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Education and Healthcare Should Be Free of Charge and Funded By the Government - IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essay

Updated: Nov 21, 2024


Healthcare and education are two important aspects of a nation and its population. Therefore, some people suggest that education and healthcare be free of charge and funded by the government - IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essay

This essay question may also appear as below:


Education and health care should be funded by the government and free for everyone.


To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?



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Sample Essay 1

Healthcare and education are pivotal sectors for societal progress, leading some to advocate for government-funded services in both areas. I strongly agree with this view, as free access to healthcare and education can alleviate financial burdens and promote equal opportunities. In this essay, I will discuss how state funding can enhance public health and reduce inequality in education.


Firstly, providing free healthcare can significantly improve the overall health of a nation by removing financial barriers to medical services. In countries where healthcare is a paid service, many individuals delay seeking medical attention due to high costs, which often results in preventable conditions becoming severe. For instance, preventive care, such as vaccinations and routine check-ups, can reduce the spread of diseases and decrease the long-term cost of treatment. When governments fund healthcare, they promote a healthier population, which is essential for economic productivity and the well-being of citizens. Furthermore, free healthcare reduces the stress and anxiety caused by medical expenses, enabling individuals to focus on other aspects of life, such as career development and family responsibilities.


Secondly, government-funded education plays a crucial role in creating a fair and equitable society. When education is free, it opens doors for individuals from all economic backgrounds to pursue academic and professional goals, which contributes to social mobility. For example, in countries with fully funded education systems, such as Finland, students from low-income families have the same access to quality education as those from wealthier families. This creates a more level playing field, helping to break the cycle of poverty. In addition, an educated population is more likely to innovate and contribute to national development, as well-educated citizens are better equipped to solve complex problems and advance technological progress.


In conclusion, government funding for healthcare and education is essential for improving public health and reducing educational inequality. By ensuring that these vital services are accessible to all, governments can foster a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable society.


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Sample Essay 2

Many argue that healthcare and education should be fully funded by the government, eliminating any direct cost to the public. However, I completely disagree with this notion. Relying entirely on government funding can reduce the quality and efficiency of these critical services. In this essay, I will explain why privatization and shared financial responsibility yield better outcomes in both healthcare and education.


To begin with, making healthcare completely free often leads to inefficiency and resource misallocation. When healthcare is publicly funded, the demand for services increases drastically, often leading to longer waiting times and reduced quality of care. For example, in countries with free healthcare systems like Canada and the UK, patients frequently face delays for essential procedures such as surgeries or specialist consultations due to limited resources and overburdened facilities. Additionally, government budgets are limited, and the quality of care may suffer when resources are spread thin across various sectors. Privatized healthcare systems, on the other hand, encourage competition and innovation, leading to higher quality services. A shared cost model ensures that people value the services they receive, leading to more responsible use of healthcare resources.


Similarly, fully government-funded education can compromise educational standards by promoting uniformity rather than excellence. When education is entirely free, schools often struggle to maintain competitive environments due to insufficient funding. Public schools may become overcrowded, with inadequate facilities and limited access to advanced learning technologies. In contrast, a mix of private and public education allows for better allocation of resources and provides parents and students with choices. For instance, private institutions often foster a culture of academic excellence by offering specialized programs, better infrastructure, and more individual attention. Furthermore, when individuals contribute to their education, they are more likely to take it seriously, leading to better academic performance and personal development.


In conclusion, while the idea of free healthcare and education is well-intentioned, it is neither practical nor beneficial in the long term. A balanced approach, where individuals share the cost with government support, ensures higher quality and efficiency in both sectors, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.


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Sample Essay 3

Many believe that education and healthcare should be freely accessible to all, funded by the government, as these are essential services for societal well-being. I fully agree with this perspective, as free education and healthcare not only promote equal opportunities but also enhance a nation’s overall development. This essay will discuss how government-funded education fosters social equity and how free healthcare leads to a healthier, more productive society.


First, making education free ensures equal access for all, regardless of socioeconomic background. In many countries, the cost of education creates a barrier for students from low-income families, limiting their opportunities to achieve their full potential. Government funding removes this financial obstacle, allowing everyone to access quality education and pursue their academic ambitions. Countries that have adopted free education policies, such as Germany and Sweden, have seen higher literacy rates and a more skilled workforce. By providing free education, governments can help bridge the gap between the rich and the poor, fostering social mobility and reducing income inequality. Moreover, a well-educated population drives innovation, which ultimately benefits the nation’s economy in the long run.


Secondly, offering free healthcare contributes to a more productive and healthier society by ensuring that everyone can receive medical care without the burden of financial stress. When healthcare is costly, individuals often avoid seeking treatment, resulting in worse health outcomes and increased healthcare costs over time. Universal healthcare, such as the system in place in countries like Denmark and Norway, enables early diagnosis and prevention, which leads to better health outcomes for the population. Healthier citizens are more productive, contributing positively to the economy. Furthermore, the economic strain on families caused by high medical bills can be alleviated, allowing individuals to focus on other important aspects of life, such as education and career growth.


In conclusion, providing free healthcare and education is essential for promoting social equality and fostering national development. Governments should prioritize these sectors to ensure a fairer and healthier society, where opportunities are equally accessible to all citizens, regardless of financial status.


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