The topic of government funding for public health services is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. It has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular subject due to its relevance in today’s global context. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays and in-depth analysis.
Analyzing the Task Question
Some people believe that public health services should be funded by the government, while others think individuals should pay for their own healthcare. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question asks you to:
- Discuss the view that public health services should be government-funded
- Discuss the view that individuals should pay for their own healthcare
- Provide your personal opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score. Let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Healthcare funding is a contentious issue in many countries, with opinions divided on whether the government should bear the cost or if individuals should be responsible for their own medical expenses. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view.
Those who advocate for government-funded public health services argue that healthcare is a fundamental human right and should be accessible to all citizens regardless of their financial status. They contend that a healthy population is more productive and contributes more to the economy, making it a worthwhile investment for the state. Moreover, government funding can ensure a standardized quality of care across the nation and prevent the exploitation of patients by profit-driven private healthcare providers.
On the other hand, proponents of individual healthcare funding argue that it promotes personal responsibility for one’s health and reduces the burden on taxpayers. They believe that when people pay for their own healthcare, they are more likely to adopt healthier lifestyles and use medical services judiciously. Additionally, they argue that private funding can lead to more innovation and efficiency in the healthcare sector, as providers compete to offer better services at competitive prices.
In my opinion, while there is merit to both arguments, I believe that a balanced approach combining government funding and individual contribution is ideal. The government should provide a basic level of healthcare for all citizens, covering essential services and emergency care. This ensures that no one is denied medical attention due to financial constraints. However, individuals should be encouraged to contribute to their healthcare through insurance schemes or co-payments for non-essential services. This hybrid model can help maintain the quality and accessibility of healthcare while also promoting personal responsibility.
In conclusion, the debate over healthcare funding is complex, with valid arguments on both sides. A balanced system that leverages the strengths of both government funding and individual contribution is likely to be the most effective in ensuring comprehensive, high-quality healthcare for all members of society.
(Word count: 309)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
-
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the question, discussing both views and clearly stating the writer’s opinion.
-
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphs, each focusing on a specific point. Cohesive devices like “On the other hand” and “Moreover” are used effectively.
-
Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately, such as “contentious,” “advocate,” and “judiciously.”
-
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately, including complex sentences and passive voice.
-
Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with clear explanations and examples.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The question of who should pay for healthcare is a big topic in many countries. Some people think the government should pay, while others believe individuals should be responsible. This essay will look at both sides and give my opinion.
People who think the government should fund public health services say it’s important for everyone to have access to healthcare. They believe that if the government pays, poor people can also get medical help when they need it. Also, they say that when everyone is healthy, the country does better because people can work and be productive.
However, some people argue that individuals should pay for their own healthcare. They think this will make people take better care of their health and not waste medical resources. They also say that private healthcare can be better quality because companies will try to offer good services to get more customers.
In my opinion, I think a mix of both ideas is best. The government should provide basic healthcare for everyone, especially for serious illnesses and emergencies. But people should also pay a little bit for some services. This way, everyone can get help when they really need it, but people will also be careful about their health.
To conclude, both sides have good points about healthcare funding. I believe a system that combines government support and individual responsibility is the best way to make sure everyone can get good healthcare.
(Word count: 237)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates good writing skills but has some areas for improvement:
-
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the question, but the ideas could be more fully developed.
-
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but could use more sophisticated linking words.
-
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is appropriate but relatively simple. More advanced vocabulary would improve the score.
-
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The grammar is generally accurate but lacks complexity in some sentences.
-
Development of Ideas: Ideas are presented clearly but could be elaborated on more to reach a higher band score.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Contentious (adjective) /kənˈtenʃəs/ – causing or likely to cause disagreement
- Advocate (verb) /ˈædvəkeɪt/ – to publicly support or recommend a particular cause or policy
- Fundamental (adjective) /ˌfʌndəˈmentl/ – forming a necessary base or core; of central importance
- Exploitation (noun) /ˌeksplɔɪˈteɪʃn/ – the action of treating someone unfairly in order to benefit from their work
- Judiciously (adverb) /dʒuːˈdɪʃəsli/ – with good judgment or sense
- Innovation (noun) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/ – the action or process of innovating; a new method, idea, product, etc.
- Hybrid (noun) /ˈhaɪbrɪd/ – a thing made by combining two different elements
- Comprehensive (adjective) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something
Conclusion
The topic of government funding for public health services is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The pros and cons of universal healthcare systems
- The role of private insurance in healthcare
- The impact of healthcare costs on society
- Balancing quality and accessibility in healthcare provision
Remember to always address all parts of the question, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and develop your ideas fully. Feel free to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.