Universal healthcare is a topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Its global relevance and complex nature make it an ideal subject for testing candidates’ ability to articulate ideas and arguments. Based on past exam trends and the current global focus on healthcare systems, we can expect this theme to continue appearing in future IELTS tests. Let’s explore a sample question and analyze model essays for different band scores.
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that governments should provide universal healthcare for all citizens, while others think individuals should be responsible for their own health insurance. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question is asking you to:
- Discuss the view that governments should provide universal healthcare
- Discuss the view that individuals should be responsible for their health insurance
- Provide your own opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score.
Band 8-9 Sample Essay
High Band Score Model Answer
Universal healthcare is a contentious issue in many countries, with some advocating for government-provided coverage and others promoting individual responsibility. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view on the matter.
Those in favor of government-provided universal healthcare argue that it ensures equal access to medical services for all citizens, regardless of their economic status. This approach can lead to a healthier population overall, as preventive care becomes more accessible, potentially reducing long-term healthcare costs. Moreover, a centralized system can often negotiate better prices for medications and treatments, making healthcare more cost-effective on a national scale.
On the other hand, proponents of individual responsibility for health insurance contend that this system promotes personal accountability and can lead to more efficient use of healthcare resources. They argue that when people are directly responsible for their healthcare costs, they are more likely to make healthier lifestyle choices and only seek medical attention when necessary. Additionally, a privatized system may foster innovation and competition, potentially leading to higher quality services and more advanced medical treatments.
In my opinion, a balanced approach combining elements of both systems would be most beneficial. While I believe that basic healthcare should be a fundamental right provided by the government, there could also be room for supplementary private insurance options. This hybrid model could ensure that everyone has access to essential medical services while still allowing for personal choice and the potential benefits of a competitive market.
To implement such a system effectively, governments could provide universal coverage for primary care, emergency services, and treatment of chronic diseases. Simultaneously, they could encourage private insurers to offer additional coverage for elective procedures, experimental treatments, or enhanced services. This approach would maintain the safety net of universal healthcare while preserving the innovation and efficiency often associated with private healthcare systems.
In conclusion, while both government-provided and individually-responsible healthcare systems have their merits, a combined approach could potentially offer the best of both worlds. By ensuring basic coverage for all while allowing for personal choice and market dynamics, countries could work towards creating more equitable, efficient, and high-quality healthcare systems.
(Word count: 329)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates the qualities expected of a high band score (8-9):
- Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly presenting a personal opinion.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph has a central topic, and ideas are logically linked.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately. For example, “contentious,” “preventive care,” “centralized system,” “foster innovation.”
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a variety of complex structures accurately. There are no noticeable errors.
The introduction clearly outlines the essay’s structure. Each body paragraph develops a single central topic. The conclusion effectively summarizes the main points and restates the writer’s opinion. The use of cohesive devices (e.g., “Moreover,” “On the other hand,” “Additionally”) enhances the flow of ideas.
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
Medium Band Score Model Answer
Universal healthcare is a topic that many countries are discussing today. Some people think the government should provide healthcare for everyone, while others believe individuals should be responsible for their own health insurance. This essay will look at both sides of this argument.
People who support government-provided healthcare say it is fair for everyone. They think that all people should have access to medical treatment, no matter how much money they have. This can help make the whole country healthier because people can get help before they get very sick. Also, when the government buys medicine and treatments for everyone, it can often get better prices.
On the other side, people who think individuals should pay for their own health insurance say this makes people more responsible. They believe that when people have to pay for their own healthcare, they will try to stay healthier and only go to the doctor when they really need to. They also say that private healthcare can be better quality because companies compete with each other.
In my opinion, I think the best solution is to have a mix of both systems. The government should provide basic healthcare for everyone, but people should also be able to buy extra insurance if they want. This way, everyone can get the care they need, but there is still room for choice and competition.
For example, the government could pay for things like check-ups, emergency care, and treatment for long-term illnesses. Then, people could choose to buy extra insurance for things like cosmetic surgery or experimental treatments. This would make sure everyone has access to important medical care, but also keeps some of the benefits of private healthcare.
To conclude, while both government healthcare and individual insurance have good points, I believe a combination of the two could work best. This would help make sure everyone can see a doctor when they need to, but also allows for personal choice and possibly better services.
(Word count: 309)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates the qualities expected of a medium band score (6-7):
- Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting both views and offering a personal opinion. However, the ideas are less fully developed 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. Paragraphing is appropriate.
- Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used, with some attempts at less common words. However, the language is less precise than in the higher band essay.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence structures is used. There are no major errors, but the range is more limited than in the Band 8-9 essay.
The essay follows a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing each view, a paragraph for personal opinion, and a conclusion. The ideas are presented logically, but the expression is simpler and less nuanced than in the higher band essay.
Key Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2 on Universal Healthcare
Here are some useful vocabulary items related to the topic of universal healthcare:
-
Universal healthcare (noun) – A healthcare system that provides health coverage to all residents of a particular country or region.
Pronunciation: /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsl ˈhelθkeə(r)/ -
Equitable (adjective) – Fair and impartial.
Pronunciation: /ˈekwɪtəbl/ -
Accessibility (noun) – The quality of being able to be reached or entered.
Pronunciation: /əkˌsesəˈbɪləti/ -
Preventive care (noun) – Healthcare that focuses on preventing illness rather than treating it.
Pronunciation: /prɪˈventɪv keə(r)/ -
Cost-effective (adjective) – Effective or productive in relation to its cost.
Pronunciation: /kɒst ɪˈfektɪv/ -
Privatized (adjective) – Transferred from public to private ownership or control.
Pronunciation: /ˈpraɪvətaɪzd/ -
Innovation (noun) – The action or process of innovating.
Pronunciation: /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/ -
Supplementary (adjective) – Provided in addition to what already exists or is available.
Pronunciation: /ˌsʌplɪˈmentəri/ -
Hybrid model (noun) – A model that combines elements of two or more different systems or approaches.
Pronunciation: /ˈhaɪbrɪd ˈmɒdl/ -
Elective procedures (noun) – Medical procedures that are scheduled in advance because they are not emergencies.
Pronunciation: /ɪˈlektɪv prəˈsiːdʒəz/
Conclusion
The topic of universal healthcare globally is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams due to its ongoing significance in global policy discussions. To prepare for potential questions on this topic, consider practicing with variations such as:
- Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of universal healthcare systems.
- Some people believe that healthcare should be free for all. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- Compare the effectiveness of public and private healthcare systems.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is to fully address all parts of the question, organize your ideas logically, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide relevant examples to support your arguments.
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on the sample question provided in this article. Feel free to share your essay in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam.