Universal healthcare access is a topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on an analysis of past exam questions and trends, it’s highly likely that candidates will encounter this subject in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people believe that governments should provide universal access to healthcare, while others think individuals should pay for their own health services. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for government-provided universal healthcare
- Explore reasons why individuals should pay for their own health services
- Present and justify their personal opinion on the matter
Let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, along with explanations of why they receive their respective scores.
Band 8-9 Sample Essay
Healthcare accessibility is a contentious issue in many countries, with some advocating for government-funded universal coverage and others supporting individual responsibility for health services. In my opinion, while there are merits to both arguments, a balanced approach that combines government support with individual contributions is the most effective solution.
Proponents of universal 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, universal healthcare can alleviate the financial burden on individuals facing catastrophic health issues, preventing medical bankruptcies and reducing societal inequality.
On the other hand, those who support individual payment for health services contend that it promotes personal responsibility for one’s health and may lead to more efficient use of medical resources. They argue that when people pay for their own healthcare, they are more likely to make healthier lifestyle choices and only seek medical attention when necessary, potentially reducing the strain on the healthcare system. Additionally, a privatized system may drive innovation and competition, potentially improving the quality of care.
In my view, a hybrid system that combines elements of both approaches would be most beneficial. Governments should provide a basic level of universal healthcare to ensure that essential medical services are accessible to all citizens, particularly for preventive care and emergency treatments. However, individuals should also be encouraged to contribute to their healthcare costs through co-payments or supplementary insurance for non-essential services. This balanced approach would maintain the benefits of universal access while also promoting personal responsibility and efficient resource allocation.
In conclusion, while both universal healthcare and individual payment systems have their merits, a combined approach that leverages the strengths of both models is likely to yield the best outcomes for society as a whole.
Explanation of Band 8-9 Score
This essay demonstrates several qualities that contribute to its high band score:
- Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly presenting a personal opinion.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout the essay. Paragraphs are well-connected using appropriate linking words and phrases.
- Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms like “preventive care” and “medical bankruptcies”.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: It displays a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly, with only minor errors that do not impede communication.
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
Healthcare is an important issue in many countries. Some people think the government should provide free healthcare for everyone, while others believe individuals should pay for their own health services. Both views have their advantages and disadvantages.
Those who support universal healthcare say it is good for society. When everyone can see a doctor for free, people are generally healthier. This is because they can get help early before health problems become serious. Also, free healthcare means poor people can get medical treatment when they need it, which is fair.
Illustration of People Accessing Healthcare
On the other hand, some argue that people should pay for their own healthcare. They say this makes people more responsible for their health. If people have to pay, they might take better care of themselves and only go to the doctor when it’s really necessary. This could save money for the healthcare system.
In my opinion, a mix of both systems might be best. The government could provide basic healthcare for everyone, especially for serious illnesses and emergencies. But people could also pay a small amount for some services. This way, everyone can get the care they need, but people are also encouraged to be responsible for their health.
To conclude, while both views have good points, I think a combination of government support and individual responsibility in healthcare would work well for most countries.
Explanation of Band 6-7 Score
This essay demonstrates characteristics that place it in the Band 6-7 range:
- Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting both views and offering a personal opinion. However, the ideas could be developed more fully.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical.
- Lexical Resource: It uses an adequate range of vocabulary, though some repetition is evident. The language is sometimes imprecise.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, with some errors that do not impede communication.
Band 5-6 Sample Essay
Healthcare is very important for people. Some think government should give free healthcare to everyone. Others say people should pay for their own health services. Both ideas have good and bad points.
Free healthcare from government is good because all people can see doctor when sick. Poor people can get help too. This is fair for everyone. But it can be expensive for government.
When people pay for healthcare, they might be more careful about health. They only go to doctor when really need. This can save money. But some people might not go to doctor when sick because it’s too expensive.
Comparing Different Healthcare Systems
I think maybe both ideas can work together. Government can give some free healthcare, like for very sick people. But people can pay little bit for small problems. This way, everyone can get help but also be responsible.
In conclusion, both views have good points. I think mix of government help and people paying is best idea for healthcare.
Explanation of Band 5-6 Score
This essay exhibits features that place it in the Band 5-6 range:
- Task Achievement: The essay addresses the task, presenting both views and a personal opinion, but ideas are underdeveloped.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but paragraphing and use of cohesive devices are limited.
- Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, with some errors in word choice and spelling.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses mainly simple sentences with frequent errors, though the meaning remains clear.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Universal healthcare (noun) – /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsl ˈhelθkeə(r)/ – A healthcare system that provides health services to all citizens
- Accessibility (noun) – /əkˌsesəˈbɪləti/ – The quality of being able to be reached or entered
- Preventive care (noun) – /prɪˈventɪv keə(r)/ – Healthcare that prevents illness or disease
- Financial burden (noun phrase) – /faɪˈnænʃl ˈbɜːdn/ – A heavy load of financial responsibility
- Catastrophic health issues (noun phrase) – /ˌkætəˈstrɒfɪk helθ ˈɪʃuːz/ – Severe and costly medical problems
- Medical bankruptcy (noun) – /ˈmedɪkl ˈbæŋkrəptsi/ – Bankruptcy caused by medical expenses
- Privatized system (noun phrase) – /ˈpraɪvətaɪzd ˈsɪstəm/ – A system operated by private companies rather than the government
- Co-payment (noun) – /ˈkəʊpeɪmənt/ – A fixed amount paid by a patient for a covered health care service
- Supplementary insurance (noun phrase) – /ˌsʌplɪˈmentri ɪnˈʃʊərəns/ – Additional insurance coverage beyond what is provided by a basic plan
- Resource allocation (noun phrase) – /rɪˈsɔːs ˌæləˈkeɪʃn/ – The distribution of resources where they are needed
Conclusion
The topic of universal healthcare access is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of private insurance in healthcare systems
- The impact of universal healthcare on a country’s economy
- The relationship between healthcare access and social inequality
- The challenges of implementing universal healthcare in developing countries
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is to address all parts of the question, organize your ideas clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures accurately, and develop your arguments with relevant examples and explanations.
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on the topic discussed in this article. Share your essay in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with other learners. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam.
