Public health services and their universal availability have been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. This topic is not only relevant to current global discussions but also offers a rich ground for candidates to showcase their writing skills and critical thinking. Based on past exam trends and the increasing importance of healthcare accessibility worldwide, we can expect this theme to appear frequently in future IELTS tests.
Let’s examine a typical question on this subject and explore how to approach it effectively:
Some people believe that public health services should be free for everyone, while others think that people should pay for their own healthcare. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for free public health services
- Discuss arguments for individuals paying for their healthcare
- Present and justify their own 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, followed by an analysis of each.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Healthcare accessibility is a contentious issue in many countries, with some advocating for universal free public health services while others argue for individual responsibility in healthcare costs. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of free public health services argue that healthcare is a basic human right that should be accessible to all, regardless of financial status. They contend that a healthy population is more productive and contributes more to the economy, thus justifying government investment in healthcare. Moreover, free healthcare can prevent minor health issues from escalating into major, more costly problems, reducing overall healthcare expenditure in the long run. Countries like the UK and Canada have demonstrated the viability of such systems, albeit with challenges.
On the other hand, those who support individual payment for healthcare argue that it promotes personal responsibility for one’s health and reduces unnecessary medical visits, thereby decreasing strain on the healthcare system. They also contend that privately funded healthcare often provides higher quality services and shorter waiting times. Furthermore, they argue that taxpayer-funded healthcare places an unfair burden on those who maintain healthier lifestyles.
In my opinion, a hybrid system that provides universal basic healthcare while allowing for private options offers the best solution. This approach ensures that essential health services are accessible to all, addressing public health concerns and providing a safety net for the less fortunate. Simultaneously, it allows those who can afford it to opt for additional or premium services, thus maintaining an incentive for healthcare innovation and quality improvement.
In conclusion, while both free and paid healthcare systems have their merits, a balanced approach that combines universal basic coverage with options for private healthcare seems most beneficial. This system would protect public health while also accommodating individual choices and fostering healthcare advancements.
(Word count: 298)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The question of whether public health services should be free for everyone or if people should pay for their own healthcare is a topic of much debate. There are good arguments on both sides of this issue.
Those who believe in free public health services say that health is a basic right for all people. They think that if healthcare is free, more people will be able to see doctors and get treatment when they are sick. This can help stop diseases from spreading and keep the whole community healthier. Also, they argue that free healthcare helps poor people who can’t afford to pay for medical treatment.
On the other hand, people who think individuals should pay for their own healthcare have different reasons. They say that when people have to pay, they are more careful about their health and don’t go to the doctor for small problems. This can save money for the healthcare system. They also believe that paid healthcare can be better quality because there is competition between different healthcare providers.
In my opinion, I think a mix of both systems could work well. Basic healthcare services should be free for everyone, especially for things like vaccinations and emergency care. But people who want extra services or faster treatment could pay for them. This way, everyone can get the care they need, but there is also a choice for those who want to pay more.
To conclude, both free and paid healthcare have their good points. A system that combines both could be the best solution, making sure everyone has access to basic health services while also allowing for some private options.
(Word count: 270)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Healthcare is important for everyone. Some people think it should be free, but others say we should pay for it ourselves. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
Free healthcare is good because everyone can see a doctor when they are sick. Poor people can get help too, which is important. When healthcare is free, more people go to the doctor early, so they don’t get very sick. This is good for the whole country.
But some people think we should pay for our own healthcare. They say this makes people more careful about their health. Also, when we pay, hospitals might give better service. Some countries have good healthcare that people pay for.
I think both ideas have good points. Maybe we can have some free healthcare for everyone, but also let people pay if they want extra things. This way, everyone can get help when they are sick, but there are also choices.
In conclusion, healthcare is very important. A mix of free and paid healthcare might be the best way to help everyone stay healthy.
(Word count: 166)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
- Presents a clear position throughout the essay
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features
- Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
- Coherent with smooth progression of ideas and effective use of cohesive devices
- Demonstrates awareness of style and tone appropriate to the task
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents a relevant position, although conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task with some evidence of style and collocation
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
- Arranges information and ideas coherently and uses a range of cohesive devices
- May have some errors in grammar and vocabulary, but they do not impede communication
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially; the format may be inappropriate in places
- Expresses a position but the development is not always clear
- Uses a limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally adequate for the task
- May make noticeable errors in spelling and/or word formation that may cause some difficulty for the reader
- Uses only a limited range of structures with only rare use of subordinate clauses
- Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression
Key Vocabulary to Remember
-
Universal healthcare (noun): A healthcare system that provides health coverage to all citizens of a country.
Pronunciation: /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsl ˈhelθkeə(r)/ -
Accessibility (noun): The quality of being able to be reached or entered.
Pronunciation: /əkˌsesəˈbɪləti/ -
Contentious (adjective): Causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.
Pronunciation: /kənˈtenʃəs/ -
Viable (adjective): Capable of working successfully; feasible.
Pronunciation: /ˈvaɪəbl/ -
Escalating (verb): Increasing rapidly.
Pronunciation: /ˈeskəleɪtɪŋ/ -
Expenditure (noun): The action of spending funds.
Pronunciation: /ɪkˈspendɪtʃə(r)/ -
Hybrid (noun/adjective): Something that is formed by combining two or more different elements.
Pronunciation: /ˈhaɪbrɪd/ -
Innovation (noun): The action or process of innovating; a new method, idea, product, etc.
Pronunciation: /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/ -
Vaccination (noun): Treatment with a vaccine to produce immunity against a disease.
Pronunciation: /ˌvæksɪˈneɪʃn/ -
Incentive (noun): A thing that motivates or encourages someone to do something.
Pronunciation: /ɪnˈsentɪv/
Conclusion
The topic of universal public health services is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of government in providing healthcare
- The impact of privatized healthcare on society
- Balancing quality and accessibility in healthcare systems
- The economic implications of different healthcare models
Remember to always address all parts of the question, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and present a clear and well-supported argument. Practice writing your own essay on this topic and consider sharing it in the comments section for feedback and further discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare more effectively for your IELTS exam.