The topic of free healthcare provision is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on past exam trends and current global healthcare debates, it’s highly likely that this subject will continue to appear in future tests. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays and analysis, focusing on the question: “Should free healthcare be provided to everyone?”
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that governments should provide free healthcare to all citizens, while others think individuals should be responsible for their own healthcare costs. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for government-provided free healthcare
- Discuss arguments for individual responsibility in healthcare costs
- Present and justify their own opinion on the matter
Let’s examine three sample essays of varying quality to understand how to approach this task effectively.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Healthcare provision is a contentious issue in many countries, with some advocating for universal free healthcare and others arguing for individual responsibility. While both perspectives have merit, I believe a balanced approach combining government support and personal accountability is most beneficial.
Proponents of free healthcare argue that it ensures equal access to medical services for all citizens, regardless of their financial status. This approach can lead to a healthier population overall, as preventive care becomes more accessible, potentially reducing long-term healthcare costs. Moreover, free healthcare can alleviate financial stress for individuals facing serious illnesses or chronic conditions, allowing them to focus on recovery rather than medical bills.
On the other hand, those who support individual responsibility in healthcare costs argue that this model promotes more efficient use of medical resources. When people pay for their own healthcare, they may be more likely to adopt healthier lifestyles and avoid unnecessary medical visits, thus reducing the burden on the healthcare system. Additionally, a privatized healthcare system may foster innovation and competition, potentially leading to improved quality of care and medical advancements.
In my opinion, the ideal solution lies in a hybrid system that combines elements of both approaches. Governments should provide basic healthcare coverage to ensure that all citizens have access to essential medical services, including preventive care and treatment for serious illnesses. However, individuals should also be encouraged to take responsibility for their health through co-payments or incentives for healthy behaviors. This balanced approach can help maintain the quality and sustainability of healthcare systems while ensuring that no one is left without necessary medical care due to financial constraints.
In conclusion, while free healthcare and individual responsibility both have their merits, a combined approach that leverages the strengths of both systems is likely to yield the best outcomes for society as a whole. This compromise can help create a healthier, more equitable society while still encouraging personal responsibility and efficient use of healthcare resources.
(Word count: 309)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly presenting the writer’s opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices (e.g., “On the other hand,” “Moreover,” “In conclusion”).
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Lexical Resource: The writer uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “contentious,” “alleviate,” “foster innovation”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures with minimal errors.
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Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The question of whether governments should provide free healthcare to everyone or if individuals should pay for their own healthcare is a big debate in many countries. Both sides have good points, and I will discuss them here.
People who think free healthcare is good say that it helps everyone get medical care when they need it. This is important because some people don’t have enough money to pay for doctors or medicine. Free healthcare can save lives and make sure that poor people don’t get sicker just because they can’t afford treatment. Also, when everyone can go to the doctor, it can stop diseases from spreading in the community.
On the other hand, some people think that we should pay for our own healthcare. They say that this makes people more careful about their health and not waste medical resources. If people have to pay, they might try to eat better and exercise more to avoid getting sick. Also, when healthcare is not free, hospitals and doctors might try harder to give good service to keep their patients happy.
In my opinion, I think a mix of both ideas is best. The government should help with basic healthcare and emergencies, but people should also pay a little bit for some services. This way, everyone can get help when they really need it, but people will also think twice before going to the doctor for small problems.
To conclude, free healthcare and paying for healthcare both have good points. A system that combines both could be the best solution to keep people healthy without making healthcare too expensive for the government.
(Word count: 276)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates competence but has some limitations:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the ideas are less fully developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall structure, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated (e.g., repeated use of “Also”).
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate but less varied and precise compared to the higher band essay.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences but with less variety than the Band 8-9 essay.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are relevant but less fully extended or supported with examples.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Nowadays, healthcare is very important topic. Some people think government should give free healthcare for all people. Other people think everyone should pay own healthcare. I will talk about both idea and give my opinion.
Free healthcare is good because all people can see doctor when sick. Poor people can get medicine and treatment. This is fair for society. When all people healthy, country is strong. But free healthcare is expensive for government. Maybe taxes go up.
If people pay own healthcare, they be more careful about health. They eat good food and exercise more. This save money for goverment. But problem is poor people maybe cannot pay doctor. They get very sick and maybe die. This is not good for society.
I think best way is mix of two idea. Government can pay for big health problem and emergency. People can pay little bit for small problem. This way, everyone can get help if very sick, but not waste money on small thing.
In conclusion, free healthcare and pay healthcare both have good and bad point. I think mix system is best for everyone.
(Word count: 170)
Analysis of Band 5-6 Essay
This essay demonstrates limited competence:
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Task Response: The essay addresses the task but in a simplistic way with limited development of ideas.
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Coherence and Cohesion: There is a basic structure, but paragraphing and use of cohesive devices are limited.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, with some errors in word choice and spelling.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses mainly simple sentences with frequent grammatical errors.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are present but underdeveloped and lack specific examples or explanations.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Universal healthcare (noun) – /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsl ˈhelθkeə(r)/ – A system where all residents of a country are assured access to healthcare.
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Privatized healthcare (noun) – /ˈpraɪvətaɪzd ˈhelθkeə(r)/ – A healthcare system primarily operated by private companies rather than the government.
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Preventive care (noun) – /prɪˈventɪv keə(r)/ – Healthcare services that prevent illnesses or detect them at an early stage.
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Co-payment (noun) – /ˈkəʊpeɪmənt/ – A fixed amount paid by a patient for a covered health care service.
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Equitable (adjective) – /ˈekwɪtəbl/ – Fair and impartial.
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Incentivize (verb) – /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ – To motivate or encourage someone to do something.
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Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – The ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time.
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Alleviate (verb) – /əˈliːvieɪt/ – To make suffering, deficiency, or a problem less severe.
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Burden (noun) – /ˈbɜːdn/ – A duty or misfortune that causes hardship, worry, or difficulty.
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Hybrid system (noun) – /ˈhaɪbrɪd ˈsɪstəm/ – A system that combines elements of two or more different approaches or models.
Conclusion
The topic of free healthcare provision is a complex and nuanced issue that is likely to continue appearing in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. As you prepare for your test, consider practicing with similar prompts such as:
- Should governments prioritize healthcare spending over other areas like education or infrastructure?
- Is it ethical for private companies to profit from healthcare services?
- How can countries balance the need for universal healthcare access with limited financial resources?
Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and fully develop your ideas with relevant examples and explanations. Practice writing your own essay on this topic and consider sharing it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!