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🎯 IELTS Writing Task 2 Question

Some people think governments should spend more money on promoting healthy lifestyles to prevent illness. Others believe that treatment of sick people should be prioritised.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

📝 Sample Essay (Band 8–9, ~280 words)

Public health has become a pressing issue in modern societies. While some argue that governments should focus on encouraging healthier lifestyles to reduce illness, others believe resources should be directed towards medical treatment. Both perspectives will be considered before presenting my view.

On the one hand, investing in health promotion can significantly reduce the long-term burden on healthcare systems. By encouraging people to exercise, eat balanced diets, and avoid harmful habits such as smoking, governments can lower rates of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. For example, countries that have introduced anti-smoking campaigns and taxes on sugary drinks have seen noticeable improvements in public health. Prevention not only reduces suffering but also saves billions in future medical costs.

On the other hand, treatment remains essential because illnesses cannot always be prevented. People may develop conditions due to genetics, accidents, or environmental factors beyond their control. Moreover, it would be unethical to neglect patients who require urgent care. Hospitals and clinics must be adequately funded to provide life-saving treatments, from cancer therapies to emergency surgeries. Without sufficient investment in treatment, preventable deaths and suffering would inevitably increase.

In my opinion, governments must adopt a balanced strategy. Prevention should be a priority because it addresses the root causes of ill health, but this should not come at the expense of treatment. An integrated approach that promotes healthy living while ensuring access to high-quality medical care is the most effective way forward.

In conclusion, although treating illness is vital, preventive measures are more sustainable in the long run. A well-rounded health policy should balance both, ensuring healthier populations and resilient healthcare systems.

🔑 Useful Vocabulary

Public health / chronic diseases / healthcare systems
Preventive measures / health promotion / balanced diet
Burden on healthcare
Genetics / environmental factors
Integrated approach / root causes
Resilient healthcare systems

🔗 Linking Words

Contrast: while, whereas, on the other hand, although
Addition: in addition, moreover, furthermore
Cause/Effect: therefore, as a result, consequently, thus
Examples: for instance, for example, such as
Conclusion: in conclusion, overall, to sum up

✍️ Guidelines for Writing This Essay

1. Plan (5 minutes)

Identify views:
- Prevention: healthier lifestyles, saves money, reduces chronic illness.
- Treatment: unavoidable illnesses, ethics, emergency care.
Opinion: Balanced approach (both prevention + treatment).
Outline:
- Intro: paraphrase + outline
- BP1: Prevention benefits
- BP2: Importance of treatment
- BP3: Balanced view (opinion)
- Conclusion: Summarise, restate opinion

2. Structure

Introduction: Paraphrase the task, outline both views, give thesis.
Body Paragraph 1: Prevention (topic sentence + support + example).
Body Paragraph 2: Treatment (topic sentence + support + example).
Body Paragraph 3: Opinion (balanced approach).
Conclusion: Summarise + restate.

3. Topic Sentences

BP1: “Promoting healthy lifestyles can prevent widespread illnesses and reduce the burden on healthcare systems.”
BP2: “Nevertheless, treatment remains essential since not all diseases can be prevented.”
BP3: “In reality, the best solution is a balanced approach that integrates prevention and treatment.”

4. Tips for Learners

Keep balance: both sides should be explored before giving opinion.
Support ideas with real-world examples (anti-smoking campaigns, hospital funding).
Avoid emotional language — keep tone formal and academic.
Use cause-effect structures to explain why prevention is effective.
Make conclusion short: no new ideas.