Healthcare is a crucial topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on past exam trends and analysis of various IELTS preparation websites, questions related to healthcare privatization have been consistently featured and are likely to continue being relevant in future tests. One common question that has appeared in real IELTS exams is:
Some people think that healthcare should be privatized, while others believe it should remain publicly funded. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Let’s analyze this question and provide sample essays for different band scores to help you understand how to approach such a topic effectively.
Question Analysis
This question is asking you to discuss two contrasting views on healthcare funding:
- Healthcare should be privatized
- Healthcare should remain publicly funded
You are required to:
- Discuss both viewpoints
- Provide your own opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high score. Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Band 8-9 Sample Essay
Healthcare funding is a contentious issue in many countries, with some advocating for privatization while others support public funding. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view on the matter.
Proponents of privatized healthcare argue that it leads to improved quality and efficiency of medical services. They contend that competition among private healthcare providers drives innovation and enhances the overall standard of care. Moreover, privatization can potentially reduce the financial burden on governments, allowing them to allocate resources to other critical sectors. For instance, in the United States, many private hospitals are at the forefront of medical research and technological advancements.
On the other hand, supporters of publicly funded healthcare emphasize its role in ensuring equitable access to medical services for all citizens, regardless of their economic status. They argue that healthcare is a fundamental human right and should not be subject to market forces that might prioritize profit over public health. Countries like Canada and the United Kingdom have demonstrated that universal healthcare systems can provide comprehensive coverage while maintaining high standards of care.
In my opinion, a hybrid system that combines elements of both private and public healthcare would be most beneficial. This approach could harness the efficiency and innovation of the private sector while preserving the equity and accessibility of public healthcare. For example, Singapore’s healthcare system, which incorporates both public and private elements, has been widely praised for its effectiveness and affordability.
In conclusion, while both privatized and publicly funded healthcare have their merits, a balanced approach that integrates the strengths of both systems is likely to yield the best outcomes for society as a whole. Governments should strive to create healthcare policies that ensure quality, accessibility, and sustainability for all citizens.
(Word count: 292)
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
Healthcare funding is a big topic of discussion in many countries. Some people think it should be private, while others believe it should be public. This essay will look at both sides and give my opinion.
People who support private healthcare say it can make medical services better. They think when hospitals compete, they try to give better care to get more patients. Also, private healthcare might save the government money. For example, in America, many private hospitals have very good technology and do a lot of research.
On the other hand, people who like public healthcare say it’s important because it helps everyone get medical care, even if they don’t have much money. They think health is a basic right for all people. Countries like Canada show that public healthcare can work well and help many people.
I think the best way is to have both private and public healthcare together. This way, we can get the good things from both systems. Some countries, like Singapore, do this and their healthcare is very good and not too expensive.
To sum up, both private and public healthcare have good points. I believe a mix of both is the best choice. Governments should try to make healthcare good quality, easy for everyone to use, and possible to keep going for a long time.
(Word count: 218)
Band 5-6 Sample Essay
Healthcare is important for everyone. Some people think it should be private, and some think it should be public. I will talk about both ideas.
Private healthcare can be good because it can make hospitals try harder. When hospitals want more patients, they might give better care. Also, the government can save money if healthcare is private. In some countries, private hospitals have very good doctors and machines.
But public healthcare is also good. It helps poor people get medical care too. Some people think everyone should get healthcare, even if they don’t have money. In some countries like Canada, public healthcare works well.
I think having both private and public healthcare is a good idea. This way, we can have the good things from both. Some countries do this and it works well.
In the end, both private and public healthcare can be good. I think using both together is best. The government should try to make healthcare good for everyone.
(Word count: 149)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
- Presents a clear position throughout the essay
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features
- Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
- Ideas are coherent and there is clear progression throughout
- Uses cohesion in such a way that it attracts no attention
- Demonstrates awareness of style and collocation
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents a relevant position, although conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task with some evidence of style and collocation
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
- Arranges information and ideas coherently and there is a clear overall progression
- Uses cohesive devices effectively, but cohesion within and/or between sentences may be faulty or mechanical
- May have occasional errors in word choice, spelling, and/or word formation
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially; the format may be inappropriate in places
- Expresses a position but the development is not always clear
- Uses a limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally adequate for the task
- May make noticeable errors in spelling and/or word formation that may cause some difficulty for the reader
- Uses only a limited range of structures with only rare use of subordinate clauses
- Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression
- Makes inadequate, inaccurate or over-use of cohesive devices
- May be repetitive due to lack of referencing and substitution
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Privatization (noun) /ˌpraɪvətaɪˈzeɪʃən/: The transfer of a business, industry, or service from public to private ownership and control.
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Equitable (adjective) /ˈekwɪtəbl/: Fair and impartial.
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Contentious (adjective) /kənˈtenʃəs/: Causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.
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Innovation (noun) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/: The action or process of innovating; a new method, idea, product, etc.
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Fundamental (adjective) /ˌfʌndəˈmentl/: Forming a necessary base or core; of central importance.
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Comprehensive (adjective) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/: Including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.
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Hybrid (noun/adjective) /ˈhaɪbrɪd/: A thing made by combining two different elements; of mixed character.
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Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/: The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
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Accessibility (noun) /əkˌsesəˈbɪləti/: The quality of being able to be reached or entered.
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Equitable (adjective) /ˈekwɪtəbl/: Fair and impartial.
Conclusion
The topic of healthcare privatization 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 government in healthcare provision
- The impact of privatization on healthcare quality
- Universal healthcare systems and their challenges
- Balancing cost and accessibility in healthcare
Remember to always analyze the question carefully, plan your response, and practice using a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Feel free to write your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and further practice.