BAND 7.0 IELTS ESSAY SAMPLE: PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY VS GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION IN HEALTHCARE

All General Writing Task 1 Samples / Band 7.0

Some people argue that individuals should be held responsible for their poor health, while others believe that the government should bear the burden of providing healthcare for everyone. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. Support your answer with relevant examples and evidence.

Essay Sample

Health is perhaps the most valuable thing a person possesses. In today's day and age, everyone should be responsible for caring for themselves, but it should also be the government's responsibilty to look out for its people. I believe that to an extent people have to be accountable for their health but it is mainly the governments job to provide people with guidance and health facilities.

Every individual's body is unique and the first person to recognize that something is wrong with the body is the person themselves. To elaborate, when there is something wrong with the body there are symptoms such as fevers and rashes. People should take note of these symptoms and take approriate action such as contacting a doctor. There are many cases of severe illnesses due to negligence towards symptoms. Everyone has a responsibility towards their bodies and should be aware of the state of their health.

However, being self-aware is often not enough, the government has a duty towards the people to provide reliable and affordable healthcare. This is because without access to proper facilities people cannot treat themselves or adjust their lifestyles as medical professionals guide people on what adjustments to make to their diet or what medicines to take. For example, looking at the current state of healthcare in the world, countries that focus on public healthcare tend to have the greatest advancements in medicine as well as the lowest mortality rates. This is evidence of the impact of correct management on the public's health.

It is my understanding that the responsibility of the government is larger regarding healthcare and there should be proper funds and departments dedicated to this sector.

In summation, it is a persons duty to look after themselves but the administration plays a more significant role in this regard.