Healthcare is a crucial topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. The question of whether healthcare should be universal and free is particularly common, as it touches on important social, economic, and political issues. In this article, we’ll explore this topic in depth, providing sample essays for different band scores and analyzing them to help you improve your IELTS writing skills.

Analyzing the Topic

The question of universal and free healthcare has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in various forms over the years. Based on past exam trends and current global discussions, it’s highly likely that this topic will continue to be relevant in future IELTS tests.

Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this subject:

Some people believe that healthcare should be free for everyone and funded by the government. Others think individuals should pay for their own healthcare. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Breaking Down the Question

This question requires you to:

1. Discuss the view that healthcare should be free and government-funded
2. Discuss the opposing view that individuals should pay for their healthcare
3. Provide your own opinion on the matter

Remember to address all parts of the question and support your arguments with relevant examples and explanations.

Healthcare Debate

Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Level

The issue of whether healthcare should be provided free of charge and funded by the government or paid for by individuals is a contentious one, with valid arguments on both sides. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view on the matter.

Proponents of free, government-funded healthcare argue that it is a fundamental human right that should be accessible to all, regardless of their financial situation. They contend that a healthy population is more productive and contributes more to the economy, ultimately benefiting society as a whole. Moreover, they assert that a universal healthcare system can lead to better preventive care, reducing long-term healthcare costs and improving overall public health. Countries like the United Kingdom and Canada are often cited as successful examples of this model.

On the other hand, those who believe individuals should pay for their own healthcare argue that this approach promotes personal responsibility and reduces the burden on taxpayers. They claim that a privatized healthcare system can be more efficient and innovative, as competition among providers can lead to better services and lower costs. Additionally, they argue that when people pay for their own healthcare, they are more likely to take better care of their health and make more informed decisions about medical treatments.

In my opinion, a balanced approach that combines elements of both systems would be the most effective solution. I believe that basic healthcare services should be provided free of charge and funded by the government to ensure that everyone has access to essential medical care. This could include preventive services, emergency care, and treatment for common illnesses. However, for more specialized or elective procedures, a co-payment system could be implemented, where individuals contribute a portion of the cost. This hybrid model would maintain the benefits of universal access while also encouraging personal responsibility and efficient use of resources.

In conclusion, while both free and individual-funded healthcare systems have their merits, a compromise between the two approaches could provide the best outcome for society. By ensuring basic healthcare for all while also incorporating elements of personal responsibility, we can create a system that is both equitable and sustainable.

(Word count: 329)

Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay

This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 response:

1. Clear structure: The essay follows a logical structure with a clear introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion.

2. Comprehensive coverage: All parts of the question are addressed, including both perspectives and the writer’s own opinion.

3. Cohesion and coherence: Ideas flow smoothly with appropriate use of linking words and phrases (e.g., “On the other hand,” “Moreover,” “Additionally”).

4. Lexical resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “contentious,” “proponents,” “preventive care,” “privatized healthcare”).

5. Grammatical range and accuracy: Various complex sentence structures are used correctly, demonstrating a high level of grammatical control.

6. Task achievement: The essay fully addresses the task, providing a well-developed response with relevant, extended ideas and support.

Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Level

Healthcare is an important issue in many countries. Some people think it should be free and paid for by the government, while others believe individuals should pay for their own healthcare. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.

There are good reasons why healthcare should be free for everyone. Firstly, it ensures that all people, rich or poor, can get medical treatment when they need it. This is important because everyone has the right to be healthy. Secondly, when the government provides free healthcare, it can focus on preventing diseases, which can save money in the long run. For example, free vaccinations can stop the spread of diseases and reduce healthcare costs.

However, there are also arguments for why people should pay for their own healthcare. One reason is that it makes people more responsible for their health. If they have to pay, they might take better care of themselves and avoid unhealthy habits. Another point is that private healthcare can be more efficient and offer better services because there is competition between different providers.

In my opinion, I think a mix of both systems would be best. Basic healthcare services like emergency care and treatment for common illnesses should be free and provided by the government. This way, everyone can get help when they really need it. But for special treatments or non-essential procedures, people could pay a part of the cost. This would help reduce the burden on the government while still making sure everyone has access to basic healthcare.

To conclude, while there are advantages to both free and paid healthcare systems, I believe a combination of the two would be the most effective solution. This would ensure that everyone can get basic medical care while also encouraging personal responsibility for health.

(Word count: 298)

Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay

This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a mid-range IELTS Writing Task 2 response:

1. Structure: The essay has a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion.

2. Task response: All parts of the question are addressed, though the ideas are less fully developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.

3. Cohesion and coherence: Ideas are generally well-linked, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated (e.g., “Firstly,” “Secondly,” “However”).

4. Lexical resource: The vocabulary used is appropriate but less varied and precise compared to the higher-band essay.

5. Grammatical range and accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control, though there are fewer complex structures than in the Band 8-9 essay.

6. Development of ideas: Ideas are relevant and supported with examples, but they are less fully elaborated compared to the higher-band essay.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Universal healthcare (noun): A system where all residents of a country are provided with health coverage.
   Pronunciation: /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsl ˈhelθkeə(r)/

2. Privatized healthcare (noun): A system where healthcare services are provided by private companies rather than the government.
   Pronunciation: /ˈpraɪvətaɪzd ˈhelθkeə(r)/

3. Preventive care (noun): Healthcare that focuses on preventing illnesses before they occur.
   Pronunciation: /prɪˈventɪv keə(r)/

4. Equitable (adjective): Fair and impartial.
   Pronunciation: /ˈekwɪtəbl/

5. Contentious (adjective): Causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument.
   Pronunciation: /kənˈtenʃəs/

6. Sustainable (adjective): Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
   Pronunciation: /səˈsteɪnəbl/

7. Co-payment (noun): A fixed amount paid by a patient for a covered health care service.
   Pronunciation: /ˈkəʊpeɪmənt/

8. Burden (noun): A heavy load or responsibility.
   Pronunciation: /ˈbɜːdn/

Conclusion

The question of whether healthcare should be universal and free is a complex and important topic that is likely to continue appearing in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. By studying these sample essays and analyzing their strengths, you can improve your own writing skills and prepare for similar questions in the future.

For additional practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:

1. The role of private insurance in healthcare systems
2. The impact of technology on healthcare accessibility
3. The challenges of implementing universal healthcare in developing countries

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below for feedback and further discussion. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!