The IELTS Reading test consists of 40 questions designed to assess a variety of reading skills. As topics like “What are the challenges of providing universal healthcare?” are current and significant, they often appear in reading passages. Understanding such topics not only builds your knowledge but also arms you with the vocabulary and critical skills needed for the test.
The issue of universal healthcare has garnered much attention globally, driven by the increasing awareness of healthcare access issues. Given its timeliness and recurrent discussions, this subject is likely to emerge in future IELTS exams.
Reading Passage
Universal Healthcare in the Contemporary World
Universal healthcare aims to provide health services to all individuals irrespective of their socio-economic status. While it sounds ideal, implementing such a system is fraught with numerous challenges. A prime concern is funding. Universal healthcare often requires significant government expenditure, which could lead to higher taxes or increased national debt. Countries like the United States and the United Kingdom bear witness to these financial struggles.
Another substantial hurdle is the quality of care. A system designed to cater to everyone might compromise the standard of medical services. In countries with already limited healthcare resources, universal healthcare can lead to longer wait times and diminished patient care. Additionally, logistical issues spring up, such as the distribution of healthcare professionals and medical facilities across urban and rural areas.
Universal healthcare also presents administrative challenges. Populating a registry of all citizens, monitoring healthcare delivery, and prevent fraud are complex tasks. The effectiveness of such a system significantly depends on the existing infrastructure and technological advances.
Moreover, cultural and political resistance can impede the implementation of universal healthcare. In some societies, there is opposition rooted in deeply held beliefs about government intervention in personal lives. Even within more socially-minded communities, political will might waver when faced with other pressing priorities.
In conclusion, while the concept of universal healthcare is alluring, realizing it is impeded by financial, logistical, administrative, and sociopolitical complexities.
Questions
Multiple Choice
- What is the main financial challenge of universal healthcare?
- A. High patient fees
- B. Increased tax burden
- C. Limited medical facilities
- D. Scarcity of healthcare professionals
Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given)
- True/False/Not Given: Universal healthcare can lead to higher national debt.
- True/False/Not Given: All countries have successfully implemented universal healthcare.
Matching Information
Match the challenges with their descriptions:
- A. Quality of care
- B. Administrative issues
- C. Socio-political resistance
i. Cultural and political opposition
ii. Monitoring healthcare delivery and preventing fraud
iii. Longer wait times and limited healthcare resources
Summary Completion
- Fill in the blanks using words from the passage: Universal healthcare faces logistical issues including the ___ of healthcare professionals and facilities across cities and rural areas.
Answer Key and Explanations
B. Increased tax burden
- Universal healthcare requires significant government expenditure which could lead to higher taxes or increased national debt.
True
- The passage mentions that “Universal healthcare often requires significant government expenditure, which could lead to higher taxes or increased national debt.”
Not Given
- The text discusses financial and quality of care issues but does not mention the success rate in any specific countries.
- A. iii. Longer wait times and limited healthcare resources
- B. ii. Monitoring healthcare delivery and preventing fraud
- C. i. Cultural and political opposition
Distribution
- The correct word to fill the blank is “distribution,” as per the text: “logistical issues spring up, such as the distribution of healthcare professionals and medical facilities across urban and rural areas.”
Common Mistakes
- Overlooking Keywords: Ensure to identify keywords and match them correctly with the given information.
- Misinterpreting Statements: Apply logic and context to True/False/Not Given questions to avoid mistakes due to assumption.
- Incorrect Summary Completion: Carefully read the passage and pick words that accurately fill in the blanks, maintaining the original meaning.
Vocabulary
- Universal healthcare (n) /ˌjuː.nɪˈvɜː.səl ˌhelθˈkeə/: A system ensuring health services to all individuals.
- Logistical (adj) /ləˈdʒɪs.tɪ.kəl/: Relating to the detailed organization of a complex operation.
- Sociopolitical (adj) /ˌsəʊ.si.əʊˈpɒl.ɪ.tɪ.kəl/: Involving social and political factors.
- Registry (n) /ˈrɛdʒɪstri/: A place where official records are kept.
Grammar Focus: Modal Verbs
Structure:
- Can/Could: may indicate possibility or ability.
- Example: “Universal healthcare can lead to higher taxes.”
- Must: demonstrates a necessity or strong probability.
- Example: “Universal healthcare must be carefully planned.”
Ensure to incorporate these structures to form complex and precise sentences.
Advice for High Reading Scores
- Practice Regularly: Engage with diverse topics, including current affairs and healthcare issues.
- Develop Skimming and Scanning Skills: These methods help quickly identify essential information.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Build a rich vocabulary, particularly on frequent IELTS topics.
- Analyze Mistakes: Review errors thoroughly to avoid repeating them.
For further guidance on answering healthcare-related questions, visit our related article How to Answer: What Are Your Views on Access to Healthcare Questions.
Universal Healthcare Challenges
By following these tips and practicing with the structured material, you’ll be well-prepared for the Reading section of the IELTS exam. Good luck!