IELTS Writing Task 2: The Benefits of National Health (Band 9 Samples)
Topic: What are the benefits for a country that focuses on health? Use examples.
1. Strategy: Analyzing “Direct Question” Topics
This essay topic is a Direct Question regarding “Effects/Benefits.”
- The Focus: The prompt asks about the country (macro level), not just the individual.
- The Requirement: You must use examples. Generalizations will lower your score.
- The Trap: Do not just talk about building hospitals. “Focusing on health” also means prevention, nutrition, mental health, and sports.
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Sample Essay 1: The Economic Perspective
This essay argues that health is an investment with a high Return on Investment (ROI) via productivity and reduced tax burdens.
The Essay
It is an axiom of modern governance that a healthy population acts as the engine of a prosperous nation. When a country prioritizes the physical and mental well-being of its citizens, the benefits transcend mere biological markers, manifesting as robust economic growth and fiscal stability.
The primary advantage of a health-centric national policy is the maximization of workforce productivity. A citizenry that is free from chronic illness and physical debility is capable of sustained labor and higher cognitive output. Conversely, nations plagued by poor health metrics often suffer from high rates of absenteeism and a lethargic workforce, which stifles GDP growth. For instance, reports from the World Bank consistently indicate that countries eradicating communicable diseases, such as malaria or tuberculosis, experience an immediate surge in economic output as the workforce becomes active and reliable.
Furthermore, focusing on preventative health significantly alleviates the financial burden on the state. By investing in nutrition, sport, and early diagnostics, governments can avoid the exorbitant costs associated with treating advanced lifestyle diseases like diabetes or heart failure. A poignant example is seen in nations like Japan, where a cultural and political emphasis on diet and regular check-ups has kept per-capita medical expenditures relatively manageable despite an aging population. This fiscal efficiency allows the government to redirect funds into other critical sectors, such as infrastructure and education.
In conclusion, the benefits of prioritizing national health are fundamentally economic. By ensuring a vigorous workforce and minimizing the drain on public treasuries caused by preventable diseases, a country secures its financial future and competitive edge on the global stage.
Band 9 Analysis
- Vocabulary: Axiom, robust economic growth, fiscal stability, absenteeism, communicable diseases, exorbitant costs, fiscal efficiency.
- Cohesion: The essay moves logically from “Making money” (Productivity) to “Saving money” (Reduced costs).
- Examples: World Bank (General), Japan (Specific).
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Sample Essay 2: The Social & Educational Perspective
This essay focuses on the “Soft Infrastructure” of a nation—how health improves learning and social peace.
The Essay
While economic indicators are important, the true measure of a nation’s success lies in the quality of life of its people. When a country places health—specifically mental and pediatric health—at the forefront of its agenda, it reaps rewards in the form of enhanced educational attainment and profound social stability.
The most significant benefit is the correlation between health and academic performance. Cognitive development in children is inextricably linked to nutritional intake and physical well-being. A country that invests in school meal programs and pediatric care ensures that its future generation possesses the mental acuity required to learn effectively. For example, Scandinavian nations, which prioritize child welfare and nutrition from birth, consistently rank highest in global education indices. This creates a “virtuous cycle” where healthy children become educated innovators, driving the nation forward.
Additionally, a focus on holistic health, particularly mental well-being, fosters social cohesion and reduces crime. Neglect of public health often leads to a rise in substance abuse and homelessness, which fractures communities. By providing accessible mental health services and addiction rehabilitation, a state can reduce the disenfranchisement that often fuels anti-social behavior. Countries that treat drug addiction as a health issue rather than a criminal one, such as Portugal, have seen drastic reductions in related crime and an improvement in overall societal safety.
To summarize, a health-focused strategy is the bedrock of a civilized society. It not only nurtures the minds of the next generation but also cements the social fabric by ensuring that vulnerable citizens are cared for rather than marginalized.
Band 9 Analysis
- Vocabulary: Inextricably linked, mental acuity, virtuous cycle, holistic health, social cohesion, disenfranchisement, marginalized.
- Grammar: “…health—specifically mental and pediatric health—at the forefront…” (Use of em-dashes for emphasis).
- Examples: Scandinavia (Education), Portugal (Social/Crime).
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Sample Essay 3: The Resilience & Future-Proofing Perspective
This essay takes a modern approach, looking at pandemics and long-term survival.
The Essay
In an era defined by volatility and biological threats, the decision to prioritize national health is arguably the most strategic move a government can make. Beyond immediate well-being, a focus on health infrastructure and epidemiological vigilance grants a country resilience against crises and enhances its global soft power.
The most critical benefit is “epidemiological resilience.” Countries that maintain high standards of public hygiene and robust healthcare systems are better equipped to absorb the shock of pandemics. During the recent global health crisis, nations with pre-existing, well-funded public health networks were able to mobilize resources, trace infections, and vaccinate populations much faster than those without. This agility not only saves lives but also prevents the prolonged economic shutdowns that can bankrupt a nation.
Moreover, a reputation for health and safety enhances a country’s international standing, attracting tourism and foreign talent. In a globalized world, skilled professionals prefer to migrate to nations known for high life expectancy and environmental safety. For instance, the “Blue Zones”—regions noted for the longevity of their populations—often attract significant “wellness tourism” and investment. By cultivating a brand of health, a country makes itself a magnet for human capital and international revenue.
In conclusion, focusing on health is a form of national defense. It insulates the country from biological shocks and serves as a beacon that attracts talent and investment. Therefore, health policy should be viewed not as a service, but as a strategic asset.
Band 9 Analysis
- Vocabulary: Volatility, epidemiological vigilance, resilience, soft power, mobilize resources, wellness tourism, strategic asset.
- Task Response: This essay addresses “benefits” in a unique way (Resilience and Reputation), which differentiates it from standard answers.
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Vocabulary Checklist: Health Topics
To ensure a Band 9, avoid repeating basic words like “healthy” or “sick.”
| Common Term | Band 9 Alternative |
| Healthy people | A robust population / Able-bodied citizens |
| Sickness | Morbidity / Ailments / Chronic conditions |
| Hospitals/Doctors | Healthcare infrastructure / Medical apparatus |
| Preventing sickness | Prophylactic measures / Preventative medicine |
| Mental health | Psychological well-being / Cognitive health |
| Life span | Longevity / Life expectancy |
| Cost of health | Healthcare expenditure / Fiscal burden |
Tips for This Essay Question
- Use Concrete Examples: The prompt explicitly asks for them. Do not just say “For example, in many countries…” Try to name a specific country or a specific type of policy (e.g., “Anti-smoking campaigns”).
- Broaden the Definition: Don’t limit “health” to “curing cancer.” Discuss mental health, nutrition, sanitation, and sports.
- Cause and Effect: Use logic. Health -> Productivity -> GDP. Or: Health -> Education -> Innovation.