The topic of healthcare access and social equity has been consistently appearing in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams, particularly in the last 5 years. Based on analysis of past exam questions and importance of universal healthcare for promoting social equity, this theme is likely to remain highly relevant for future tests.
Healthcare access and social equity concept illustration
Analysis of Recent Test Question
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 costs. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Question Analysis
- Topic: Healthcare access and funding
- Task: Discussion + opinion
- Key elements: Government responsibility vs. individual responsibility
- Focus areas: Social equity, healthcare costs, public welfare
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The debate over healthcare funding responsibility mirrors broader discussions about how inflation affects healthcare costs and social welfare. While some advocate for complete government oversight, others support individual accountability. I believe a balanced approach combining both elements is most effective.
Government-funded healthcare offers several compelling advantages. Firstly, it ensures universal access to medical services, preventing situations where individuals avoid necessary treatment due to financial constraints. Additionally, centralized healthcare systems often achieve economies of scale, reducing overall costs. For example, the UK’s National Health Service demonstrates how unified healthcare management can deliver comprehensive care while maintaining cost efficiency.
However, proponents of individual responsibility raise valid points. When people directly manage their healthcare costs, they tend to make more conscious health-related decisions and may adopt preventive measures. Furthermore, private funding can drive innovation and competition in medical services, potentially improving quality and efficiency. Countries like Singapore successfully implement this approach through mandatory health savings accounts.
In my view, the optimal solution lies in a hybrid system. Governments should provide essential healthcare coverage while allowing individuals to supplement this with private options. This approach, similar to should there be universal healthcare coverage worldwide, ensures basic medical security while maintaining personal choice and responsibility. For instance, Australia’s Medicare system, combined with private insurance options, effectively balances these competing interests.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Healthcare access is an important topic in many countries today. Some people think governments should pay for everyone’s healthcare, but others believe individuals should pay themselves. This essay will discuss both views.
There are some good reasons why governments should provide healthcare. The main reason is that everyone needs medical care sometimes, and not everyone has enough money to pay for it. Also, when the government manages healthcare, it can be cheaper because they buy medicines and equipment in large amounts.
On the other hand, some people think individuals should pay for their own healthcare. They say this makes people more careful about their health and helps them save money. Also, private healthcare can sometimes be better quality than public healthcare.
I think the best way is to have both government and private healthcare. This way, poor people can still get basic medical care, but those who want better services can pay extra. Many countries use this system and it works well.
Essay Analysis Comparison
Band 8.5 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and structures
- Clear, logical progression
- Well-developed arguments with specific examples
- Balanced discussion with nuanced opinion
- Complex sentences with accurate grammar
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Basic vocabulary and simple structures
- Clear but simple organization
- Limited development of ideas
- Basic examples without detail
- Some grammar errors but message clear
Key Vocabulary
- Universal access (n) /juːnɪˈvɜːsl ækses/ – complete availability to all
- Economies of scale (n) /ɪˈkɒnəmiz əv skeɪl/ – cost advantages from large-scale operations
- Preventive measures (n) /prɪˈventɪv ˈmeʒəz/ – actions taken to prevent problems
- Hybrid system (n) /ˈhaɪbrɪd ˈsɪstəm/ – combination of different approaches
- Centralized healthcare (n) /ˈsentrəlaɪzd ˈhelθkeə/ – unified medical system management
Consider practicing with similar topics like importance of accessible fitness programs and why higher education should be accessible to everyone to enhance your writing skills. Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and discussion.
