The topic of universal healthcare challenges worldwide is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on an analysis of past exams and current global trends, it’s highly likely that this subject will continue to appear in future tests. Let’s explore a relevant question that has been featured in recent IELTS exams and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Universal Healthcare Challenges
Analyzing the Question
Some people think that healthcare should be free for everyone, while others believe that individuals should pay for their own medical treatment. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question addresses a fundamental debate in healthcare policy: whether healthcare should be universally provided or individually funded. It requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for free healthcare for all
- Explore reasons why individuals should pay for their own treatment
- Present and justify their personal viewpoint
Let’s examine three sample essays that respond to this prompt, each targeting a different band score.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Healthcare accessibility is a contentious issue worldwide, with proponents on both sides of the debate presenting compelling arguments. While some advocate for universal free healthcare, others believe in individual responsibility for medical expenses. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own stance on this critical matter.
Those who support free healthcare for all often argue that it is a fundamental human right. They contend that a healthy population is crucial for a nation’s productivity and overall well-being. By removing financial barriers to healthcare access, governments can ensure that all citizens, regardless of their economic status, receive necessary medical attention. This approach can lead to early detection and treatment of diseases, potentially reducing long-term healthcare costs and improving public health outcomes. Moreover, proponents argue that free healthcare promotes social equality and reduces the stress associated with medical expenses, particularly for low-income families.
On the other hand, advocates for individual payment for medical treatment argue that this system promotes personal responsibility and more efficient use of healthcare resources. They contend that when people bear the cost of their medical care, they are more likely to make healthier lifestyle choices and use medical services judiciously. Furthermore, they argue that a privatized healthcare system can lead to increased competition among providers, potentially improving the quality of care and driving down costs. Supporters of this view also point out that government-funded healthcare can lead to longer wait times and potentially lower quality of care due to budget constraints.
In my opinion, a balanced approach that combines elements of both systems would be most beneficial. I believe that basic healthcare services should be universally accessible and free of charge, ensuring that everyone has access to essential medical care. This could include preventive services, emergency care, and treatment for common illnesses. However, for specialized treatments or elective procedures, a co-payment system could be implemented, where individuals contribute a portion of the cost based on their income level. This hybrid model would maintain the principle of universal access while also encouraging personal responsibility and efficient use of resources.
In conclusion, while both free universal healthcare and individually funded medical treatment have their merits, a nuanced approach that combines the strengths of both systems is likely to be most effective in addressing the complex healthcare challenges faced by societies worldwide.
(Word count: 369)
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that align with Band 8-9 criteria:
Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, providing 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. The essay demonstrates a high level of grammatical control.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Healthcare is an important topic in many countries. Some people think it should be free for everyone, while others believe we should pay for our own medical care. This essay will look at both sides and give my opinion.
There are good reasons why healthcare should be free. Firstly, it helps poor people who can’t afford to pay for doctors or medicine. If healthcare is free, everyone can get treatment when they are sick. This is good for the whole society because it stops diseases from spreading. Also, when people don’t have to worry about medical bills, they can focus on getting better and going back to work faster.
However, some people think we should pay for our own healthcare. They say that when it’s free, people might use it too much, even when they don’t really need it. This can make the system very expensive for the government. Another reason is that paying for healthcare makes people more responsible for their health. They might try to eat better and exercise more to avoid getting sick.
In my opinion, I think a mix of both systems could work well. Basic healthcare like check-ups and emergency care should be free for everyone. But for special treatments or things that aren’t urgent, people could pay a small amount. This way, everyone can get basic care, but the system isn’t too expensive for the government.
To conclude, both free healthcare and paying for medical treatment have good points. I believe a system that combines both ideas could be the best solution for most countries.
(Word count: 268)
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates qualities that align with Band 6-7 criteria:
Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, though some parts are more fully covered than others. The writer’s position is clear.
Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, though some paragraphs are better linked than others. Basic cohesive devices are used effectively.
Lexical Resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used for the task. There are attempts at less common vocabulary, though there may be some inaccuracy in word choice or collocation.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Healthcare is very important for everyone. Some people think it should be free, but others say we should pay for it ourselves. I will talk about both ideas.
Free healthcare is good because everyone can see a doctor when they are sick. Poor people can get help too. When healthcare is free, people don’t worry about money when they are ill. This is good for everyone in the country.
But some people think we should pay for our own healthcare. They say free healthcare costs too much money for the government. Also, when people pay, they might take better care of their health. They might eat healthy food and exercise more.
I think free healthcare is better. It helps everyone in the country. If people are healthy, they can work better and the country will do well. But maybe some special treatments can cost money.
In conclusion, I believe free healthcare is good for most people. It helps everyone stay healthy.
(Word count: 154)
Essay Analysis (Band 5-6)
This essay demonstrates qualities that align with Band 5-6 criteria:
Task Achievement: The essay addresses the task in a simple way. The writer’s position is clear but the ideas are not fully developed.
Coherence and Cohesion: There is a basic structure, but paragraphs are not always well-linked. Simple cohesive devices are used, but not always effectively.
Lexical Resource: A limited range of vocabulary is used, with some repetition. The vocabulary is adequate for basic communication on the topic.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Mostly simple sentences are used, with few complex structures. There are some errors, but the meaning is generally clear.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Healthcare (noun) /ˈhelθkeə(r)/ – The maintenance and improvement of physical and mental health.
Universal (adjective) /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsl/ – Applicable to all cases.
Accessibility (noun) /əkˌsesəˈbɪləti/ – The quality of being able to be reached or entered.
Fundamental (adjective) /ˌfʌndəˈmentl/ – Forming a necessary base or core; of central importance.
Proponent (noun) /prəˈpəʊnənt/ – A person who advocates for a theory, proposal, or course of action.
Privatized (adjective) /ˈpraɪvətaɪzd/ – Transferred from public to private ownership or control.
Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression.
Elective (adjective) /ɪˈlektɪv/ – (Of a medical procedure) Chosen by the patient rather than urgently necessary.
Co-payment (noun) /ˈkəʊpeɪmənt/ – A fixed amount paid by a patient for a covered health care service.
Hybrid (noun/adjective) /ˈhaɪbrɪd/ – Something that is formed by combining two or more things.
Conclusion
The topic of universal healthcare challenges worldwide is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of government in healthcare provision
- Balancing public health and individual freedom
- The impact of healthcare policies on social equality
- Technological advancements in healthcare and their accessibility
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is to address all parts of the question, organize your ideas logically, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples.
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam.
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