Healthcare-related topics frequently appear in IELTS Writing Task 2, accounting for approximately 15-20% of all test questions in recent years. Based on analysis of past exam papers, questions about healthcare systems, medical access, and public health policies are particularly common. Learning to write effectively about The importance of community-based healthcare is crucial for IELTS success.
Sample Question Analysis
Some people believe that governments should focus on providing basic healthcare services, while others think advanced medical treatments should also be freely available. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Examine two contrasting views on healthcare provision
- Consider the scope of government healthcare responsibilities
- Present and justify their own position
- Provide relevant examples and support
Band 8-9 Model Essay
Understanding The benefits of sustainable healthcare systems is crucial when discussing this topic. Here’s a high-scoring sample response:
The debate over the extent of public healthcare provision remains contentious in many countries. While some advocate for limiting government services to essential care, others argue for comprehensive coverage including advanced treatments. In my view, while basic healthcare should be prioritized, governments should gradually expand access to advanced medical services.
Those supporting basic healthcare focus argue that governments have limited resources and must ensure fundamental medical services reach the entire population. This approach enables efficient allocation of healthcare budgets and ensures essential treatments like vaccinations, emergency care, and primary health services are universally accessible. For instance, many developing nations have successfully reduced mortality rates by concentrating on basic healthcare infrastructure.
Conversely, proponents of comprehensive coverage emphasize that The role of governments in reducing inequality extends to advanced medical care. They contend that restricting access to sophisticated treatments creates a two-tier system where only wealthy individuals can afford advanced care. This perspective highlights the ethical obligation to provide equal access to all available medical treatments, regardless of cost or complexity.
In my opinion, while ensuring universal basic healthcare should be the primary focus, governments should also work towards expanding access to advanced treatments. This could be achieved through a phased approach, where basic services are established first, followed by gradual introduction of more sophisticated treatments as resources permit. This balanced strategy would maintain essential services while progressively reducing healthcare inequalities.
(290 words)
Band 8-9 Score Analysis
- Clear structure with well-developed paragraphs
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “contentious,” “comprehensive coverage,” “ethical obligation”
- Complex sentence structures
- Strong coherence and cohesion
- Well-supported arguments with examples
Band 6-7 Model Essay
Healthcare provision is an important issue in modern society. Some people think governments should only provide basic healthcare, but others want all medical treatments to be free. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
The main argument for basic healthcare is about money. Governments have limited budgets and cannot pay for everything. Basic healthcare like emergency services and common illness treatments are more important because they help more people. For example, in many countries, free clinics provide simple medical care to poor people, which helps improve public health.
However, others believe how universal healthcare can reduce global health inequalities through advanced treatment access. They say it’s unfair if only rich people can get expensive treatments. Some people need special treatments for serious illnesses, and they shouldn’t be denied because of money. This is especially important for treatments that can save lives.
I think governments should try to provide both basic and advanced healthcare. They can start with basic services and slowly add more treatments when possible. This way, everyone gets basic care, and more people can get advanced treatments over time. It’s also important to consider impact of telemedicine on rural healthcare access.
(178 words)
Band 6-7 Score Analysis
- Clear but simpler structure
- Good but less sophisticated vocabulary
- Mostly simple and compound sentences
- Basic coherence and development
- Limited use of examples
Key Vocabulary
- contentious (adj.) /kənˈtenʃəs/ – causing disagreement
- comprehensive (adj.) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – complete, including everything
- infrastructure (n.) /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃə/ – basic systems and services
- sophisticated (adj.) /səˈfɪstɪkeɪtɪd/ – advanced, complex
- allocation (n.) /ˌæləˈkeɪʃən/ – distribution of resources
For additional practice, try writing your own essay response to the question above and share it in the comments section for feedback. Future healthcare-related topics might include telemedicine, healthcare privatization, or medical research funding.