The topic of preventive healthcare and its impact on healthcare systems has appeared frequently in recent IELTS examinations, particularly in 2021-2023. Based on analysis of past papers, this theme commonly emerges in Task 2 essays focusing on health, government spending, and social welfare. Here is a relevant question that has appeared in recent tests:
Some people believe that governments should invest more in preventive healthcare rather than treatment of illnesses. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Analysis of Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Express their opinion on government healthcare spending priorities
- Compare preventive healthcare with treatment-focused approaches
- Support their position with relevant examples and explanations
- Present a well-structured argument with clear reasoning
Chart showing government investment in preventive vs treatment healthcare
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
In my opinion, I strongly agree that governments should allocate more resources towards preventive healthcare measures, as this approach is both more cost-effective and beneficial for society in the long term.
Firstly, investing in preventive healthcare can significantly reduce the financial burden on healthcare systems. When governments prioritize prevention through vaccination programs, regular health screenings, and public health education, they can identify and address potential health issues before they become severe and costly to treat. For instance, in Singapore, the implementation of comprehensive health screening programs has led to early detection of chronic diseases, resulting in reduced hospitalization rates and lower overall healthcare costs.
Moreover, preventive healthcare promotes a healthier and more productive population. By focusing on prevention, governments can help citizens maintain better health throughout their lives, enabling them to contribute more effectively to the economy. Countries like Japan, which has heavily invested in preventive care and health education, have seen remarkable improvements in population health metrics and workplace productivity.
However, this does not mean that funding for treatment should be neglected entirely. A balanced approach is necessary, as some illnesses and accidents cannot be prevented and require immediate medical intervention. The key lies in finding the right balance, with a greater emphasis on prevention while maintaining adequate treatment capabilities.
Medical professionals conducting preventive healthcare education session
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
I agree that governments should spend more money on preventive healthcare because it can help reduce illness and save money.
The main reason is that prevention is cheaper than cure. When people get regular check-ups and vaccinations, they can avoid serious health problems. For example, in my country, when the government started free health checks for old people, many cases of diabetes were found early and treated before getting worse.
Also, preventive healthcare helps people stay healthy and work better. If people learn about good health habits and exercise, they will not get sick easily. This means they can work more and earn more money. The government also spends less money on hospitals and medicine.
But sometimes people still get sick and need treatment. So the government cannot stop spending money on hospitals and doctors. They need to spend money on both prevention and treatment.
In conclusion, I think governments should focus more on preventive healthcare but also keep supporting treatment services.
Band Score Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay:
- Clear position throughout
- Sophisticated vocabulary usage
- Well-developed arguments with specific examples
- Excellent paragraph organization
- Complex sentence structures
- Coherent and cohesive
Band 6.5 Essay:
- Basic but clear position
- Simple vocabulary with some errors
- Basic examples provided
- Basic paragraph structure
- Simple sentence structures
- Limited use of cohesive devices
Key Vocabulary
- preventive healthcare (n) /prɪˈventɪv/ – medical care to prevent illness
- financial burden (n) /faɪˈnænʃəl ˈbɜːdn/ – monetary pressure or strain
- implementation (n) /ˌɪmplɪmenˈteɪʃn/ – the process of putting a plan into action
- comprehensive (adj) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – complete, including all aspects
- chronic diseases (n) /ˈkrɒnɪk dɪˈziːzɪz/ – long-lasting health conditions
Similar topics likely to appear in future tests include:
- Role of technology in preventive healthcare
- Public vs private healthcare systems
- Mental health prevention strategies
- Workplace health programs
Practice writing your own essay on this topic and share in the comments for feedback from fellow learners.
