Public healthcare accessibility has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in approximately 15% of recent exam questions. Based on analysis of past papers and The role of universal healthcare in modern societies, this topic remains highly relevant for future tests.
Recent Exam Question Analysis
Some people believe that public healthcare should be free for everyone, while others think citizens should pay for their medical treatment. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Healthcare debate showing public versus private healthcare systems
Question Analysis
- Topic: Healthcare accessibility
- Task: Discussion + Opinion
- Key elements to address:
- Arguments for free healthcare
- Arguments for paid healthcare
- Personal stance with justification
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The debate over whether healthcare should be provided free of charge or paid for by individuals has significant implications for society. While both approaches have their merits, I firmly believe that universal free healthcare is essential for a well-functioning society.
Proponents of paid healthcare argue that it promotes responsibility and reduces system abuse. When people must pay for medical services, they tend to use them more judiciously and appreciate their value. Furthermore, as discussed in Should governments prioritize healthcare spending over other areas, paid systems often provide higher quality services and shorter waiting times due to better funding.
However, free public healthcare offers numerous compelling advantages. Firstly, it ensures equal access to medical treatment regardless of socioeconomic status, preventing health inequalities that can perpetuate poverty cycles. Secondly, preventive care becomes more accessible, leading to early disease detection and reduced long-term healthcare costs. This aligns with research on Challenges and benefits of universal healthcare?, which demonstrates significant public health improvements in countries with free healthcare systems.
In my opinion, the benefits of free healthcare substantially outweigh its drawbacks. While implementing such systems requires careful financial planning, as explored in how taxes influence financial planning, the societal benefits justify the investment. The right to health should not be determined by financial capability, and ensuring universal access to healthcare creates a more equitable and productive society.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Healthcare costs are a big problem in many countries. Some people think it should be free, but others say we should pay for it. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
Those who support paid healthcare say it helps the system work better. When people pay, they don’t waste medical services. Also, hospitals can get more money to buy good equipment and hire better doctors. Waiting times might be shorter too.
On the other hand, free healthcare helps everyone get treatment. Poor people can see doctors when they are sick. It’s also good because people can get check-ups early and prevent serious illness. Some countries like the UK have shown that free healthcare works well.
I think free healthcare is better because health is very important. Even though it costs the government a lot of money, it helps make society fairer. Everyone should have the chance to be healthy, not just rich people. This can make the whole country stronger.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts with clear position
- Coherence & Cohesion: Logical organization with clear progression
- Lexical Resource: Sophisticated vocabulary accurately used
- Grammar: Complex structures with full flexibility and accuracy
Band 6.5 Essay
- Task Response: Addresses main points but less developed
- Coherence & Cohesion: Basic organization with some progression
- Lexical Resource: Adequate vocabulary with some errors
- Grammar: Mix of simple and complex structures with errors
Key Vocabulary
- socioeconomic (adj) /ˌsəʊsɪəʊˌekəˈnɒmɪk/ – relating to both social and economic factors
- perpetuate (v) /pəˈpetʃueɪt/ – to make something continue indefinitely
- preventive care (n) /prɪˈventɪv keə/ – healthcare focused on disease prevention
- compelling (adj) /kəmˈpelɪŋ/ – convincing and forceful
- equity (n) /ˈekwɪti/ – fairness and impartiality
Consider practicing with this similar question: “To what extent should governments be responsible for providing healthcare to their citizens?” Share your essays in the comments section for community feedback and discussion.
