Public health education has consistently appeared as a significant topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, particularly in questions addressing healthcare systems, disease prevention, and community well-being. Based on analysis of past IELTS exams and The role of media in public health awareness, this theme continues to be highly relevant and likely to appear in future tests.
Students learning about public health in a modern classroom setting
Task Analysis
Some people believe that public health education should be the primary focus in preventing diseases, while others think there are more effective approaches. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question requires:
- Discussing multiple perspectives on disease prevention
- Evaluating the effectiveness of public health education
- Providing a clear personal stance
- Supporting arguments with relevant examples
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
Public health awareness and education plays a vital role in disease prevention, though some argue that other methods may be more effective. While I acknowledge the importance of multiple approaches, I firmly believe that health education should be the cornerstone of disease prevention strategies.
Those who advocate for public health education emphasize its long-term impact on disease prevention. When people are well-informed about health risks and preventive measures, they are better equipped to make healthy lifestyle choices. For instance, comprehensive sexual health education has proven instrumental in reducing Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) awareness in many countries. Similarly, educational campaigns about Nutrition role in preventing chronic diseases? have helped communities make better dietary choices.
However, critics argue that other approaches might be more effective. They point to direct medical interventions like vaccination programs, improved healthcare infrastructure, and stricter health regulations as potentially more impactful solutions. These measures, they contend, provide immediate and measurable results in disease prevention, whereas educational initiatives may take years to show significant outcomes.
In my view, while multiple strategies are necessary, public health education should be prioritized. This approach creates a foundation of knowledge that empowers individuals to take control of their health. Moreover, education enhances the effectiveness of other preventive measures by ensuring public understanding and compliance. For example, during the recent global pandemic, countries with better public health literacy demonstrated higher vaccination rates and better adherence to preventive protocols.
Public health workers conducting community education session
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
In today’s world, many people have different opinions about how to prevent diseases. Some think public health education is the best way, but others believe there are better methods. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
People who support public health education say it helps people understand how to stay healthy. When people learn about diseases and how to prevent them, they can take better care of themselves. For example, when schools teach students about healthy eating and exercise, students can make better choices about their lifestyle. Also, when people know about the dangers of smoking, they are less likely to start smoking.
On the other hand, some people think other methods work better. They say that building more hospitals and making medicines cheaper is more important. They also think that strict rules about food safety and clean water are better ways to prevent diseases. These methods can help stop diseases quickly.
I think both ways are important, but education is more important. When people understand about health, they can protect themselves better. Also, education helps people understand why they should follow health rules and take medicines. Without education, other methods might not work well.
Key Vocabulary
- preventive measures (n.) /prɪˈventɪv ˈmeʒəz/ – actions taken to stop something before it happens
- comprehensive (adj.) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – complete and thorough
- intervention (n.) /ˌɪntəˈvenʃn/ – the action of becoming involved in a situation to improve it
- adherence (n.) /ædˈhɪərəns/ – the fact of behaving according to rules or beliefs
- infrastructure (n.) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – basic systems and services needed for a country or organization
Writing Tips
- For Band 8+: Demonstrate sophisticated vocabulary, clear organization, and complex sentence structures
- For Band 6-7: Focus on clear ideas, basic paragraph structure, and appropriate vocabulary
- Always provide specific examples to support your arguments
- Maintain a balanced discussion before presenting your opinion
Consider practicing with similar topics like Focus on preventive over curative healthcare? to improve your writing skills. Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and discussion.
