Technology’s impact on healthcare services has become a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This topic’s frequency in past exams suggests it will likely continue to appear in future tests. Let’s explore some sample questions and provide model essays to help you prepare effectively.
Some people think that the government should invest more money in medical technology, while others believe that money should be spent on basic healthcare. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analysing the Question
This question asks you to:
- Discuss the view that governments should invest more in medical technology
- Discuss the alternative view that money should be spent on basic healthcare
- Provide your own opinion on the matter
Remember to address all parts of the question in your response.
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
The debate between investing in cutting-edge medical technology versus focusing on basic healthcare is a critical issue facing many governments today. While both approaches have their merits, I believe a balanced strategy that incorporates elements of both is the most effective solution.
Proponents of increased investment in medical technology argue that advanced equipment and innovative treatments can dramatically improve patient outcomes and save lives. For instance, sophisticated imaging machines can detect diseases at earlier stages, while robotic surgery systems enable more precise and less invasive procedures. Moreover, breakthroughs in areas such as gene therapy and personalized medicine hold the promise of curing previously untreatable conditions. By allocating more funds to medical research and development, governments can potentially reduce long-term healthcare costs and improve the overall quality of life for their citizens.
On the other hand, advocates for basic healthcare emphasize the importance of ensuring universal access to essential medical services. They contend that many people, especially in developing countries or underserved communities, lack access to even the most fundamental healthcare necessities. Investing in primary care facilities, preventive medicine, and public health initiatives can have a more immediate and widespread impact on population health. Furthermore, strengthening the foundation of a healthcare system can create a more equitable society and reduce the burden of preventable diseases.
In my opinion, the optimal approach lies in striking a balance between these two perspectives. Governments should prioritize establishing a robust basic healthcare infrastructure that serves the entire population while simultaneously investing in medical technology research and development. This dual strategy can be achieved by allocating a larger portion of the budget to essential healthcare services while setting aside funds for technological advancements. Additionally, governments can incentivize private sector involvement in medical research through grants and tax incentives, thereby leveraging both public and private resources.
By adopting this balanced approach, nations can ensure that their populations have access to necessary medical care while also fostering innovation that can lead to significant breakthroughs in treatment and prevention. This strategy not only addresses immediate healthcare needs but also positions the country for long-term improvements in medical outcomes and economic benefits derived from a healthier workforce.
In conclusion, while the debate between investing in medical technology and basic healthcare is complex, a nuanced approach that combines both elements is likely to yield the best results. Governments should strive to create healthcare systems that are both accessible to all and capable of harnessing the latest technological advancements to improve patient care.
(Word count: 397)
Band 6-7 Essay
The question of whether governments should prioritize spending on medical technology or basic healthcare is a challenging one. Both options have their advantages, and I believe that a combination of both approaches is necessary for an effective healthcare system.
Investing in medical technology has several benefits. Advanced equipment and new treatments can help doctors diagnose and treat diseases more effectively. For example, MRI machines can detect serious health problems early, which can save lives. Also, research into new medicines can lead to cures for diseases that were previously untreatable. This can improve the quality of life for many people and potentially reduce healthcare costs in the long run.
However, focusing on basic healthcare is also important. Many people, especially in poorer areas, don’t have access to even simple medical services. Spending money on primary healthcare facilities and preventive medicine can help a larger number of people. This approach can prevent many common illnesses and improve public health overall. It’s also more affordable and can reach more people quickly.
In my opinion, governments should try to balance both approaches. They should ensure that everyone has access to basic healthcare services while also investing in new medical technologies. This could be done by allocating a larger portion of the budget to essential healthcare services, but also setting aside some funds for research and advanced equipment.
By doing this, countries can provide necessary care to all citizens while also developing new ways to treat and prevent diseases. This balanced approach can lead to better health outcomes for the entire population.
(Word count: 253)
Band 5-6 Essay
Some people think governments should spend more money on new medical technology. Others say it’s better to spend on basic healthcare. I think both are important.
New medical technology is good because it can help doctors find and treat diseases better. For example, new machines can see inside the body and find problems early. This can save lives. Also, new medicines can help cure sick people. This is very important for serious diseases.
But basic healthcare is also necessary. Many people don’t have access to simple medical help. Spending money on basic healthcare can help more people. It can stop people from getting sick in the first place. This is cheaper and can help many people quickly.
I think governments should do both. They should make sure everyone can see a doctor and get basic medicine. But they should also spend some money on new technology. This way, everyone can get help when they are sick, and doctors can have better tools to treat them.
In conclusion, both new technology and basic healthcare are important. Governments should try to balance both to help everyone stay healthy.
(Word count: 173)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Explanation
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and meets all the criteria for a high band score:
- Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion.
- 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 accurately and appropriately, including less common words and phrases (e.g., “cutting-edge,” “sophisticated imaging machines,” “personalized medicine”).
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a wide range of complex structures accurately, with only minor errors.
Band 6-7 Essay Explanation
This essay shows good writing skills but lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band essay:
- Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the ideas are less fully developed.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some paragraphs could be better linked.
- Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used, with some less common items (e.g., “prioritize,” “preventive medicine”), but not as wide as in the Band 8-9 essay.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentences is used, with generally good control, but lacking the variety of the higher band essay.
Band 5-6 Essay Explanation
This essay demonstrates basic writing skills but has limitations:
- Task Response: The main points are addressed, but ideas are not fully developed.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a basic structure, but paragraphing could be improved.
- Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task but limited in range and sophistication.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Mostly simple sentences are used, with some attempts at more complex structures.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Medical technology (noun) /ˈmedɪkəl tekˈnɒlədʒi/ – Equipment and methods used in medical treatment and diagnosis
- Healthcare infrastructure (noun) /ˈhelθkeər ˌɪnfrəˈstrʌktʃər/ – The basic physical and organizational structures needed for healthcare
- Preventive medicine (noun) /prɪˈventɪv ˈmedɪsɪn/ – Measures taken to prevent diseases rather than curing them
- Innovative treatments (noun phrase) /ˈɪnəvətɪv ˈtriːtmənts/ – New and advanced methods of medical care
- Universal access (noun phrase) /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsl ˈækses/ – The ability of all people to obtain healthcare services
- Public health initiatives (noun phrase) /ˈpʌblɪk helθ ɪˈnɪʃətɪvz/ – Government programs aimed at improving overall population health
- Equitable (adjective) /ˈekwɪtəbl/ – Fair and impartial
- Incentivize (verb) /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ – To encourage or motivate by offering rewards
- Leverage (verb) /ˈliːvərɪdʒ/ – To use something to maximum advantage
- Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – Characterized by subtle differences or distinctions
Conclusion
The role of technology in improving healthcare services is a complex and important topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the key elements of a strong essay and practicing with sample questions, you can improve your ability to address this theme effectively.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The impact of telemedicine on rural healthcare access
- The ethical implications of using artificial intelligence in medical diagnosis
- The role of wearable technology in preventive healthcare
Remember to focus on clear structure, balanced arguments, and appropriate use of vocabulary and grammar. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners.