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Prevention is better than cure. Researching and treating diseases is too costly (IELTS Band 9 Essay)

Updated: Jun 27

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.


Write about the following topic:


Prevention is better than cure. Researching and treating diseases is too costly, it would be better to develop preventative measures.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement.


Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experiences.


You should write at least 250 words.


Task 2 Band 9 Essay Sample (Prevention is Better than Cure)

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Sample Essay 1

The axiom "Prevention is better than cure" suggests that it is more prudent to prevent diseases than to treat them after they occur. This statement raises an intriguing debate about the allocation of resources in healthcare, particularly the balance between investing in preventative measures versus the costs of researching and treating diseases. In this essay, I contend that while research and treatment are indispensable, prioritizing preventative strategies is not only cost-effective but also fosters a healthier society.


Firstly, the investment in preventative healthcare can significantly reduce the incidence of chronic diseases, which are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Lifestyle interventions such as promoting regular physical activity, healthy eating, and vaccination campaigns have proven effective in curbing the prevalence of diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. For instance, a study by the World Health Organization indicates that increasing physical activity could prevent 1 in 6 deaths globally. Such preventative measures not only lessen the burden on healthcare systems by reducing the need for expensive treatments but also improve the quality of life for individuals, demonstrating that prevention is indeed more valuable than cure.


Secondly, the argument for preventative healthcare extends beyond individual benefits to encompass broader economic advantages. The costs associated with treating chronic diseases can be astronomical, often consuming a significant portion of a country's healthcare budget. In contrast, preventative measures, while requiring upfront investment, yield long-term savings by averting disease-related expenses and productivity losses. This approach aligns with the principle of "Prevention is better than cure," emphasizing the importance of foresight in healthcare planning. Furthermore, preventative healthcare fosters a culture of wellness, encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their health, which is instrumental in reducing the demand for medical treatment.


In conclusion, while the research and treatment of diseases are crucial components of healthcare, the adage "Prevention is better than cure" holds profound wisdom. Prioritizing preventative measures not only has the potential to save countless lives but also offers a more sustainable approach to healthcare by mitigating financial strains on both individuals and healthcare systems. Therefore, it is imperative that we invest in preventative healthcare as the cornerstone of a healthy, resilient society.


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Sample Essay 2

The timeless maxim, "Prevention is better than cure," posits a compelling argument for the prioritization of preventative healthcare over the exorbitant costs associated with the treatment and research of diseases. This essay asserts that a paradigm shift towards prevention not only holds the promise of a healthier populace but also represents a more judicious allocation of healthcare resources.


At the heart of preventative healthcare lies the potential to significantly diminish the incidence of diseases before they necessitate costly interventions. For example, initiatives aimed at reducing tobacco use have been instrumental in lowering rates of lung cancer and other smoking-related diseases. Such preventative strategies are not merely cost-saving; they embody the ethos of "Prevention is better than cure," spotlighting the intrinsic value of health preservation over disease treatment. The implementation of widespread vaccination programs is another testament to the efficacy of this approach, having eradicated or substantially reduced the prevalence of numerous infectious diseases, thereby sparing societies from the heavy financial and emotional toll of epidemics.


Moreover, the economic rationale for prioritizing prevention is incontrovertible. The direct and indirect costs of chronic disease treatment – encompassing medical expenses, loss of productivity, and long-term care – can cripple economies. Preventative measures, on the other hand, require relatively modest investments that yield substantial returns by averting the onset of diseases and their associated costs. The principle of "Prevention is better than cure" is thus not only a matter of public health but also of fiscal prudence, advocating for a proactive rather than reactive approach to healthcare management.


In conclusion, the maxim "Prevention is better than cure" encapsulates a forward-thinking philosophy in healthcare that champions prevention as the cornerstone of a sustainable health system. By investing in preventative measures, we can avert the considerable human and financial costs of diseases, paving the way for a healthier, more resilient society.


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Sample Essay 3

Protecting people from diseases is more effective in relation to fiscal aspects and results than to finding healing solutions and applying them once the symptoms appear. I strongly agree with this statement because, rather than taking initiatives with hindsight, a revolutionary preventive measure like vaccination can save invaluable lives and money. I am going to elucidate the idea in detail.


Long introduced to the world, the most popular preventative measure called vaccination has saved people from plethora of common diseases. This alone protects people from spending money on treatments for precedent diseases. Furthermore, this precautious mode helps the society avoid mutation of disease cells which can result in the requirement to fund for research to seek new cure. For instance, the incident of modified DNA in disease cells in people who developed coronavirus from the similar strand results in worldwide pandemic. This could have been inhibited if those people conformed with the prevention process. The cost for the preventative measure is considerably cheaper compared to the capital needed for the scientific research and treatments.


Moreover, prevention works miraculously with those who are susceptible to inheritable diseases. The offspring can undergo several medical methods to ensure that they do not suffer from genetic diseases their ancestors do/ did. This saves both money and life. For example, Angelina Jolie, whose female bloodline had breast and ovaries cancer, went under a preventative care and removed both her breasts and ovaries to protect herself from facing the same dilemma that her ancestors did. By doing so, Angelina Jolie now has 0% chance of being a mammary and ovaries cancer victim. She will never have to waste money on expensive treatments. This is solid evidence of how preventative choices contribute to saving both life and money.


In conclusion, I agree that prevention is not only cheaper but also safer than studying and curing the diseases.


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