As an IELTS Writing Task 2 expert, I’ve noticed that questions related to public health services and their accessibility have become increasingly prevalent in recent years. The topic “Should public health services be free and universal?” is particularly relevant, given the global focus on healthcare systems in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on my analysis of past IELTS exams and current trends, I predict this theme will continue to appear frequently in future tests.
Let’s examine a specific question that aligns closely with this topic:
Some people believe that governments should provide free health services to all citizens, while others think individuals should pay for their own healthcare. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for free, universal healthcare
- Discuss arguments for individual responsibility in healthcare costs
- Provide a personal opinion on the issue
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, starting with a high-scoring response.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Healthcare accessibility is a contentious issue in many countries, with some advocating for universal free healthcare while others argue for individual responsibility. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view on the matter.
Proponents of free healthcare argue that it is a fundamental human right and should be accessible to all citizens regardless of their financial status. They contend that a healthy population is more productive and contributes more to the economy, ultimately benefiting society as a whole. Moreover, universal healthcare can prevent minor health issues from escalating into more severe and costly problems, potentially reducing long-term healthcare expenses for the government.
On the other hand, those who support individual payment for healthcare services argue that it promotes personal responsibility and reduces the burden on government budgets. They claim that when people pay for their own healthcare, they are more likely to make healthier lifestyle choices and use medical services more judiciously. Additionally, a privatized healthcare system may lead to increased competition and innovation, potentially improving the quality of care.
In my opinion, while both arguments have merit, I believe that a balanced approach is most beneficial. Governments should provide basic healthcare services free of charge to ensure that all citizens have access to essential medical care. This could include preventive services, emergency care, and treatment for common illnesses. However, individuals could be required to contribute to the cost of non-essential or elective procedures. This hybrid system would ensure universal access to basic healthcare while encouraging personal responsibility and maintaining some level of cost control.
In conclusion, the ideal healthcare system should strike a balance between government provision and individual responsibility. By ensuring basic care for all while incentivizing personal health management, countries can create more equitable and sustainable healthcare systems that benefit both individuals and society as a whole.
(Word count: 298)
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that justify a high band score:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the question, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. It uses cohesive devices effectively (e.g., “On the other hand,” “Moreover,” “In conclusion”).
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “contentious,” “advocating,” “escalating,” “judiciously”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly (e.g., complex sentences, passive voice, conditional statements).
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Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with clear reasoning and examples.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The question of whether healthcare should be free for everyone or paid for by individuals is a big debate in many countries. There are good points on both sides of this argument.
People who think healthcare should be free say it’s a basic right that everyone should have. They believe that if everyone can see a doctor when they need to, the whole country will be healthier and work better. Also, if people can get help early for health problems, it might stop big, expensive health issues later.
But others think people should pay for their own healthcare. They say this makes people take better care of themselves and not waste medical services. They also think private healthcare can be better quality because companies compete to give the best service.
I think the best answer is somewhere in the middle. The government should provide some basic healthcare for free, like emergency services and vaccinations. But people could pay for extra things they want, like cosmetic surgery. This way, everyone can get the care they need, but there’s still a reason for people to be careful about their health.
In conclusion, healthcare is important for everyone, and a mix of free basic services and paid extra services could be a good solution. This would help keep people healthy without putting too much pressure on the government’s money.
(Word count: 234)
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates good qualities but has some limitations:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the question, but the ideas could be more fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes repetitive.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate but lacks the sophistication and range of a higher band score essay.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences but lacks the flexibility and accuracy of a higher band score.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are presented clearly but could be elaborated on more thoroughly.
Key Vocabulary
- Contentious (adjective) /kənˈtenʃəs/ – causing or likely to cause disagreement
- Advocate (verb) /ˈædvəkeɪt/ – to publicly support or recommend a particular cause or policy
- Judiciously (adverb) /dʒuːˈdɪʃəsli/ – with good judgment or sense
- Escalate (verb) /ˈeskəleɪt/ – to increase rapidly
- Proponent (noun) /prəˈpəʊnənt/ – a person who advocates for something
- Incentivize (verb) /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ – to motivate or encourage someone to do something
- Equitable (adjective) /ˈekwɪtəbl/ – fair and impartial
- Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
Conclusion
The topic of free and universal public health services is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of government in providing healthcare
- Balancing public and private healthcare systems
- The impact of healthcare policies on society and the economy
Remember to always analyze the question carefully, plan your response, and address all parts of the task. Feel free to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your IELTS Writing skills.