Public health infrastructure has become a crucial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays, reflecting its growing importance in global discussions. This theme has appeared consistently in recent years, and its relevance is likely to increase given current global health challenges. Let’s examine a real IELTS question that addresses this critical issue:
Some people think that governments should spend money on public health infrastructure. Others believe that there are more important priorities for government spending. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
This question reflects a common IELTS pattern of presenting two contrasting viewpoints and asking for a balanced discussion along with the candidate’s personal opinion. Let’s analyze this prompt and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Analysis of the Question
- Topic: Government spending on public health infrastructure versus other priorities
- Task: Discuss both views and give your opinion
- Key points to address:
- Arguments for spending on public health infrastructure
- Arguments for prioritizing other areas of government spending
- Your personal stance on the issue
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-scoring essay.
Band 8-9 Sample Essay
The allocation of government funds is a contentious issue, with some advocating for increased investment in public health infrastructure while others argue for prioritizing alternative sectors. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint on this critical matter.
Proponents of government spending on public health infrastructure argue that it forms the backbone of a nation’s well-being. A robust healthcare system, including hospitals, clinics, and research facilities, can significantly improve citizens’ quality of life and productivity. Moreover, recent global health crises have underscored the importance of being prepared for pandemics and other health emergencies. Investing in public health infrastructure can enhance a country’s resilience and reduce the economic impact of such crises in the long run.
On the other hand, those who believe there are more pressing priorities for government spending often point to areas such as education, defense, or economic development. They contend that these sectors can yield more immediate and tangible benefits to society. For instance, investing in education can create a skilled workforce, driving innovation and economic growth. Similarly, allocating funds to infrastructure projects like transportation networks can stimulate economic activity and job creation.
In my opinion, while other areas of government spending are undoubtedly important, investing in public health infrastructure should be a top priority. The COVID-19 pandemic has vividly demonstrated how a robust healthcare system is crucial not only for public health but also for economic stability. Countries with strong public health infrastructure were better equipped to handle the crisis, minimizing both loss of life and economic disruption. Furthermore, a healthy population is the foundation for progress in all other sectors, including education and the economy.
In conclusion, while there are valid arguments for prioritizing various areas of government spending, I believe that investing in public health infrastructure is paramount. A strong healthcare system not only safeguards citizens’ well-being but also supports sustainable development across all sectors of society.
(Word count: 310)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates several qualities that contribute to its high band score:
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Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly stating 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.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms and academic language.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays 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.
Now, let’s examine a sample essay for a lower band score.
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
There is a debate about whether governments should spend money on public health infrastructure or focus on other priorities. This essay will discuss both sides of this argument and give my opinion.
Some people think that governments should invest in public health infrastructure. They believe that good hospitals and healthcare facilities are important for everyone’s health. When a country has good healthcare, people can get treatment when they are sick and live longer, healthier lives. Also, if there is a big health problem like a pandemic, countries with good health systems can handle it better.
However, other people think there are more important things for governments to spend money on. They might say that education or creating jobs are more urgent needs. If the government spends money on schools, it can help people get better jobs in the future. Or if they spend on things like roads or public transport, it can help the economy grow and create more opportunities for people.
In my opinion, I think that public health infrastructure is very important and governments should make it a priority. When people are healthy, they can work better and contribute more to society. Also, recent events have shown us how important it is to be ready for health emergencies. If a country doesn’t have good hospitals and medical equipment, it can cause big problems for everyone.
To conclude, while there are many important areas for government spending, I believe that public health infrastructure should be one of the top priorities. It helps protect people’s health and also supports the overall development of a country.
(Word count: 270)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates characteristics typical of a Band 6-7 score:
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Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the treatment of the topic is less developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is appropriate 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, with some errors that do not impede communication.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are presented clearly but with less depth and fewer specific examples compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/: The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
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Allocate (verb) /ˈæləkeɪt/: Distribute (resources or duties) for a particular purpose.
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Prioritize (verb) /praɪˈɒrətaɪz/: Designate or treat (something) as more important than other things.
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Resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪliəns/: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
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Pandemic (noun) /pænˈdemɪk/: An outbreak of a disease that occurs over a wide geographic area and affects an exceptionally high proportion of the population.
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Tangible (adjective) /ˈtændʒəbl/: Clear and definite; real.
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Contend (verb) /kənˈtend/: Assert something as a position in an argument.
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Paramount (adjective) /ˈpærəmaʊnt/: More important than anything else; supreme.
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Safeguard (verb) /ˈseɪfɡɑːd/: Protect from harm or damage with an appropriate measure.
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Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
In conclusion, the topic of government investment in public health infrastructure is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare for this and similar topics, practice writing essays that discuss different viewpoints and clearly express your own opinion. Remember to use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, and support your ideas with relevant examples.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of government in healthcare provision
- Balancing public health needs with economic growth
- The impact of healthcare infrastructure on social equality
We encourage you to write your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills for the IELTS exam.
How social media influences voting behavior is another interesting topic that reflects the intersection of technology and public policy, much like how public health infrastructure impacts society. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, consider exploring various societal issues to broaden your perspective and enhance your essay-writing skills.