Public health services and their accessibility have been a hot topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 for years. The question “Should Public Health Services Be Free For All?” is particularly common, appearing in various forms across different test versions. Given its relevance to global healthcare debates, it’s likely to remain a frequent subject in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays and in-depth analysis to help you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2.
Analyzing the Task Question
Some people believe that public health services should be free for everyone. Others think that people should pay for their own healthcare. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question presents a classic IELTS Writing Task 2 format: discussing two opposing viewpoints and providing your own perspective. Let’s break it down:
- First view: Public health services should be free for everyone
- Second view: People should pay for their own healthcare
- Your task: Discuss both views and give your opinion
The key challenge here is to present balanced arguments for both sides while clearly stating and supporting your own position.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Free public health services have been a subject of intense debate in many countries. While some argue that healthcare should be universally accessible without cost, others contend that individuals should bear the financial responsibility for their medical needs. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of free public health services argue that healthcare is a fundamental human right that should not be contingent on one’s ability to pay. They contend that a healthy population is crucial for a nation’s productivity and overall well-being. By removing financial barriers to healthcare access, governments can ensure that all citizens, regardless of their economic status, receive necessary medical attention. This approach can lead to better preventive care, reduced health disparities, and improved public health outcomes. For instance, countries like the United Kingdom and Canada have successfully implemented free healthcare systems that have contributed to higher life expectancy and lower infant mortality rates.
On the other hand, those who advocate for individual responsibility in healthcare costs argue that free services may lead to overuse and strain on the healthcare system. They believe that when people pay for their medical care, they are more likely to value and use services judiciously. Additionally, proponents of this view argue that privatized healthcare fosters innovation and competition, potentially leading to higher quality services and advanced medical treatments. They also point out that government-funded healthcare often results in higher taxes, which can burden the working population.
In my opinion, while both arguments have merit, I believe that basic public health services should be free and accessible to all. The societal benefits of a healthy population far outweigh the potential drawbacks of a free healthcare system. However, I also recognize the need for a balanced approach. A hybrid system where essential health services are provided free of charge, while more specialized or elective treatments require some level of patient contribution, could be a viable solution. This approach would ensure universal access to basic healthcare while maintaining incentives for responsible use and continued innovation in the medical field.
In conclusion, the debate over free public health services is complex and multifaceted. While there are valid concerns about the sustainability and potential misuse of free healthcare, the fundamental importance of health to individual and societal well-being makes a strong case for universal access. A carefully designed system that balances free essential services with some level of individual responsibility for specialized care could provide the best outcomes for all.
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates several key features that contribute to its high band score:
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Clear structure: The essay follows a logical structure with a clear introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, and a conclusion that summarizes the main points and restates the writer’s opinion.
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Balanced argument: Both perspectives are presented fairly and supported with relevant examples and reasoning.
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Coherent paragraphs: Each paragraph focuses on a single main idea and is well-developed with supporting details.
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Advanced vocabulary: The essay uses a range of sophisticated vocabulary accurately (e.g., “contingent,” “disparities,” “judiciously”).
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Complex sentence structures: The writer employs a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences with multiple clauses.
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Clear position: The writer’s opinion is clearly stated and supported with logical reasoning.
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Relevant examples: The essay includes specific examples (UK and Canada’s healthcare systems) to support arguments.
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Cohesive devices: Appropriate linking words and phrases are used to connect ideas smoothly (e.g., “On the other hand,” “Additionally,” “However”).
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The topic of free public health services is often debated. Some people think it should be free for everyone, while others believe individuals should pay for their own healthcare. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support free public health services say it’s important for everyone to have access to healthcare, regardless of their income. They argue that free healthcare can help prevent serious illnesses and save lives. For example, if people can see a doctor for free, they might catch health problems early when they’re easier to treat. Also, free healthcare can help reduce the spread of infectious diseases because more people can get vaccinated and treated.
On the other hand, people who think individuals should pay for their own healthcare have different reasons. They say that if healthcare is free, people might overuse it and waste resources. They also argue that paying for healthcare makes people more responsible for their health. Another point is that healthcare paid by taxes might not be as good quality as private healthcare.
In my opinion, I think basic healthcare services should be free for everyone. Health is very important, and no one should suffer because they can’t afford to see a doctor. However, I also think there could be a mix of free basic services and paid services for special treatments. This way, everyone can get the care they need, but there’s also room for private healthcare options.
To conclude, while there are good arguments on both sides, I believe that having free basic healthcare for all is more important for society. It can help keep everyone healthier and reduce inequality in healthcare access. However, a system that combines free basic services with options for paid specialized care could be a good solution.
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates several features that place it in the Band 6-7 range:
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Adequate structure: The essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs addressing both views, and a conclusion. However, the development of ideas is less sophisticated than in the Band 8-9 essay.
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Relevant ideas: The writer presents relevant arguments for both perspectives and provides some supporting details.
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Clear position: The writer’s opinion is stated clearly in the fourth paragraph and the conclusion.
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Vocabulary: The essay uses some topic-specific vocabulary (e.g., “infectious diseases,” “vaccinated”), but the range is more limited compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Grammar: The essay generally uses correct grammar, but the sentence structures are less varied and complex than in higher band essays.
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Cohesion: Basic linking words are used (e.g., “On the other hand,” “However”), but the overall cohesion is less sophisticated than in higher band essays.
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Examples: Some examples are provided, but they are more general and less specific than in the Band 8-9 essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Universal healthcare (noun): A healthcare system that provides coverage to all residents of a particular country or region.
Pronunciation: /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsl ˈhelθkeə(r)/ -
Accessibility (noun): The quality of being able to be reached or entered.
Pronunciation: /əkˌsesəˈbɪləti/ -
Disparity (noun): A great difference.
Pronunciation: /dɪˈspærəti/ -
Preventive care (noun): Health care that prevents disease or its consequences.
Pronunciation: /prɪˈventɪv keə(r)/ -
Sustainability (noun): The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
Pronunciation: /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ -
Burden (noun): A load, typically a heavy one.
Pronunciation: /ˈbɜːdn/ -
Innovation (noun): The action or process of innovating.
Pronunciation: /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/ -
Privatized (adjective): Transferred from public to private ownership and control.
Pronunciation: /ˈpraɪvətaɪzd/ -
Judiciously (adverb): With good judgment or sense.
Pronunciation: /dʒuˈdɪʃəsli/ -
Multifaceted (adjective): Having many facets or aspects.
Pronunciation: /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/
Conclusion
The debate over free public health services is a complex and relevant topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding different perspectives and practicing with sample essays, you can improve your ability to construct well-reasoned arguments and express your ideas clearly.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- Should governments prioritize mental health services in public healthcare systems?
- Is it ethical to provide different levels of healthcare based on a person’s ability to pay?
- How can countries balance the need for universal healthcare with limited financial resources?
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam.
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