Healthcare sustainability has become an increasingly common topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in approximately 15% of tests between 2020-2023. This trend reflects growing global concerns about how universal healthcare can reduce global health inequalities. Let’s examine a recent test question and analyze sample responses across different band scores.
Question Analysis
Some people believe that sustainable healthcare systems should be a top priority for governments worldwide. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
This question requires candidates to:
- Express their position on government prioritization of sustainable healthcare
- Provide relevant supporting arguments
- Develop coherent reasoning
- Conclude with a clear stance
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
Healthcare sustainability has emerged as a critical concern in modern society, and I strongly agree that governments should prioritize creating sustainable healthcare systems. This essay will explore the compelling reasons behind this position.
Firstly, sustainable healthcare systems are fundamental to the role of healthcare in economic development. When healthcare systems are designed with long-term sustainability in mind, they optimize resource allocation and reduce wastage, ultimately leading to cost-effective service delivery. For instance, Singapore’s healthcare system exemplifies how sustainable practices can maintain high-quality care while controlling costs through innovative financing mechanisms and preventive care emphasis.
Moreover, sustainable healthcare directly contributes to enhanced population health outcomes. Research demonstrates that impact of universal healthcare on life expectancy is significant when systems are sustainably managed. Countries with well-planned, sustainable healthcare infrastructure typically report better public health metrics, reduced mortality rates, and improved quality of life for their citizens.
In conclusion, the evidence overwhelmingly supports prioritizing sustainable healthcare systems. Governments must recognize that investing in healthcare sustainability today will yield substantial societal and economic benefits tomorrow.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
I agree that sustainable healthcare systems should be a government priority because it is important for people’s health and the economy.
First, sustainable healthcare helps save money. When hospitals use less energy and resources, they can reduce their costs. This means they can treat more patients without spending too much money. For example, many hospitals now use solar power to save electricity costs.
Second, good healthcare systems help people stay healthy. When people can easily access doctors and medicines, they get sick less often. This means they can work better and help the economy grow. Also, when healthcare is sustainable, it can help more people in the long term.
However, making healthcare sustainable is not easy. It needs lots of money and planning. But I think it is worth it because it helps everyone in society.
In conclusion, I believe governments should focus on sustainable healthcare because it benefits both people and the economy.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “fundamental,” “optimize,” “innovative financing mechanisms”
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear paragraph organization
- Strong topic development
- Relevant examples
- Cohesive devices used effectively
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Simple but clear vocabulary
- Basic sentence structures
- Adequate organization
- Some development of ideas
- Simple examples
- Basic cohesive devices
Key Vocabulary
- Sustainable (adj) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – capable of being maintained at a steady level
- Infrastructure (n) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – basic physical systems of a country
- Optimization (n) /ˌɒptɪmaɪˈzeɪʃn/ – making something as effective as possible
- Allocation (n) /ˌæləˈkeɪʃn/ – distribution of resources
- Mortality rate (n) /mɔːˈtæləti reɪt/ – measure of deaths in a population
For practice, try writing your own essay addressing this topic, focusing on incorporating these vocabulary items and maintaining clear structure. Share your essays in the comments for feedback and discussion.