As an IELTS Writing Task 2 expert, I’ve noticed that the topic of government-provided healthcare has been a recurring theme in recent exams. Based on my analysis of past papers and current global trends, I predict this topic will continue to appear frequently in future tests. Let’s examine a common question on this subject and explore some sample essays at different band levels.

Analyzing the Question

Some people believe that governments should provide free healthcare for all citizens. Others think that this would be too expensive and there are better alternatives. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

This question is asking you to:

1. Discuss the view that governments should provide free healthcare for all citizens
2. Discuss the opposing view that this would be too expensive and there are better alternatives
3. Provide your own opinion on the matter

Remember to address all parts of the question in your response to achieve a high band score.

Sample Essays

Band 8-9 Essay Sample

Here’s a high-quality essay that would likely score in the Band 8-9 range:

Free universal healthcare is a contentious issue that has sparked debate in many countries. While some argue that governments should bear the responsibility of providing healthcare to all citizens at no cost, others contend that such a system would be financially unsustainable and that better alternatives exist. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.

Proponents of free government-provided healthcare argue that it is a fundamental human right and should be accessible to all, regardless of their financial status. They contend that a healthy population is more productive and contributes more to the economy, ultimately benefiting the nation as a whole. Moreover, they assert that preventive care, which would be more readily available under a free healthcare system, can reduce long-term healthcare costs by catching and treating illnesses early.

On the other hand, opponents of this idea argue that the financial burden on governments would be overwhelming, potentially leading to increased taxes or reduced funding for other essential services. They suggest that a mixed system, combining private insurance with targeted government subsidies for low-income individuals, could be more economically viable. Additionally, they claim that free healthcare might lead to overuse of medical services, resulting in longer wait times and reduced quality of care.

In my opinion, while the ideal of free healthcare for all is admirable, a more nuanced approach is necessary. I believe that governments should strive to provide basic healthcare services to all citizens, particularly focusing on preventive care and essential treatments. However, this could be complemented by a tiered system where additional services or expedited care are available through private insurance or co-payments. This balanced approach would ensure that no one is denied basic medical care while maintaining the sustainability of the healthcare system.

In conclusion, the debate over free government-provided healthcare is complex, with valid arguments on both sides. While universal access to basic healthcare should be a priority, a carefully designed system that combines public and private elements may be the most effective way to balance accessibility, quality, and financial sustainability.

(Word count: 309)

Band 6-7 Essay Sample

Here’s an essay that would likely score in the Band 6-7 range:

Nowadays, there is a big discussion about whether governments should give free healthcare to all people or not. Some people think it’s a good idea, but others say it costs too much money and there are better ways to do it. I will talk about both sides and give my opinion.

People who want free healthcare for everyone say it’s very important because health is a basic right. They think if everyone can go to the doctor for free, people will be healthier and can work better. This can help the country’s economy because healthy people can do more jobs. Also, if people can get free check-ups, doctors can find problems early and fix them before they get worse, which can save money in the long run.

But other people think free healthcare for everyone is too expensive for the government. They worry that taxes might go up a lot to pay for it. They say it’s better to have a mix of private insurance and some help from the government for poor people. They also think that if healthcare is free, too many people might go to the doctor all the time, even for small things, and this could make the system very busy.

I think both sides have good points. In my opinion, the government should try to give basic healthcare to everyone, especially for important things like vaccinations and emergency care. But maybe not everything should be free. For example, people could pay a small amount for some services. This way, everyone can get the care they need, but the system doesn’t cost too much money.

To conclude, free healthcare for all people is a difficult question. While it’s important for everyone to have access to medical care, we need to find a way to do this that doesn’t cost too much money. A system that gives basic care to everyone but asks people to pay a little for some things might be a good solution.

(Word count: 309)

healthcare-system-comparison|Healthcare System Comparison|A comparison of a universal healthcare system with a private healthcare system, highlighting the pros and cons of each.

Analysis of Essay Samples

Band 8-9 Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates excellent coherence and cohesion, with clear progression of ideas and appropriate use of linking words. The vocabulary is sophisticated and accurate, with phrases like “contentious issue,” “financially unsustainable,” and “nuanced approach.” The essay showcases a wide range of complex sentence structures and grammatical accuracy.

Key strengths:

• Fully addresses all parts of the task
• Presents a clear position throughout
• Uses a range of cohesive devices effectively
• Demonstrates lexical resource with precise word choice
• Shows flexibility and accuracy in the use of grammatical structures

Band 6-7 Essay Analysis

This essay addresses the task adequately but with less sophistication than the Band 8-9 sample. The ideas are relevant and developed, though with less depth. The language used is generally clear but less precise, with some repetition and simpler vocabulary.

Key features:

• Addresses all parts of the task
• Presents relevant main ideas but some may be inadequately developed
• Uses cohesive devices but not always appropriately
• Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
• Contains some errors in grammar and vocabulary, but meaning is generally clear

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Universal healthcare (noun) – /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsl ˈhelθkeə(r)/ – A healthcare system that provides health coverage to all residents of a particular country or region.

2. Contentious (adjective) – /kənˈtenʃəs/ – Causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument.

3. Financially unsustainable (adjective phrase) – /faɪˈnænʃəli ʌnsəˈsteɪnəbl/ – Not able to be maintained or continued in the long term due to financial constraints.

4. Preventive care (noun) – /prɪˈventɪv keə(r)/ – Healthcare services that prevent illnesses or detect them at an early stage.

5. Nuanced (adjective) – /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – Characterized by subtle differences or distinctions in expression, meaning, or response.

6. Tiered system (noun) – /tɪəd ˈsɪstəm/ – A system with different levels or categories, often with varying costs or benefits.

7. Expedited care (noun) – /ˈekspɪdaɪtɪd keə(r)/ – Medical treatment or services provided more quickly than usual.

8. Co-payments (noun) – /kəʊ ˈpeɪmənts/ – A fixed amount that a person pays for a healthcare service in addition to the amount paid by their insurance plan.

Conclusion

The topic of government-provided healthcare is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

• The role of private insurance in healthcare systems
• The impact of universal healthcare on a country’s economy
• Balancing quality and accessibility in healthcare provision
• The ethics of prioritizing certain medical treatments over others in a public healthcare system

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and fully address all parts of the question. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.