Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: The Role of International Cooperation in Addressing Global Health Challenges

The topic of international cooperation in addressing global health challenges is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on analysis of past exam questions and current global trends, this subject is likely to appear frequently in future tests. Its relevance to contemporary issues makes it a prime candidate for examination. Let’s explore a sample question and provide model essays to help you prepare effectively for this topic.

Analyzing the Question

Some people believe that international cooperation is the key to solving global health issues, while others think individual countries should focus on their own health problems. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

This question presents a classic IELTS Writing Task 2 format, asking you to discuss two contrasting viewpoints and provide your own perspective. The topic focuses on the role of international cooperation versus individual national efforts in addressing global health challenges. To excel in this task, you need to:

1. Clearly present both viewpoints
2. Provide relevant examples to support each perspective
3. Offer a balanced discussion
4. Articulate your own opinion with sound reasoning

Model Essay for Band 8-9

International health crises, such as pandemics and the spread of infectious diseases, have highlighted the interconnected nature of global health. While some argue that countries should prioritize their domestic health issues, others advocate for increased international collaboration. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view on this critical matter.

Proponents of focusing on national health concerns argue that each country has unique health challenges that require tailored solutions. For instance, a developing nation might need to prioritize basic healthcare infrastructure and sanitation, while a developed country may focus on combating lifestyle diseases. By concentrating resources on domestic issues, governments can potentially achieve more tangible and immediate results for their citizens. Moreover, this approach allows for more efficient allocation of limited healthcare budgets and resources.

On the other hand, advocates for international cooperation emphasize the borderless nature of many health threats. The recent COVID-19 pandemic serves as a stark reminder that diseases can rapidly spread across continents, making isolated national efforts insufficient. International collaboration enables the sharing of research, expertise, and resources, which can lead to more effective and rapid responses to global health crises. Furthermore, cooperative efforts can address health inequalities between nations, ensuring that less developed countries have access to essential medicines and healthcare technologies.

In my opinion, while acknowledging the importance of addressing country-specific health issues, international cooperation is crucial in tackling global health challenges. The complexities of modern health threats often surpass the capabilities of individual nations. A balanced approach that combines strong national healthcare systems with robust international partnerships is likely to yield the most comprehensive and effective solutions. This strategy allows countries to address their unique health concerns while simultaneously contributing to and benefiting from global health initiatives.

In conclusion, the interconnected nature of global health necessitates a collaborative approach. While countries should continue to address their specific health needs, fostering international cooperation is essential for creating a healthier world for all. (309 words)

Model Essay for Band 6-7

Global health issues are a big problem today. Some people think countries should work together to solve these problems, while others believe each country should focus on its own health issues. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.

Those who support countries focusing on their own health problems have some good points. Every country has different health issues. For example, some countries might need to improve their hospitals, while others need to fight diseases like obesity. If a country focuses on its own problems, it can use its money and resources better. This might help solve health problems faster for its own people.

However, working together internationally also has benefits. Many health problems, like the COVID-19 pandemic, affect the whole world. When countries work together, they can share important information and help each other. This cooperation can lead to faster solutions for big health problems. It also helps poorer countries get medicines and medical equipment they might not be able to get on their own.

In my opinion, I think international cooperation is very important for solving global health issues. While countries should still take care of their own health problems, working together can help everyone. Big health problems like pandemics are too big for one country to solve alone. When countries share knowledge and resources, they can find better solutions faster.

To conclude, while it’s important for countries to address their own health issues, international cooperation is necessary to effectively tackle global health challenges. A combination of both approaches is likely to be most effective in creating a healthier world. (253 words)

International cooperation in healthcare

Key Points to Remember When Writing

1. Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing each viewpoint, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay demonstrates more sophisticated paragraph development and transitions.

2. Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and phrases, such as “interconnected nature,” “tangible and immediate results,” and “allocation of limited healthcare budgets.” The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still effectively conveys the main ideas.

3. Grammar: The higher band essay showcases a wider range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and passive voice. The Band 6-7 essay uses mostly simple and compound sentences but maintains grammatical accuracy.

4. Cohesion and Coherence: Both essays use linking words and phrases to connect ideas, but the Band 8-9 essay demonstrates more sophisticated cohesion techniques.

5. Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the Band 8-9 essay provides more detailed examples and a more nuanced discussion of the issue.

Essential Vocabulary for This Topic

1. Global health (noun) /ˈɡləʊbəl helθ/ – Health issues that transcend national boundaries
2. Pandemic (noun) /pænˈdemɪk/ – A disease prevalent over a whole country or the world
3. Collaboration (noun) /kəˌlæbəˈreɪʃn/ – The action of working with someone to produce something
4. Infectious diseases (noun phrase) /ɪnˈfekʃəs dɪˈziːzɪz/ – Illnesses caused by organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites
5. Healthcare infrastructure (noun phrase) /ˈhelθkeər ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – The fundamental facilities and systems serving a country’s health needs
6. Resource allocation (noun phrase) /rɪˈsɔːs ˌæləˈkeɪʃn/ – The distribution of resources among competing groups of people or programs
7. Health inequalities (noun phrase) /helθ ˌɪnɪˈkwɒlətiz/ – Differences in health status or in the distribution of health resources between different population groups
8. International partnerships (noun phrase) /ˌɪntəˈnæʃnəl ˈpɑːtnəʃɪps/ – Collaborative arrangements between countries or organizations from different countries
9. Borderless (adjective) /ˈbɔːdəlɪs/ – Not restricted by or acknowledging national boundaries
10. Sanitation (noun) /ˌsænɪˈteɪʃn/ – Conditions relating to public health, especially the provision of clean drinking water and adequate sewage disposal

Conclusion

The role of international cooperation in addressing global health challenges is a crucial topic in today’s interconnected world. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, remember to consider various aspects of this issue, including the benefits and challenges of both international collaboration and focusing on national health priorities.

To further enhance your preparation, consider practicing with these related topics:

1. The impact of global pandemics on international relations
2. The role of technology in improving global healthcare access
3. Ethical considerations in international medical research collaboration
4. The effectiveness of global health organizations in addressing health inequalities

We encourage you to practice writing an essay on the sample question provided in this article. Share your essay in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with fellow IELTS aspirants. This active practice will significantly improve your writing skills and prepare you for success in the IELTS Writing Task 2.