Healthcare technology has consistently appeared as a prominent topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, particularly in questions about social progress and public welfare. Based on analysis of past exam questions, this theme has appeared in approximately 15% of all IELTS tests between 2020-2023, making it highly relevant for test preparation.
Let’s examine a frequently occurring question type related to how technological advancements are changing healthcare access:
Some people believe that advances in technology have made healthcare more accessible to all members of society, while others argue that technology has made healthcare more expensive and less accessible to disadvantaged groups. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Question Analysis
This question requires:
- Discussion of both positive and negative impacts of healthcare technology
- Clear position on whether technology improves or reduces healthcare accessibility
- Examples supporting both perspectives
- Personal opinion with justification
Model Essay (Band 8-9)
The integration of technology into healthcare systems has sparked debate about its impact on accessibility. While some argue that technological advancement has democratized medical care, others contend that it has created new barriers for disadvantaged populations. In my view, while technology has generally improved healthcare access, careful implementation is needed to ensure these benefits reach all segments of society.
Modern technology has undoubtedly enhanced healthcare accessibility in several ways. Telemedicine platforms, for instance, have enabled patients in remote areas to consult specialists without traveling long distances, saving both time and money. Similarly, The role of technology in public health has been transformed through mobile health apps that provide preventive care information and medication reminders, making healthcare management more convenient and efficient.
However, critics raise valid concerns about technology creating new disparities. The high cost of advanced medical equipment often results in increased treatment expenses, putting cutting-edge care beyond the reach of lower-income groups. Additionally, digital literacy requirements for accessing electronic health services can exclude elderly or less tech-savvy individuals, potentially widening the healthcare gap.
The role of technology in healthcare must be balanced with accessibility considerations. Governments and healthcare providers should implement policies that ensure technological advances benefit all societal groups. This could include subsidizing essential medical technologies and providing technical support for those struggling with digital healthcare platforms.
Model Essay (Band 6-7)
Technology has changed how people get healthcare in many ways. Some think these changes help everyone get better medical care, but others believe they make things harder for poor people. I will discuss both sides and share my thoughts.
On the positive side, technology makes it easier for many people to see doctors. For example, people can use their phones to talk to doctors without going to hospitals, which saves time and money. Also, new machines help doctors find health problems faster and treat them better.
However, there are some problems too. New medical machines are very expensive, so hospitals charge more money for treatment. Also, old people and those who don’t know how to use computers find it hard to use online medical services. This means they might not get the care they need.
I think technology mostly helps make healthcare better, but we need to make sure everyone can use it. The government should help poor people pay for medical care and teach people how to use new technology. This way, everyone can benefit from better healthcare.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8-9 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “democratized,” “implementation,” “disparities”
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear paragraph organization
- Well-developed arguments with specific examples
- Coherent progression of ideas
- Academic tone maintained throughout
Band 6-7 Essay Features:
- Basic but clear vocabulary
- Simple but accurate sentence structures
- Basic paragraph organization
- Some examples provided
- Ideas connected logically
- Informal tone occasionally present
Key Vocabulary
- telemedicine (n.) /ˌtelɪˈmedɪsɪn/ – medical care provided remotely
- disparities (n.) /dɪˈspærəti/ – differences, especially unfair ones
- implementation (n.) /ˌɪmplɪmenˈteɪʃən/ – the process of putting a plan into action
- democratized (v.) /dɪˈmɒkrətaɪzd/ – made something accessible to everyone
- cutting-edge (adj.) /ˌkʌtɪŋ ˈedʒ/ – most advanced and innovative
High-Scoring Sentence Patterns
-
Complex Cause-Effect:
“While technology has generally improved healthcare access, careful implementation is needed to ensure these benefits reach all segments of society.” -
Parallel Structure:
“Telemedicine platforms have enabled patients in remote areas to consult specialists without traveling long distances, saving both time and money.” -
Concession-Counter Statement:
“Although technological advances have created new treatment possibilities, they have simultaneously introduced new barriers to access.”
Consider practicing with this topic by writing your own essay in the comments section. Focus on incorporating the vocabulary and sentence patterns provided while maintaining a clear structure and balanced argument.