The role of international organizations in global health crises is a topic that has gained significant prominence in recent years, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. This theme has appeared in various forms in past IELTS Writing Task 2 questions and is likely to remain relevant in future exams. Based on an analysis of previous test questions, we can expect to see similar topics focusing on the effectiveness, challenges, and responsibilities of international bodies during worldwide health emergencies.
Let’s examine a relevant IELTS Writing Task 2 question that reflects this theme:
Some people believe that international organizations should be given more power to deal with global health crises. Others think that national governments should maintain full control over their health policies. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to discuss two contrasting viewpoints on the management of global health crises:
- Increasing the power of international organizations
- Maintaining national government control over health policies
Candidates must explore both perspectives and provide their own opinion on the matter. This type of question tests the ability to present balanced arguments, use relevant examples, and articulate a clear personal stance.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The debate over whether international organizations should have more authority in managing global health crises or if national governments should retain full control is a complex and multifaceted issue. While both approaches have their merits, I believe a balanced combination of international cooperation and national sovereignty is the most effective solution.
Proponents of empowering international organizations argue that global health crises require a coordinated, worldwide response. Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) have the expertise, resources, and global perspective necessary to tackle pandemics effectively. For instance, during the COVID-19 outbreak, the WHO played a crucial role in disseminating information, coordinating vaccine development, and providing guidelines for containment. Granting more power to such bodies could lead to faster, more unified responses to future health emergencies.
On the other hand, those who support national control over health policies emphasize the importance of sovereignty and tailored approaches. Each country has unique healthcare systems, cultural norms, and economic considerations that influence their ability to implement health measures. National governments are better positioned to understand and address the specific needs of their populations. Moreover, they can act more swiftly without the bureaucratic delays often associated with international organizations.
In my opinion, the most effective approach lies in striking a balance between international cooperation and national autonomy. International organizations should be given enhanced capabilities to coordinate global efforts, share critical information, and provide expert guidance. However, the implementation of health policies should remain primarily under national jurisdiction. This hybrid model would allow for a cohesive global strategy while respecting the sovereignty and unique circumstances of individual nations.
For example, during a pandemic, the WHO could be empowered to declare global health emergencies, set overarching guidelines, and facilitate resource sharing. National governments would then adapt these recommendations to their local contexts, ensuring effective implementation that considers their specific healthcare capacities, economic situations, and cultural factors.
In conclusion, while international organizations play a vital role in addressing global health crises, completely ceding control to them may not be practical or desirable. A collaborative approach that leverages the strengths of both international bodies and national governments is likely to yield the most effective outcomes in managing future global health challenges.
(Word count: 345)
International organizations managing global health crisis
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The question of whether international organizations should have more power in dealing with global health crises or if national governments should keep full control is a topic of much debate. Both sides have valid points, and I will discuss them before giving my own opinion.
Those who support giving more power to international organizations believe that global health problems need global solutions. Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) have experts from many countries and can see the big picture of health issues around the world. They can help coordinate efforts between different countries and share important information quickly. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the WHO helped countries understand the virus and how to fight it.
On the other hand, people who think national governments should keep control argue that each country knows its own situation best. Different countries have different healthcare systems, cultures, and economic situations. National governments can make decisions faster and adapt their policies to fit their specific needs. They also worry that giving too much power to international organizations might interfere with a country’s right to make its own decisions.
In my opinion, I think the best approach is to have both international organizations and national governments work together. International organizations should have more power to coordinate global efforts and provide expert advice, but national governments should still have the final say in how to implement policies in their own countries. This way, we can have a global strategy to fight health crises while still respecting each country’s unique situation.
For instance, the WHO could be given more authority to declare global health emergencies and set general guidelines. Then, each country could take these guidelines and adapt them to fit their own healthcare system and culture. This would allow for a coordinated global response while still letting each country make decisions that work best for its people.
In conclusion, while international organizations play an important role in addressing global health crises, I believe that a balance between international cooperation and national control is the most effective approach. This would combine the global expertise of international organizations with the local knowledge and authority of national governments.
(Word count: 345)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates the qualities expected of a high band score:
- Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items are used with awareness of style and collocation.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used accurately and appropriately. Complex sentences are frequent and error-free.
Band 6-7 Essay
This essay shows the characteristics of a mid-range band score:
- Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some ideas may not be fully developed. Cohesive devices are used, though not always appropriately.
- Lexical Resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used for the task. There may be some inaccuracies in word choice or collocation, but they do not impede communication.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication.
The role of global organizations in managing pandemics is a crucial aspect of international cooperation. Both essays effectively address this topic, with the higher band essay demonstrating more sophisticated language use and deeper analysis.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Global health crisis (noun): A worldwide emergency related to health issues.
Pronunciation: /ˈɡləʊbəl helθ ˈkraɪsɪs/International organization (noun): A body that operates across national borders.
Pronunciation: /ˌɪntəˈnæʃənəl ˌɔːɡənaɪˈzeɪʃən/Sovereignty (noun): The authority of a state to govern itself.
Pronunciation: /ˈsɒvrənti/Pandemic (noun): A disease prevalent over a whole country or the world.
Pronunciation: /pænˈdemɪk/Coordinate (verb): To organize different elements to enable them to work together effectively.
Pronunciation: /kəʊˈɔːdɪneɪt/Bureaucratic (adjective): Involving complicated official rules and processes.
Pronunciation: /ˌbjʊərəˈkrætɪk/Cohesive (adjective): Forming a united whole.
Pronunciation: /kəʊˈhiːsɪv/Multifaceted (adjective): Having many different aspects or features.
Pronunciation: /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/
Key vocabulary for IELTS essays on global health crises
In conclusion, the role of international organizations in global health crises is a critical topic that IELTS candidates should be prepared to discuss. Future exam questions may explore related themes such as the effectiveness of global health initiatives, the balance between international cooperation and national sovereignty in healthcare, or how international organizations can reduce poverty and improve global health outcomes.
To practice, try writing your own essay on this topic or related ones, such as:
- “Do you think international organizations are effective in responding to global health emergencies? Why or why not?”
- “Should countries be obligated to follow guidelines set by international health organizations during pandemics? Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.”
Remember to structure your essay clearly, use relevant examples, and showcase a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion with fellow IELTS aspirants. This active engagement will help you refine your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.