Medical expenses and financial planning have been recurring themes in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in approximately 15% of tests between 2020-2023. Understanding the importance of planning for financial emergencies is crucial for both exam success and real-life application.
Some people believe that governments should provide free medical care to all citizens, while others think individuals should be responsible for saving money to cover their own medical expenses. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Analysis of the Question
- Topic: Healthcare funding and personal responsibility
- Task: Discuss both views + give opinion
- Key points to address:
- Government-funded healthcare
- Individual responsibility for medical savings
- Personal stance with justification
Government vs Individual Healthcare Funding Debate
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The debate over healthcare funding responsibility reflects the importance of saving money for emergencies in modern society. While both government-funded and individual-based systems have their merits, I believe a balanced approach combining both elements is most effective.
Proponents of state-funded healthcare argue that access to medical treatment is a fundamental human right. When governments provide universal healthcare, it ensures that all citizens, regardless of their financial status, receive necessary medical attention. This system prevents catastrophic health expenditures that could otherwise push families into poverty and creates a more equitable society where health outcomes are not determined by wealth.
However, advocates of individual responsibility contend that personal medical savings promote better health awareness and resource utilization. When people are responsible for their healthcare costs, they tend to make more informed decisions about their lifestyle choices and preventive care. This approach also reduces the burden on public resources and encourages financial planning, highlighting the importance of setting aside emergency savings.
In my opinion, the optimal solution lies in a hybrid system. Governments should provide essential healthcare services and emergency coverage, while individuals maintain savings for supplementary care and non-essential treatments. This arrangement ensures basic healthcare access while promoting personal responsibility and financial prudence.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Healthcare funding is an important issue in many countries today. There are different opinions about who should pay for medical care, and I will discuss both sides.
Some people think governments should pay for everyone’s medical care. This is good because poor people can get treatment when they are sick. For example, in many European countries, citizens don’t worry about hospital bills because the government pays everything. This helps everyone stay healthy.
Other people believe we should save our own money for medical problems. This makes sense because it teaches people to be responsible. When people save money, they can choose their doctors and get better service. It also helps them understand the importance of saving for unexpected expenses.
I think both ideas have good points, but government healthcare is better. While saving money is important, not everyone can save enough for serious medical problems. The government should help people with healthcare, but maybe people can also save some money for small medical needs.
Key Vocabulary
- catastrophic (adj) /kætəˈstrɒfɪk/ – causing sudden damage or suffering
- equitable (adj) /ˈekwɪtəbl/ – fair and impartial
- supplementary (adj) /ˌsʌplɪˈmentəri/ – additional to what already exists
- prudence (n) /ˈpruːdns/ – careful management of resources
- preventive care (n) /prɪˈventɪv keə/ – health care that prevents illness
Score Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Clear position with balanced discussion
- Coherent paragraphing and logical flow
- Relevant examples and thorough development
- Demonstrates the importance of balancing credit with savings
Band 6.5 Essay:
- Simple but clear language
- Basic organization with some development
- Limited range of complex structures
- Position stated but less thoroughly supported
- Some repetition and simpler vocabulary
Consider practicing with these additional topics:
- Private health insurance vs. public healthcare
- Mandatory medical savings accounts
- Healthcare accessibility in developing nations
Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and improvement suggestions.
