Public health infrastructure is a crucial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, frequently appearing in recent years and likely to remain relevant in future exams. This essay question touches on government responsibilities, healthcare systems, and societal well-being – all important themes in IELTS. Let’s explore a sample question and analyze high-scoring responses to help you prepare for this topic.
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that governments should invest more money in public health infrastructure. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
This question asks for your opinion on government spending on public health infrastructure. Key points to consider:
- Understand the term “public health infrastructure” – it includes hospitals, clinics, research facilities, and health-related technology.
- Consider both sides of the argument – reasons for and against increased government investment.
- Clearly state your position and support it with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Response
Public health infrastructure forms the backbone of a nation’s healthcare system, and I strongly agree that governments should allocate more funds towards its development and maintenance. This essay will explore the reasons behind this stance and its potential impact on society.
Firstly, robust public health infrastructure is crucial for disease prevention and management. Well-equipped hospitals, advanced research facilities, and widespread primary care centers enable early detection and effective treatment of illnesses. For instance, countries with strong public health systems, like South Korea, were better prepared to handle the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in lower mortality rates compared to nations with underfunded health infrastructure.
Secondly, investing in public health infrastructure promotes equal access to healthcare. When governments fund public hospitals and clinics, they ensure that quality medical services are available to all citizens, regardless of their socioeconomic status. This approach reduces health disparities and contributes to a more equitable society. For example, the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom provides universal healthcare, significantly improving overall public health outcomes.
Moreover, government investment in health infrastructure can lead to long-term economic benefits. A healthier population is more productive, resulting in increased economic output and reduced healthcare costs in the long run. Additionally, research facilities funded by the government can drive medical innovations, potentially creating new industries and job opportunities.
However, some argue that increased government spending on health infrastructure may lead to higher taxes or reduced funding for other sectors. While this is a valid concern, the benefits of a strong public health system far outweigh these potential drawbacks. Governments can implement efficient budgeting and resource allocation strategies to mitigate these issues.
In conclusion, I firmly believe that governments should invest more in public health infrastructure due to its critical role in disease management, promoting healthcare equality, and fostering economic growth. By prioritizing this sector, nations can build resilient healthcare systems that benefit all members of society and prepare for future health challenges.
(Word count: 309)
modern-hospital-building|modern hospital|A photograph of a modern hospital building with a sleek and contemporary design, conveying a sense of advanced healthcare infrastructure.
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that align with Band 8-9 criteria:
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Task Response: The essay clearly addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed argument with relevant examples.
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Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
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Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately. Complex ideas are expressed with precision.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a variety of complex structures with flexibility and accuracy. Errors are rare and do not impede communication.
Key strengths:
- Clear position stated in the introduction
- Each main point is well-developed with specific examples
- Counterargument is acknowledged and addressed
- Conclusion reinforces the main argument
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Response
I agree that governments should spend more money on public health infrastructure. This essay will discuss the reasons for this opinion.
Firstly, good public health infrastructure helps prevent diseases. When there are enough hospitals and clinics, people can get regular check-ups and treat illnesses early. This can stop the spread of diseases in the community. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, countries with better health systems could test and treat people faster.
Secondly, investing in public health makes healthcare more accessible to everyone. If the government builds more public hospitals, even poor people can get medical treatment. This is important because everyone should have the right to good health, no matter how much money they have.
Another reason is that health infrastructure can help the economy. When people are healthy, they can work better and be more productive. This means the country can produce more goods and services. Also, if the government invests in medical research, it can lead to new discoveries that create jobs and boost the economy.
Some people might say that spending more on health means less money for other things like education or transport. However, I think health is very important and should be a priority. If people are not healthy, they cannot study or work well anyway.
In conclusion, I believe governments should invest more in public health infrastructure because it prevents diseases, provides equal access to healthcare, and helps the economy. This investment will benefit society in many ways.
(Word count: 253)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates good qualities that align with Band 6-7 criteria:
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Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task and presents a clear position with some supporting ideas.
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Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, though the use of cohesive devices may be mechanical at times.
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Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used, with some attempts at less common words, though there may be some inaccuracies in word choice or collocation.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used, with generally good control, though errors may occur when attempting more complex structures.
Key strengths:
- Clear position stated
- Main points are supported with some examples
- Attempt to address a counterargument
- Conclusion summarizes the main points
Areas for improvement:
- Develop ideas with more specific examples and deeper analysis
- Use a wider range of cohesive devices and more sophisticated vocabulary
- Increase the complexity of sentence structures while maintaining accuracy
Key Vocabulary for Public Health Infrastructure Essays
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Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/ – The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
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Resilient (adjective) /rɪˈzɪliənt/ – Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.
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Disparity (noun) /dɪˈspærəti/ – A great difference, especially in quality or standard of living.
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Prioritize (verb) /praɪˈɒrətaɪz/ – To designate or treat something as more important than other things.
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Accessible (adjective) /əkˈsesəbl/ – Able to be reached or entered; easily obtained or used.
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Socioeconomic (adjective) /ˌsəʊsioʊˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk/ – Relating to or concerned with the interaction of social and economic factors.
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Equitable (adjective) /ˈekwɪtəbl/ – Fair and impartial.
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Allocation (noun) /ˌæləˈkeɪʃn/ – The action or process of distributing resources or funds for a particular purpose.
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Robust (adjective) /rəʊˈbʌst/ – Strong and healthy; vigorous.
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Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – Make less severe, serious, or painful.
Conclusion
Writing about government investment in public health infrastructure requires a good understanding of healthcare systems, societal needs, and economic factors. To excel in this topic, practice writing essays that:
- Clearly state your position
- Provide specific examples to support your arguments
- Consider counterarguments
- Use a range of relevant vocabulary and complex sentence structures
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of technology in improving public health
- The balance between public and private healthcare systems
- The impact of environmental factors on public health
Remember to focus on developing well-structured arguments and using specific examples to support your points. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
For more insights on related topics, you might find these articles helpful:
- How Public Transportation Reduces Carbon Emissions
- Importance of Regulating Industrial Pollution
- Extreme Weather Patterns Due to Climate Change
These topics often intersect with public health concerns and can provide valuable context for your essays on government investment in health infrastructure.