The intersection between public health and economic growth is a recurring topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. This theme has manifested frequently over the years and is predicted to continue appearing due to its relevance in the real world, particularly highlighted by the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, we will explore the topic thoroughly and provide a model essay to help IELTS learners prepare effectively.
Main Content
Selected Task: Model Essay on Public Health and Economic Growth
Here we select a realistic essay prompt based on past IELTS exams related to public health and economic growth.
Some people believe that improving public health is more important for economic growth than other measures. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Analyzing the Task
This task requires you to evaluate the importance of public health in driving economic growth compared to other potential measures. Key steps to analyze include:
- Understand the Topic: The correlation between public health and economic prosperity.
- Identify Keywords: “Improving public health,” “economic growth,” “more important than other measures.”
- Position: State your level of agreement or disagreement.
- Generate Arguments: Discuss how public health can impact economic growth and compare it with other measures like technological innovation, education, or infrastructure development.
Model Essay
Introduction
In recent years, the debate over the significance of public health initiatives in fostering economic growth has gained substantial attention. Some advocates argue that enhancing public health should take precedence over other economic measures. This essay will discuss the extent to which I agree with this viewpoint, considering the impacts of public health on economic productivity and other contributory factors.
Body Paragraph 1
Firstly, public health improvements undoubtedly bolster economic growth. A healthier population translates to a more productive workforce, reducing absenteeism, and increasing efficiency. For example, investment in vaccination programs has shown to dramatically decrease disease outbreaks, which in turn saves substantial healthcare costs and minimizes economic disruptions. Consequently, prioritizing public health can create a robust foundation for sustainable economic advancement.
Body Paragraph 2
However, it is essential to consider other critical factors that also drive economic growth. Infrastructure development, for instance, plays a pivotal role by providing the necessary facilities for industries to flourish. Similarly, advancements in education equip individuals with the skills needed to innovate and improve productivity. Thus, while public health is crucial, a balanced approach incorporating multiple areas is likely to yield the best results for economic growth.
Body Paragraph 3
Moreover, technological innovations are another cornerstone of economic expansion. Cutting-edge technologies can revolutionize industries and improve efficiencies beyond what a healthy workforce alone can achieve. For instance, the information technology boom has played a significant role in the economic prosperity of many nations. Therefore, an exclusive focus on public health without considering the synergistic benefits of other sectors may not be the most effective strategy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although enhancing public health is vital for economic growth, it should not be viewed in isolation. A holistic approach that also prioritizes infrastructure, education, and technological innovation will likely provide a more sustainable and comprehensive pathway to economic prosperity. Hence, while I agree that public health is essential, it is not necessarily more important than other measures.
Word Count: 306
Tips for Writing on This Topic
- Vocabulary: Use terms like “economic productivity,” “workforce efficiency,” “disease outbreaks,” “sustainable economic advancement,” and “holistic approach.”
- Grammar: Master complex sentences and relative clauses to show sophisticated syntax, e.g., “a healthier population translates to a more productive workforce, reducing absenteeism, and increasing efficiency.”
- Cohesion and Coherence: Use linking words and phrases like “firstly,” “however,” “moreover,” and “in conclusion” to ensure logical flow and clear argumentation.
Vocabulary to Remember
- Absenteeism (noun) /ˈæb.sənˌtiː.ɪ.zəm/: frequent absence from work or school.
- Synergistic (adjective) /ˌsɪn.əˈdʒɪs.tɪk/: working together in a particularly effective, productive way.
- Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪn.frəˌstrʌk.tʃər/: the fundamental facilities and systems serving a country, city, or area.
- Holistic (adjective) /həʊˈlɪs.tɪk/: considering the whole system rather than individual parts.
- Vaccination (noun) /ˌvæk.sɪˈneɪ.ʃən/: the act of introducing a vaccine into the body to produce immunity to a specific disease.
Conclusion
In summary, the topic of the role of public health in economic growth is a pertinent subject in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding and practicing essays on such critical topics, candidates can prepare comprehensively for their exams. Potential future topics might include the impact of environmental sustainability, the influence of social policies, or the role of economic stability in public welfare.
For further reading, consider exploring related articles such as Social Policy and Economic Resilience and Environmental Sustainability in Economic Planning to gain deeper insights into interconnected themes.