The topic of technology’s role in solving global health crises has become increasingly relevant in recent years, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. This subject has appeared in various forms in past IELTS Writing Task 2 questions and is likely to continue being a popular theme in future exams. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays and in-depth analysis to help you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2.
Analyzing the Essay Question
Let’s consider the following IELTS Writing Task 2 question:
Some people believe that technology plays a crucial role in solving global health crises, while others argue that traditional methods are more effective. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the view that technology is crucial in solving global health crises
- Discuss the opposing view that traditional methods are more effective
- Provide your own opinion on the matter
Remember to address all parts of the question and provide specific examples to support your arguments.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The role of technology in addressing global health challenges has been a subject of intense debate. While some argue that technological advancements are pivotal in combating health crises, others contend that conventional approaches remain more effective. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of technology argue that innovative solutions can significantly enhance our ability to tackle health crises. Artificial intelligence and big data analytics, for instance, can predict disease outbreaks and help allocate resources more efficiently. During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine emerged as a crucial tool, allowing patients to receive medical consultations remotely, thus reducing the risk of virus transmission. Moreover, advanced research technologies have accelerated vaccine development, as evidenced by the rapid creation of COVID-19 vaccines using mRNA technology.
On the other hand, advocates of traditional methods argue that these approaches have stood the test of time and remain effective in many contexts. Basic hygiene practices, such as handwashing and proper sanitation, continue to be fundamental in preventing the spread of diseases. Additionally, community-based healthcare and public health education programs have proven successful in managing various health issues, particularly in resource-limited settings. These methods often require less infrastructure and can be more sustainable in the long term.
In my opinion, the most effective approach to solving global health crises lies in combining technological innovations with traditional methods. While technology can provide powerful tools and insights, its implementation often requires substantial resources and infrastructure that may not be available in all regions. Traditional methods, on the other hand, can be more accessible and culturally appropriate in certain contexts. By integrating both approaches, we can leverage the strengths of each to create comprehensive and adaptable solutions to global health challenges.
In conclusion, both technology and traditional methods have vital roles to play in addressing global health crises. The key lies in finding the right balance and applying the most appropriate solutions based on the specific context and available resources. As we move forward, it is crucial to continue investing in technological advancements while also preserving and improving upon proven traditional practices.
(Word count: 329)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that align with Band 8-9 criteria:
-
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion.
-
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices.
-
Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms like “telemedicine” and “mRNA technology.”
-
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a wide range of complex structures used accurately, with only minor errors.
-
Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
In today’s world, there is a debate about whether technology or traditional methods are better for solving global health problems. This essay will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
Many people think technology is very important for dealing with health crises. Computers and smartphones can help doctors talk to patients from far away, which was useful during COVID-19. Also, new machines in hospitals can diagnose diseases faster and more accurately. For example, MRI scanners can find problems inside the body without surgery. Technology has also helped make new medicines and vaccines quicker than before.
However, some people believe traditional methods are still more effective. They say that simple things like washing hands and eating healthy food can prevent many diseases. Also, face-to-face meetings between doctors and patients are important for building trust and understanding health problems better. In poor countries, traditional methods might be easier to use because they don’t need expensive equipment.
In my opinion, both technology and traditional methods are important for solving global health crises. I think we should use both together to get the best results. Technology can help us find new solutions, but traditional methods are still necessary, especially in places without much money or advanced equipment.
To conclude, technology and traditional methods both have good points for dealing with health problems around the world. We should try to use the best parts of both to help people stay healthy and fight diseases.
(Word count: 253)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates qualities that align with Band 6-7 criteria:
-
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the development of ideas is less thorough compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
-
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated.
-
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate but less varied and precise compared to the higher band essay.
-
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, with some errors that do not impede communication.
-
Development of Ideas: Main points are supported with examples, but the explanations are less detailed and nuanced compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
-
Telemedicine (noun) /ˌtelɪˈmedɪsɪn/ – The remote diagnosis and treatment of patients using telecommunications technology.
-
Artificial Intelligence (noun) /ˌɑːtɪˈfɪʃəl ɪnˈtelɪdʒəns/ – The simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems.
-
Innovative (adjective) /ˈɪnəvətɪv/ – Featuring new methods; advanced and original.
-
Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbəl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
-
Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/ – The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
-
Fundamental (adjective) /ˌfʌndəˈmentl/ – Forming a necessary base or core; of central importance.
-
Accelerate (verb) /əkˈseləreɪt/ – Increase in rate, amount, or extent.
-
Allocation (noun) /ˌæləˈkeɪʃn/ – The action or process of distributing resources or tasks for a particular purpose.
-
Integrate (verb) /ˈɪntɪɡreɪt/ – Combine (one thing) with another to form a whole.
-
Adaptable (adjective) /əˈdæptəbl/ – Able to adjust to new conditions or situations.
Conclusion
The role of technology in solving global health crises is a complex and multifaceted topic that is likely to appear in various forms in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare for this and similar topics, practice writing essays that discuss different perspectives and provide balanced arguments. Remember to use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and always support your points with relevant examples.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The impact of technology on healthcare accessibility in developing countries
- The ethical implications of using artificial intelligence in medical diagnosis
- The role of social media in spreading health information during global crises
Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare more effectively for your IELTS exam.