IELTS Writing Task 2: Public Healthcare (Agree Disagree) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers
Related guides:
The Prompt
Some people believe that governments should provide free healthcare for all citizens, while others argue that individuals should be responsible for their own medical expenses. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Model Answers with Scoring Breakdowns
Band 6.0 Answer
The government should pay for healthcare because it is expensive and not everyone can afford it. Some people think individuals should pay, but this is not fair. If people get sick, they might not have enough money for treatment, and this can lead to bigger problems. Governments have more money, so they can help. Also, when people are healthy, they can work better and help the economy. I agree with this view because healthcare is a basic need, and everyone should have access to it.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with limited development and some irrelevant points
- Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Logical organization but with some unclear referencing and limited use of cohesive devices
- Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Attempts to use some less common vocabulary but with frequent errors and inappropriate word choice
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms but with frequent errors
Band 7.0 Answer
The debate over whether governments should fund universal healthcare or individuals should bear their own medical costs is contentious. Proponents of government-funded healthcare argue that medical expenses can be prohibitive for many, potentially leading to severe financial hardship. For instance, a sudden illness could bankrupt a family, as seen in countries without universal healthcare systems. Furthermore, healthy citizens contribute more effectively to the economy, benefiting society as a whole. Conversely, opponents contend that individuals should be responsible for their own healthcare, as this encourages personal responsibility and prevents misuse of public funds. However, this perspective overlooks the fact that not all citizens can afford adequate healthcare. In my view, governments should provide free healthcare, as it ensures equitable access and promotes public health.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported arguments
- Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Logical organization with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices
- Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a mix of common and less common vocabulary appropriately with only occasional errors
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors but generally accurate
Band 8.0 Answer
The question of whether governments should provide free healthcare for all citizens or individuals should bear their own medical expenses is a complex and multifaceted issue. Advocates for government-funded healthcare posit that medical costs can be exorbitant, potentially leading to financial ruin for many families. For example, in the United States, medical bankruptcies are a stark reality for those without adequate insurance. Moreover, a healthy population is more productive, contributing significantly to economic growth. Conversely, those who advocate for individual responsibility argue that this approach fosters personal accountability and prevents the misuse of public funds. However, this perspective fails to consider the socio-economic disparities that exist within societies. In my opinion, governments should provide free healthcare, as it ensures equitable access and promotes the overall well-being of citizens.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with fully extended, relevant, and supported arguments
- Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Logical organization with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices
- Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with flexibility and precision, with only minor errors
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with generally accurate grammar
Band 9.0 Answer
The contentious issue of whether governments should fund universal healthcare or individuals should be responsible for their own medical expenses warrants a nuanced examination. Proponents of government-funded healthcare contend that the financial burden of medical treatment can be overwhelming, potentially leading to severe economic hardship. For instance, in countries without universal healthcare systems, medical expenses are a leading cause of bankruptcy. Furthermore, a healthy populace is more productive, contributing significantly to economic growth. Conversely, those who advocate for individual responsibility argue that this approach encourages personal accountability and prevents the misuse of public funds. However, this perspective overlooks the socio-economic disparities that exist within societies, which can limit individuals' ability to afford adequate healthcare. In my view, governments should provide free healthcare, as it ensures equitable access and promotes the overall well-being of citizens. This approach not only alleviates the financial burden on individuals but also fosters a healthier, more productive society.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear position with fully extended, relevant, and supported arguments, with a clear conclusion
- Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Logical organization with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices
- Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with flexibility and precision, with no errors
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with accurate grammar
Vocabulary Highlights
- Prohibitive (adj.) - So expensive that it prevents people from doing or having something
- Example: The cost of private healthcare can be prohibitive for many families.
- Contentious (adj.) - Causing or likely to cause controversy
- Example: The issue of universal healthcare is highly contentious.
- Exorbitant (adj.) - Unreasonably high
- Example: Medical expenses can be exorbitant, leading to financial hardship.
- Equitable (adj.) - Fair and just
- Example: Universal healthcare ensures equitable access to medical treatment.
- Socio-economic (adj.) - Relating to the interaction of social and economic factors
- Example: Socio-economic disparities can limit individuals' access to healthcare.
- Alleviate (v.) - To make something less severe or more bearable
- Example: Universal healthcare alleviates the financial burden on individuals.
- Prospective (adj.) - Looking forward in time; anticipating future possibilities
- Example: The prospective benefits of universal healthcare include a healthier population.
- Contentious (adj.) - Causing or likely to cause controversy
- Example: The debate over universal healthcare is highly contentious.
- Prohibitive (adj.) - So expensive that it prevents people from doing or having something
- Example: The cost of private healthcare can be prohibitive for many families.
- Contentious (adj.) - Causing or likely to cause controversy
- Example: The issue of universal healthcare is highly contentious.
- Exorbitant (adj.) - Unreasonably high
- Example: Medical expenses can be exorbitant, leading to financial hardship.
- Equitable (adj.) - Fair and just
- Example: Universal healthcare ensures equitable access to medical treatment.
- Socio-economic (adj.) - Relating to the interaction of social and economic factors
- Example: Socio-economic disparities can limit individuals' access to healthcare.
- Alleviate (v.) - To make something less severe or more bearable
- Example: Universal healthcare alleviates the financial burden on individuals.
- Prospective (adj.) - Looking forward in time; anticipating future possibilities
- Example: The prospective benefits of universal healthcare include a healthier population.
Common Mistakes
- Lack of Clear Position: Many students fail to present a clear position on the issue, leading to a lower Task Response score.
- Inadequate Development of Arguments: Students often present arguments without sufficient development or examples, resulting in a lower score for Task Response and Coherence & Cohesion.
- Overuse of Simple Vocabulary: Using only basic vocabulary limits the Lexical Resource score. Students should aim to use a wide range of vocabulary, including less common words and phrases.
- Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can significantly lower the Grammatical Range & Accuracy score. Students should proofread their essays carefully to minimize errors.
- Poor Organization: A lack of clear organization and progression can result in a lower Coherence & Cohesion score. Students should ensure their essays are well-structured with clear paragraphs and cohesive devices.
Get Your Own Response Scored by AI on English AIdol
Practice makes perfect. Get your own IELTS Writing Task 2 responses scored by AI on English AIdol and receive detailed feedback to help you improve your score.
