The topic of public health services and preventive care has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on analysis of past exam questions and current healthcare trends, it is likely to remain a popular subject in future tests. This article will explore a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams and provide sample essays for different band scores.

Should healthcare focus more on preventive measures is a crucial topic in today’s world, where many countries are grappling with rising healthcare costs and an increasing burden of chronic diseases. Let’s examine a specific question related to this theme:

Some people think that public health services should focus more on preventive care. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Analysis of the Question

This question asks for your opinion on whether public health services should prioritize preventive care. Key points to consider:

1. Understanding of “public health services”
2. Definition of “preventive care”
3. Current balance between preventive and curative care
4. Potential benefits and drawbacks of focusing more on prevention
5. Your personal stance on the issue

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

In recent years, there has been a growing debate about the role of preventive care in public health services. While some argue that more resources should be allocated to prevention, others believe the current balance is appropriate. In my opinion, I strongly agree that public health services should place a greater emphasis on preventive care, as it offers numerous benefits to both individuals and society as a whole.

Firstly, focusing on preventive care can significantly reduce the burden of chronic diseases, which are responsible for a large proportion of healthcare costs and mortality rates worldwide. By promoting healthy lifestyles, regular check-ups, and early screening programs, public health services can help identify and address potential health issues before they become serious and costly to treat. For instance, encouraging regular exercise and a balanced diet can prevent obesity and related conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, which are major contributors to healthcare expenditure.

Secondly, prioritizing prevention can lead to substantial long-term cost savings for healthcare systems. While initial investments in preventive programs may be high, they often result in reduced healthcare costs over time. A study by the World Health Organization found that for every dollar spent on preventive care, up to seven dollars could be saved in future healthcare expenses. This economic benefit is particularly important for countries with limited healthcare resources or aging populations.

Furthermore, a focus on preventive care can improve overall quality of life and productivity. By maintaining good health and preventing chronic conditions, individuals can enjoy a higher quality of life, experience fewer sick days, and remain productive members of society for longer. This not only benefits the individuals themselves but also contributes to economic growth and social well-being.

However, it is important to acknowledge that curative care remains essential and should not be neglected. A balanced approach that incorporates both preventive and curative elements is crucial. Public health services should strive to find an optimal equilibrium between prevention and treatment, ensuring that immediate healthcare needs are met while also investing in long-term health outcomes.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that public health services should place a greater emphasis on preventive care. The potential benefits in terms of reduced disease burden, cost savings, and improved quality of life are substantial. By shifting focus towards prevention, we can create healthier societies and more sustainable healthcare systems for future generations.

Benefits of Preventive Care in Public Health

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

In today’s world, many people think that public health services should focus more on preventive care. I agree with this opinion to a large extent because prevention is better than cure and it can help save money and lives.

One important reason to focus on preventive care is that it can stop many diseases before they start. For example, if people get regular check-ups and vaccinations, they can avoid getting sick from common illnesses. This is especially important for diseases like diabetes and heart problems, which are becoming more common in many countries. By preventing these diseases, we can help people stay healthy and live longer.

Another benefit of preventive care is that it can save a lot of money for both individuals and the government. When people get very sick, it often costs a lot of money to treat them in hospitals. But if we can prevent diseases through things like healthy eating and exercise programs, we can reduce these expensive treatments. This means that the government can spend less money on healthcare and use it for other important things.

However, we should not forget that some diseases cannot be prevented, and we still need to have good treatments for people who are already sick. It’s important to have a balance between prevention and treatment in public health services.

In conclusion, I believe that public health services should focus more on preventive care because it can help prevent many diseases and save money. But we should also make sure that we still have good treatments for people who need them. By doing this, we can create a healthier society for everyone.

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

In my opinion, I agree that public health services should focus more on preventive care. There are several reasons for this.

Firstly, preventive care can help people stay healthy. If people have regular check-ups, they can find health problems early. This is good because it’s easier to treat problems when they are small. For example, if someone finds out they have high blood pressure early, they can change their diet and exercise to get better.

Secondly, preventive care can save money. When people get very sick, it costs a lot of money to treat them in the hospital. But if we can prevent diseases, we don’t have to spend so much money on treatments. This is good for both people and the government.

However, we still need to have good treatments for people who are already sick. We can’t only focus on prevention and forget about other healthcare services.

In conclusion, I think public health services should focus more on preventive care because it helps people stay healthy and saves money. But we should also keep good treatments for sick people.

Comparison of Preventive and Curative Care

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
• Cohesive devices are used effectively throughout
• Develops ideas logically with clear progression

Band 6-7 Essay:

• Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
• Presents a relevant position, though the conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
• Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task with some inaccuracies
• Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
• Arranges information coherently and there is clear overall progression
• Uses cohesive devices effectively, but cohesion within and/or between sentences may be faulty or mechanical

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

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Preventive care (noun) – /prɪˈventɪv keər/ – healthcare that aims to prevent illness or disease
2. Chronic diseases (noun phrase) – /ˈkrɒnɪk dɪˈziːzɪz/ – long-lasting conditions that can be controlled but not cured
3. Burden (noun) – /ˈbɜːdn/ – a duty or responsibility that causes worry, difficulty, or hard work
4. Allocate (verb) – /ˈæləkeɪt/ – to give something to someone as their share of a total amount
5. Screening programs (noun phrase) – /ˈskriːnɪŋ ˈprəʊɡræmz/ – systematic testing of a population for a disease
6. Expenditure (noun) – /ɪkˈspendɪtʃə(r)/ – the act of spending or using money
7. Curative (adjective) – /ˈkjʊərətɪv/ – able to cure disease or relieve pain
8. Equilibrium (noun) – /ˌiːkwɪˈlɪbriəm/ – a state of balance between different forces or aspects
9. Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to continue over a period of time
10. Interventions (noun) – /ˌɪntəˈvenʃnz/ – actions taken to improve a medical disorder

In conclusion, the topic of preventive care in public health services is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS exams. Is universal healthcare the solution to global health disparities? This is another related question that may appear in future tests. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on various aspects of healthcare, such as the balance between prevention and treatment, the role of government in healthcare, and the impact of lifestyle choices on public health.

We encourage readers to practice writing their own essays on this topic and share them in the comments section below. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam.