The topic of whether governments should provide free healthcare for the elderly is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. This subject has appeared in various forms over the years and is likely to continue being a relevant issue in future exams. Its frequency can be attributed to its global significance and the diverse perspectives it elicits from test-takers.
Let’s examine a specific question on this topic that has been reported in past IELTS exams:
Some people believe that governments should provide free healthcare for the elderly. Others think this should be the responsibility of individuals and their families. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analysis of the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that governments should provide free healthcare for the elderly
- Discuss the opposing view that individuals and families should be responsible
- Provide their own opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score. Let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, analyzing why they received their respective scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
Healthcare for the elderly is a contentious issue in many countries, with some arguing for government-funded care and others advocating for individual or family responsibility. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view.
Those who support government-provided healthcare for seniors argue that it is a fundamental right and a societal obligation. They contend that many elderly individuals have contributed to society throughout their lives through taxes and labor, and thus deserve support in their later years. Moreover, proponents argue that universal healthcare for the aged reduces the financial burden on families, potentially alleviating poverty and improving overall societal well-being. Countries like the United Kingdom, with its National Health Service, demonstrate how such systems can work effectively.
On the other hand, opponents of state-funded elderly healthcare assert that it places an excessive financial strain on governments and, by extension, taxpayers. They argue that as populations age, the cost of providing free healthcare becomes increasingly unsustainable. Furthermore, they contend that family-based care fosters stronger intergenerational bonds and ensures more personalized attention to the elderly. Countries like Singapore, where families are legally responsible for their elderly relatives’ care, exemplify this approach.
In my opinion, a balanced approach combining both government support and family responsibility is ideal. While I believe that basic healthcare should be provided by the state to ensure a minimum standard of living for all elderly citizens, I also think that families should play a role in supplementing this care. This hybrid model could involve government-funded essential medical services, with families contributing to additional care or luxury services. Such an approach would ensure that no elderly person is left without basic care while also maintaining the important role of family in elderly support.
In conclusion, while both arguments have merit, I believe a combination of government and family support in elderly healthcare offers the most comprehensive and sustainable solution. This approach balances societal responsibility with personal and family obligations, potentially leading to better outcomes for the elderly and society as a whole.
(Word count: 318)
Analysis of Band 8.5 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 stating the writer’s own opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. It uses a range of cohesive devices effectively (e.g., “On the other hand”, “Moreover”, “Furthermore”).
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control (e.g., “contentious issue”, “societal obligation”, “alleviating poverty”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: It uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. Complex sentences are used effectively throughout.
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Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
There is a debate about who should pay for healthcare for old people. Some think the government should do it, but others say families should. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
People who want free government healthcare for the elderly say it’s important because old people often don’t have much money. They think it’s fair because these people worked and paid taxes when they were younger. Also, if the government pays, it can help families save money. This might be good for the economy because families can spend money on other things.
However, some people think families should pay for elderly healthcare. They say it costs too much for the government, especially in countries with many old people. They also think family care is better because relatives know what the elderly person needs. In some Asian countries, it’s normal for families to look after their old relatives.
I think both the government and families should help with elderly healthcare. The government could pay for basic things like doctor visits and important medicines. Families could help with extra things, like special treatments or home care. This way, all old people get some help, but families are still involved.
In conclusion, I believe a mix of government and family support is the best way to care for the elderly’s health. This can make sure all old people get care, but it doesn’t cost too much for the government or families.
(Word count: 253)
Analysis of Band 6.5 Essay
This essay demonstrates competence in several areas but also 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 8.5 essay.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated (e.g., frequent use of “also” and “however”).
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate but less varied and sophisticated compared to the higher band essay. Some attempts at less common vocabulary are made (e.g., “debate”, “economy”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but with less variety and flexibility than the Band 8.5 essay.
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Development of Ideas: Main points are present, but the supporting ideas and examples are less detailed and specific.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Contentious (adjective) /kənˈtenʃəs/ – causing or likely to cause disagreement
- Advocate (verb) /ˈædvəkeɪt/ – to publicly support or recommend a particular cause or policy
- Alleviate (verb) /əˈliːvieɪt/ – to make (suffering, deficiency, or a problem) less severe
- Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
- Intergenerational (adjective) /ˌɪntəˌdʒenəˈreɪʃənl/ – relating to, involving, or affecting several generations
- Comprehensive (adjective) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something
- Obligation (noun) /ˌɒblɪˈɡeɪʃn/ – an act or course of action to which a person is morally or legally bound
- Exemplify (verb) /ɪɡˈzemplɪfaɪ/ – be a typical example of
- Hybrid (noun/adjective) /ˈhaɪbrɪd/ – a thing made by combining two different elements
- Personalized (adjective) /ˈpɜːsənəlaɪzd/ – designed or produced to meet someone’s individual requirements
Elderly healthcare
Conclusion
The topic of government-provided healthcare for the elderly is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Future variations might include questions about the economic impact of such policies, comparisons between different healthcare systems, or the role of technology in elderly care.
To prepare for such topics, practice writing essays on related themes like:
- The impact of an aging population on healthcare systems
- The role of preventive healthcare in reducing costs for elderly care
- Technological innovations in healthcare for the elderly
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is to fully address all parts of the question, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and develop your ideas with relevant examples and explanations. Feel free to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.
