Expert IELTS Writing Task 2 Samples: Should Government Prioritize Healthcare Over Other Public Services?

Healthcare has long been a crucial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, frequently appearing in past exams and likely to remain relevant in future tests. Among the various healthcare-related questions, one that has gained significant traction is whether governments should prioritize healthcare over other public services. Let’s examine this topic through sample essays for different band scores, providing valuable insights for IELTS candidates.

**Some people believe that governments should spend more money on healthcare than on other public services. To what extent do you agree or disagree?**

Analyzing the Question

This question asks for your opinion on government spending priorities, specifically comparing healthcare to other public services. Key points to consider:

1. The statement presents a view that healthcare should receive more funding than other sectors.
2. You need to state your level of agreement or disagreement.
3. You should provide reasons and examples to support your position.
4. Consider both healthcare and other public services in your response.

Sample Essay for Band 8-9

Healthcare is undoubtedly a cornerstone of any thriving society, yet the question of whether it should take precedence over other public services in terms of government funding is complex. While I acknowledge the critical importance of healthcare, I believe that a balanced approach to public spending is more beneficial for overall societal well-being.

Firstly, healthcare is indeed vital for maintaining a productive and happy population. A well-funded healthcare system can prevent diseases, provide timely treatments, and ultimately save lives. For instance, countries with robust healthcare infrastructure, such as Sweden and Norway, consistently rank high in global health indices and life expectancy. However, it’s crucial to recognize that health outcomes are not solely dependent on medical care but are also influenced by various social determinants.

This brings us to the importance of other public services. Education, for example, plays a pivotal role in promoting health literacy and preventive behaviors. A well-educated population is more likely to make informed health decisions, reducing the burden on healthcare systems in the long run. Similarly, investing in public transportation can lead to reduced air pollution and increased physical activity, both of which have significant health benefits. Moreover, affordable housing and social welfare programs are essential for addressing the root causes of many health issues, such as stress and poor living conditions.

Education and Public Transport's Impact on Healthcare

Furthermore, overemphasizing healthcare at the expense of other sectors could lead to unintended consequences. For instance, neglecting infrastructure development might result in poor road conditions, increasing the risk of accidents and, ironically, creating more demand for healthcare services. Similarly, underfunding environmental protection could lead to pollution-related health problems, again straining the healthcare system.

In conclusion, while healthcare is undeniably crucial, I believe that governments should strive for a balanced allocation of resources across all public services. This holistic approach ensures that various factors contributing to public health and well-being are adequately addressed, creating a more sustainable and resilient society. The key lies in recognizing the interconnectedness of different public sectors and their collective impact on population health.

Explanation for Band 8-9 Score

This essay demonstrates several qualities that align with Band 8-9 criteria:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with a nuanced view of the issue.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately. For example, “cornerstone,” “pivotal,” “preventive behaviors,” and “unintended consequences.”
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of structures used flexibly and accurately. Complex sentences are used effectively, such as “While I acknowledge the critical importance of healthcare, I believe that a balanced approach to public spending is more beneficial for overall societal well-being.”
5. Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations, showing depth of understanding of the topic.

Sample Essay for Band 6-7

Healthcare is very important for any country, and some people think governments should spend more money on it than on other public services. I partially agree with this idea because while healthcare is crucial, other services are also necessary for a good society.

On the one hand, healthcare is very important because it helps keep people healthy and saves lives. When the government spends more on hospitals, doctors, and medicines, more people can get the medical help they need. This is especially important for poor people who cannot afford expensive treatments. For example, in countries with good healthcare systems, people live longer and have better quality of life.

Balancing Government Spending: Healthcare and Public Services

However, other public services are also important and should not be ignored. Education is very necessary because it helps people get better jobs and understand how to stay healthy. Public transportation is also important because it helps people get to work and reduces pollution from cars. If the government only focuses on healthcare and ignores these other services, it could cause problems in society.

I think the best solution is for governments to balance their spending on healthcare and other public services. They should make sure healthcare gets enough money to provide good services to everyone, but also invest in education, transportation, and other important areas. This way, the country can have healthy people and a good quality of life overall.

In conclusion, while healthcare is very important and should be a priority for government spending, it should not come at the expense of other necessary public services. A balanced approach is the best way to create a healthy and well-functioning society.

Explanation for Band 6-7 Score

This essay demonstrates characteristics typical of a Band 6-7 performance:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task and presents a clear position, though the ideas could be more fully developed.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical.
3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, with some attempts at less common words, though there is some repetition (e.g., “important” is overused).
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence structures is used, generally with good control, though there are occasional errors.
5. Development of Ideas: Main ideas are relevant and supported, but the level of detail and explanation is not as extensive as in the Band 8-9 essay.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Prioritize (verb) /praɪˈɒrətaɪz/ – to decide which of a group of things are the most important so that you can deal with them first
2. Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/ – the basic systems and services that a country or organization uses in order to work effectively
3. Holistic (adjective) /həˈlɪstɪk/ – considering a whole thing or being to be more than a collection of parts
4. Interconnectedness (noun) /ˌɪntəkəˈnektɪdnəs/ – the state of having different parts or things connected or related to each other
5. Allocation (noun) /ˌæləˈkeɪʃn/ – the act of distributing something for a particular purpose
6. Determinant (noun) /dɪˈtɜːmɪnənt/ – a factor which decisively affects the nature or outcome of something
7. Resilient (adjective) /rɪˈzɪliənt/ – able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions
8. Pivotal (adjective) /ˈpɪvətl/ – of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else
9. Preventive (adjective) /prɪˈventɪv/ – designed to keep something undesirable from happening
10. Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level

Conclusion

The topic of government prioritization of healthcare over other public services is a complex and nuanced one, likely to appear in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. As we’ve seen from the sample essays, there are various approaches to tackling this question, depending on your band score target.

To further prepare for similar topics, consider practicing with these related questions:

1. Should universal healthcare be considered a basic human right?
2. Is it the government’s responsibility to address homelessness in urban areas?
3. Should governments prioritize STEM education over other educational fields?

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is practice. Try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare you for success in your IELTS exam.