The role of healthcare in economic development is a crucial topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on recent exam trends and its relevance to global issues, this subject is likely to remain a popular choice for future tests. Let’s examine a related question that has appeared in past exams and explore sample essays across different band scores.
Some people believe that the government should invest more money in healthcare to improve economic development. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Analyzing the Question
This question asks for your opinion on the relationship between government investment in healthcare and economic development. Key points to consider:
- The main topic is the link between healthcare spending and economic growth
- You need to state your level of agreement or disagreement
- You should provide reasons and examples to support your position
- Consider both short-term and long-term economic impacts of healthcare investment
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In my opinion, I strongly agree that increased government investment in healthcare can significantly contribute to economic development. This essay will explore how a robust healthcare system can boost productivity, reduce long-term costs, and stimulate innovation in the medical sector.
Firstly, a well-funded healthcare system leads to a healthier, more productive workforce. When citizens have access to quality medical care, they are less likely to take sick days and more capable of performing at their peak. For instance, in countries like Sweden and Norway, where healthcare is heavily subsidized, worker productivity rates are consistently among the highest in the world. This increased productivity directly translates to economic growth and higher GDP.
How inflation affects healthcare costs is a crucial factor to consider when discussing government investment in this sector. By allocating more resources to healthcare, governments can potentially mitigate the long-term economic burden of chronic diseases and preventable illnesses. Early detection and treatment of conditions like diabetes or heart disease can significantly reduce the overall cost to the economy in terms of lost productivity and expensive late-stage treatments.
Moreover, investment in healthcare often spurs innovation and creates new economic opportunities. Funding for medical research and development can lead to breakthroughs in treatments and technologies, potentially creating new industries and job markets. The biotechnology sector in the United States, for example, has flourished partly due to substantial government funding in healthcare research, contributing billions to the economy annually.
However, it is essential to acknowledge that excessive healthcare spending without proper management can strain government budgets and potentially lead to economic challenges. Therefore, a balanced approach that focuses on efficient allocation of resources and emphasizes preventive care is crucial for maximizing the economic benefits of healthcare investment.
In conclusion, while there are potential pitfalls to consider, I firmly believe that increased government investment in healthcare can be a powerful driver of economic development. By fostering a healthier workforce, reducing long-term health-related costs, and stimulating innovation, such investment can contribute significantly to sustainable economic growth.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
I agree that the government should invest more money in healthcare to improve economic development. This essay will discuss the reasons why healthcare investment is important for the economy.
Firstly, good healthcare helps people stay healthy and work better. When workers are healthy, they don’t miss work and can do their jobs well. This means companies can make more products and services, which is good for the economy. For example, in countries with good healthcare systems, people work more days in a year compared to countries with poor healthcare.
Secondly, investing in healthcare can save money in the long run. If people get regular check-ups and early treatment, it can prevent serious illnesses that are expensive to treat later. This means the government and people spend less money on healthcare over time, which is good for the economy.
Another reason is that healthcare investment can create jobs. Hospitals, clinics, and medical research centers need doctors, nurses, and other workers. This provides employment opportunities and helps reduce unemployment rates. Also, when new medicines or treatments are developed, it can create new businesses and industries.
However, it’s important to note that too much spending on healthcare without proper planning can cause problems. The government needs to make sure the money is used wisely and efficiently.
In conclusion, I believe that government investment in healthcare is important for economic development. It helps create a healthier workforce, saves money in the long term, and creates job opportunities. But it’s crucial to spend the money carefully to get the best results for the economy.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
I agree that government should spend more money on healthcare for better economy. There are some reasons for this.
First, healthy people can work better. If people are sick, they cannot go to work. This is bad for companies and the country’s economy. When government gives money for hospitals and doctors, people can get treatment and stay healthy. Then they can work more and make more money for the country.
Second, healthcare can make new jobs. When government builds new hospitals, they need doctors and nurses to work there. This gives jobs to many people. More jobs means more people have money to spend, which is good for the economy.
Also, when government spends money on medical research, new medicines can be made. These new medicines can be sold to other countries, which brings money to the country.
But sometimes too much money on healthcare can be a problem. If government spends all money on healthcare, there may not be enough for other important things like education or roads.
In conclusion, I think government should invest more in healthcare because it helps people work better and creates jobs. This is good for the economy. But government should be careful not to spend too much.
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with a clear position
- Presents well-developed ideas with logical organization
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and flexibly
- Demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures with full flexibility and accuracy
- Uses cohesive devices effectively throughout
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some aspects may be more fully covered than others
- Presents relevant main ideas but some may be inadequately developed
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary with some inaccuracies
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors
- Has adequate paragraph organization but may lack overall coherence
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially; format may be inappropriate in places
- Expresses some main ideas but these are limited and not sufficiently developed
- Uses a limited range of vocabulary; errors may cause some difficulty for the reader
- Uses only a limited range of structures with only rare use of subordinate clauses
- May not use paragraphs effectively; lacks overall coherence
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Economic development (noun) /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk dɪˈveləpmənt/ – The process by which a nation improves the economic, political, and social well-being of its people.
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Healthcare system (noun) /ˈhelθkeə ˈsɪstəm/ – The organization of people, institutions, and resources that deliver health care services to meet the health needs of target populations.
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Productivity (noun) /ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvəti/ – The effectiveness of productive effort, especially in industry, as measured in terms of the rate of output per unit of input.
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Subsidize (verb) /ˈsʌbsɪdaɪz/ – Support (an organization or activity) financially.
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Chronic diseases (noun) /ˈkrɒnɪk dɪˈziːzɪz/ – Conditions of long duration and generally slow progression.
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Innovation (noun) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/ – The action or process of innovating; a new method, idea, product, etc.
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Biotechnology (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊtekˈnɒlədʒi/ – The exploitation of biological processes for industrial and other purposes, especially the genetic manipulation of microorganisms for the production of antibiotics, hormones, etc.
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Preventive care (noun) /prɪˈventɪv keə/ – Health care services that prevent illness or disease.
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Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
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Allocation (noun) /ˌæləˈkeɪʃn/ – The action or process of allocating or distributing something.
In conclusion, the role of healthcare in economic development is a multifaceted topic that requires careful consideration of various factors. As you practice writing essays on this subject, remember to address both the short-term and long-term impacts of healthcare investment on the economy. Consider exploring related topics such as the importance of ethical investing for sustainable development to broaden your understanding of economic factors influencing societal progress.
For further practice, try writing your own essay on the following related topic:
Some people argue that investing in preventive healthcare is more beneficial for a country’s economy than focusing on treatment of diseases. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below. This is an excellent way to receive feedback and improve your IELTS Writing skills.