Community-based healthcare has become an increasingly common topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in various forms over the past few years. Research from The role of healthcare in society shows this theme has appeared in approximately 15% of healthcare-related questions since 2019, making it crucial for IELTS candidates to be well-prepared.
Task Analysis
Let’s examine a recent IELTS Writing Task 2 question:
Some people believe that community-based healthcare systems are more effective than large centralized hospitals. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
This question requires candidates to evaluate the effectiveness of community-based healthcare compared to centralized hospitals, drawing on The benefits of community-based health initiatives.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
Healthcare delivery systems have been a subject of intense debate, with some advocating for community-based approaches over centralized hospitals. In my opinion, while both systems have their merits, community-based healthcare offers distinct advantages that make it particularly effective in many contexts.
Community-based healthcare systems excel in providing accessible and personalized care. These facilities, being closer to residential areas, ensure that patients can receive immediate attention without traveling long distances. Moreover, healthcare providers in these settings often develop deep understanding of local health patterns and cultural nuances, enabling them to deliver more targeted and culturally sensitive care.
Furthermore, these systems prove highly effective in preventive healthcare and health education. Through regular community engagement and outreach programs, they can promote healthy behaviors and early disease detection more effectively than large hospitals. This proactive approach often results in better health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs in the long term.
However, it would be unrealistic to completely dismiss the role of centralized hospitals. These institutions are essential for handling complex medical procedures and emergencies that require specialized equipment and expertise. The ideal healthcare system should therefore integrate both community-based facilities and centralized hospitals to provide comprehensive care.
In conclusion, while both systems serve important purposes, community-based healthcare demonstrates superior effectiveness in delivering accessible, preventive, and culturally appropriate care. The future of healthcare likely lies in The importance of community support systems working in conjunction with specialized medical centers.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
These days, many people think that small community healthcare centers are better than big hospitals. I partially agree with this idea because both types of healthcare have good points and bad points.
Community healthcare centers are good because they are near to people’s homes. This means sick people don’t have to travel far to see a doctor. Also, the doctors and nurses know the local people well, so they can give better care. In my country, many people like going to local clinics because they feel more comfortable there.
But big hospitals are also important. They have more doctors and better equipment for serious illnesses. When someone has a very bad problem, like cancer or needs surgery, they need to go to a big hospital. Also, big hospitals can help more people at the same time.
However, community healthcare is cheaper and easier to use. Poor people can get basic treatment without spending too much money. Also, these centers can teach people about health and how to prevent sickness.
In conclusion, I think both systems are needed. Small community centers are good for basic healthcare, but big hospitals are necessary for serious problems. The best solution is to have both types working together.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8.5 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “culturally sensitive care”, “preventive healthcare”
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear organization and coherent arguments
- Balanced view with detailed supporting examples
- Excellent paragraph transitions
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Basic but clear vocabulary
- Simple sentence structures with some errors
- Basic organization present
- Limited range of linking devices
- Some repetition in ideas
Key Vocabulary
- preventive healthcare (n) /prɪˈventɪv/ – medical care preventing disease
- culturally sensitive (adj) /ˈkʌltʃərəli ˈsensətɪv/ – aware of cultural differences
- outreach programs (n) /ˈaʊtriːtʃ ˈprəʊɡræm/ – community service initiatives
- comprehensive care (n) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv keə/ – complete medical care
- healthcare delivery (n) /ˈhelθkeə dɪˈlɪvəri/ – provision of health services
For further insights into community healthcare systems, explore The importance of community-based healthcare.
Consider practicing with these related topics:
- The role of technology in community healthcare
- Public vs. private healthcare systems
- Healthcare accessibility in rural areas
Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and improvement!