Healthcare accessibility has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in approximately 15% of recent exam questions. Based on historical data from official IELTS test centers, questions about equitable healthcare access are particularly frequent in regions like South Asia and Southeast Asia. Let’s examine one of the most commonly encountered question types on this topic.
Recent research on importance of universal healthcare for global health security shows this topic’s growing relevance in academic discussions.
Sample Question Analysis
Some people believe that governments should ensure equal access to healthcare for all citizens, while others think individuals should be responsible for their own medical expenses. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Question Breakdown
- Topic: Healthcare access and funding
- Task: Discussion + Opinion
- Key elements: Government responsibility vs. Individual responsibility
- Format: Two-sided argument with personal stance
Equal access to healthcare discussion in IELTS Writing Task 2
Band 8-9 Sample Essay
In the ongoing debate about healthcare financing, while some advocate for state-funded universal access, others support individual responsibility. In my opinion, while personal contribution is important, government involvement is crucial for ensuring equitable healthcare access.
Those supporting individual responsibility argue that personal healthcare funding promotes responsible behavior and reduces system abuse. When people pay for their own medical care, they tend to make more conscious health choices and seek treatment only when necessary. Moreover, this approach potentially reduces the tax burden on society and encourages the development of private healthcare services, leading to improved quality through competition.
However, proponents of government-funded healthcare highlight its numerous societal benefits. The role of technology in improving healthcare has made modern medical treatment increasingly expensive, making it unaffordable for many without state support. Universal access ensures that all citizens, regardless of their economic status, receive necessary medical care, preventing the development of public health crises and reducing overall healthcare costs through preventive care.
I believe a hybrid system combining both approaches would be most effective. Governments should provide basic universal healthcare coverage while allowing individuals to supplement this with private insurance for additional services. This balance ensures essential medical care for all while maintaining personal responsibility and choice in healthcare decisions.
Analysis for Band 8-9 Score
- Clear position and balanced argument
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “advocate,” “equitable,” “proponents”
- Complex sentence structures
- Coherent paragraphing with clear topic sentences
- Strong conclusion with a nuanced perspective
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
Healthcare access is a major topic of discussion in many countries. Some people think governments should pay for everyone’s healthcare, but others believe individuals should pay their own medical bills. I will discuss both views and share my opinion.
Importance of accessible healthcare for rural areas shows why this is an important issue. When individuals are responsible for their own healthcare costs, they might be more careful about their health. They will think twice before going to the doctor for minor problems and might live healthier lifestyles. Also, people who pay for their own treatment usually value it more.
On the other hand, government-funded healthcare has many benefits. Poor people can get treatment when they need it, and nobody has to worry about huge medical bills. This system also helps prevent the spread of diseases because everyone can get treatment quickly. Additionally, it creates a fairer society where health isn’t just for wealthy people.
In my opinion, governments should provide basic healthcare for everyone, but people should also pay something small. This way, everyone can access medical care, but people will still use it responsibly.
Analysis for Band 6-7 Score
- Clear but simpler arguments
- Basic vocabulary with some good phrases
- Mostly simple sentence structures
- Basic paragraph organization
- Clear but less sophisticated conclusion
Key Vocabulary
- Equitable (adj) /ˈekwɪtəbəl/ – fair and impartial
- Universal access (n) /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsəl ˈækses/ – availability to all
- Preventive care (n) /prɪˈventɪv keər/ – health care to prevent illness
- Hybrid system (n) /ˈhaɪbrɪd ˈsɪstəm/ – combined approach
- Proponent (n) /prəˈpəʊnənt/ – supporter of an idea
Conclusion
Healthcare accessibility remains a crucial IELTS Writing Task 2 topic. For practice, consider writing about importance of saving for future medical expenses or comparing healthcare systems across different countries. Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and discussion.
