IELTS Power Lesson: Health in the Modern World

Focus Vocabulary

  1. Chronic Illness
  • BrE: /ˈkrɒnɪk ˈɪlnəs/
  • AmE: /ˈkrɑːnɪk ˈɪlnəs/

Definition: A long-lasting health condition that can be managed but not cured.

Easy Explanation: A health problem that lasts for a long time, like diabetes or asthma.

Example: “Chronic illnesses such as heart disease are preventable with a healthy diet and exercise.”

2. Preventable

  • BrE: /prɪˈvɛntəbl/
  • AmE: /prɪˈvɛntəbl/

Definition: Able to be avoided by taking action.

Easy Explanation: Something that can be stopped before it happens.

Example: “Many diseases, like lung cancer, are preventable if people avoid smoking.”

3. Inactivity

BrE: /ˌɪnækˈtɪvɪti/
AmE: /ˌɪnækˈtɪvəti/

Definition: Lack of movement or physical activity.

Easy Explanation: Not doing enough exercise.

Example: “Inactivity is linked to obesity and heart disease.”

4. Public Health

  • BrE: /ˈpʌblɪk hɛlθ/
  • AmE: /ˈpʌblɪk hɛlθ/

Definition: The health of the population as a whole, often managed by the government.

Easy Explanation: The general health of a country or community.

Example: “Public health initiatives, like vaccinations, save millions of lives each year.”

IELTS Speaking Challenge

Warm-Up:
Example Questions:

  • How is healthcare provided in your country?
  • What health-related challenges do you think exist in your community?
  • How can physical activity improve people’s health?

Band 6 Style:
Example Answer:
“Healthcare is important. People should eat better. The government can help.”
Tip: Keep your answers clear and simple, but don’t be afraid to express your ideas.

Try This Frame:
Purpose: To help students structure their responses clearly.
Example:
“In my opinion, lifestyle affects people’s health more than genetics. A stronger focus on education could reduce the risk of chronic illness.”

You just spoke like a policymaker.
Example:
“Health is a shared responsibility, with both individuals and governments playing key roles. Ensuring that everyone has access to healthy food and exercise opportunities is crucial for improving public health.”

IELTS Writing Challenge

Prompt:
Some people think healthcare should be free for all. Others believe individuals should pay for medical services. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sample Answer:
“Free healthcare ensures equality and saves lives, especially for low-income citizens. However, some argue that personal responsibility and private care improve system efficiency. A combination of both systems may be the best solution.”

Structure Plan:

  • Intro: Introduce both positions (free healthcare vs personal payment).
  • Para 1: Discuss the benefits of free healthcare (equality, low-income support, public health improvements).
  • Para 2: Discuss the benefits of individuals paying for healthcare (better service efficiency, increased responsibility, private care improvements).
  • Conclusion: Conclude with a balanced view, suggesting a mixed system of free and private healthcare may work best.

Use These Words:
Public health, preventable, chronic illness, inactivity.

Grammar Focus

Modal Verbs for Necessity

  • Must – a strong necessity or obligation (e.g., “Governments must provide universal healthcare.”)
  • Should – a recommendation or advice (e.g., “People should exercise regularly to stay healthy.”)
  • Have to – similar to “must,” but often used in everyday language (e.g., “Citizens have to follow health guidelines.”)

Practice:
Rewrite the following sentence using a modal verb:
“It’s necessary to offer free care.”
→ “Governments must offer free care.”

Your Turn:
Use the following words to create sentences with modals of necessity:

  • Stress
  • Lack of exercise
  • Sleep patterns
  • Diet choices

Rewrite Challenge

Your Mission:
Based on the question and plan below, write a four-sentence body paragraph using today’s vocabulary.

Question:
Should healthcare be a public responsibility?

Instructions:
Answer the question in a structured manner (introduction, body, conclusion). Use public health, chronic illness, preventable, and inactivity in your response.

Plan:

  • Healthcare is a basic need.
  • Universal coverage helps low-income groups.
  • Private systems may offer better quality but create inequality.
  • A fair system combines access with quality.

Sample Answer:
“Healthcare should be a public responsibility because it is a basic need for all individuals. Universal coverage helps support low-income groups and promotes public health. However, private systems may offer better quality care, which can create inequality. A fair system would combine equal access to care with the opportunity for private providers to offer high-quality services.”

Final Reflection

✔️ You’ve just:

  • Explored vocabulary related to health and modern challenges.
  • Practiced structured speaking and writing tasks.
  • Used modal verbs for expressing necessity in arguments.

Now ask yourself:

  • What new vocabulary did I learn today?
  • Can I use modal verbs correctly in sentences?
  • How did I structure my writing to balance different viewpoints?

You’re not just learning English. You’re learning how to talk about important topics like health and technology with confidence and clarity.”
Keep practicing, stay curious, and continue improving your English skills to master complex topics effectively.