilities. By improving infrastructure, increasing staffing, and enhancing medical equipment, governments can ensure better care for patients in the short term. This approach also addresses disparities in healthcare access, particularly for underserved communities.
In my view, a balanced strategy that combines both approaches is ideal. Governments should allocate funds to medical research, focusing on diseases that pose the greatest threat to public health, while simultaneously improving the existing healthcare infrastructure. This dual approach ensures that current patients receive adequate care while also investing in future disease prevention and treatment.
Furthermore, there is a synergy between research and practical healthcare delivery. Advances in medical research often lead to improved treatments and protocols that can be implemented in the current health system. Conversely, challenges faced by healthcare providers can inform research priorities, ensuring that scientific efforts are aligned with real-world needs.
In conclusion, while both views have merit, I believe that a comprehensive approach combining investment in medical research and enhancement of the current health system is essential. This balanced strategy addresses immediate healthcare needs while also working towards long-term disease prevention and improved public health outcomes.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The question of how governments should spend money on healthcare is a complex issue. Some people think it’s better to invest in medical research to prevent big diseases, while others say we should focus on making our current health system better. Both sides have good points, and I will discuss them before giving my own opinion.
Those who support spending on medical research believe that it’s important to stop diseases before they become a big problem. They think that if we can find cures or vaccines for widespread diseases, we can save many lives in the future. For example, research on cancer or heart disease could help millions of people worldwide. Also, preventing diseases might be cheaper than treating them later.
On the other hand, people who want to improve the current health system say that we need to help patients now. They argue that many hospitals are too crowded and don’t have enough doctors or equipment. By spending money on these things, we can make sure that sick people get better care right away. This could include hiring more nurses, buying new medical machines, or building more hospitals.
In my opinion, both approaches are important, and we should try to do both. I think governments should spend money on medical research because it can help us in the long term. But they should also improve the current health system to help people who are sick now. Maybe they could divide the money between these two areas.
It’s also worth noting that research and healthcare services can work together. New discoveries from research can be used in hospitals to treat patients better. And problems that doctors see in hospitals can give ideas for new research projects.
In conclusion, I believe that a mix of both approaches is the best way forward. By investing in medical research and improving our current health system, we can help people now and in the future.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
There is a big debate about how governments should spend money on health. Some people think it’s good to spend on medical research to stop big diseases. Other people think it’s better to spend on the health system we have now. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
People who like medical research say it’s important to stop diseases before they happen. They think if we find new medicines or ways to prevent diseases, we can help many people. For example, if we find a cure for cancer, it will save many lives. Also, stopping diseases might be cheaper than treating sick people.
But some people think we should make our hospitals and clinics better. They say many people can’t get good healthcare now because hospitals are full or don’t have enough doctors. If we spend money on more doctors and better equipment, we can help sick people right away.
I think both ideas are good. We need to do research to find new ways to stop diseases. But we also need to help people who are sick now. Maybe governments can spend some money on research and some on making hospitals better.
It’s also good to remember that research can help hospitals, and problems in hospitals can give ideas for new research. So they can work together.
In conclusion, I believe governments should try to do both things. They should spend money on research and on making our health system better. This way, we can help people now and in the future.
Diagram of healthcare spending allocation
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
- Presents a clear position throughout the essay
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features
- Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
- Demonstrates excellent coherence and cohesion with logical organization
- Provides relevant, extended, and well-supported ideas throughout
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, although some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents a relevant position, although conclusions may be unclear or repetitive
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary with some errors in word choice and usage
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors
- Arranges information coherently with clear overall progression
- Presents relevant main ideas but some may be inadequately developed or unclear
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially, with limited development of ideas
- Expresses a position but it may not be clear or consistent
- Uses a limited range of vocabulary with noticeable errors that may cause some difficulty for the reader
- Uses a limited range of structures with frequent errors that may cause some difficulty for the reader
- Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression
- Presents some main ideas but these are limited and not sufficiently developed
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Medical research (noun) – /ˈmedɪkl rɪˈsɜːrtʃ/ – Scientific studies conducted to improve medical knowledge and treatments
- Widespread diseases (adjective + noun) – /ˈwaɪdspred dɪˈziːzɪz/ – Illnesses that affect a large number of people across a wide area
- Health system (noun) – /helθ ˈsɪstəm/ – The organization of people, institutions, and resources that deliver healthcare services
- Prevention (noun) – /prɪˈvenʃn/ – The action of stopping something from happening or arising
- Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for operation
- Eradicate (verb) – /ɪˈrædɪkeɪt/ – To completely get rid of something
- Disparities (noun) – /dɪˈspærətiz/ – Differences, especially those related to unfair treatment
- Synergy (noun) – /ˈsɪnədʒi/ – The interaction of elements that, when combined, produce a total effect greater than the sum of individual elements
- Comprehensive (adjective) – /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – Including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something
- Allocation (noun) – /ˌæləˈkeɪʃn/ – The action or process of distributing resources or funds for a particular purpose
In conclusion, the topic of medical research funding versus healthcare system improvement is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of government in healthcare funding
- Balancing preventive medicine and curative treatments
- The impact of medical research on public health
- Addressing healthcare inequalities in developing countries
Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammar structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. The importance of public funding for scientific research is a crucial aspect to consider when discussing this topic. Additionally, exploring the role of AI in advancing medical research can provide valuable insights for your essays.
To further improve your writing skills, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you refine your ideas and receive feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam.
