IELTS Power Lesson: Healthcare

Focus Vocabulary:

  1. Healthcare
  • BrE : /ˈhɛlθˌkeə/
  • AmE : /ˈhɛlθˌkɛr/

Definition: The organized provision of medical care to people.

Easy Explanation: Healthcare refers to the system or services that take care of people’s health, like doctors, hospitals, and treatments.

Example: “The government should invest more in healthcare to ensure everyone has access to proper treatment.”

2. Universal Coverage

    • BrE : /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsəl ˈkʌvərɪdʒ/
    • AmE : /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːrsl ˈkʌvərɪdʒ/

    Definition: A healthcare system in which all people have access to the services they need.

    Easy Explanation: Universal coverage means that everyone, no matter their income or background, can get healthcare when they need it.

    Example: “Many countries with universal coverage ensure that every citizen can receive medical care without worrying about costs.”

    3. Affordability

    • BrE: /əˌfɔːdəˈbɪlɪti/
    • AmE: /əˌfɔːrdəˈbɪləti/

    Definition: The quality of being inexpensive or within someone’s financial means.

    Easy Explanation: Affordability means whether something is cheap enough for people to pay for or buy.

    Example: “The affordability of healthcare is a major issue in many low-income countries.”

    4. Public vs. Private

    • BrE: /ˈpʌblɪk vɪz ˈpraɪvət/
    • AmE: /ˈpʌblɪk vɪz ˈpraɪvət/

    Definition: The difference between government-run (public) and privately-owned (private) services.

    Easy Explanation: “Public” refers to services provided by the government, while “private” refers to services provided by companies or individuals.

    Example: “In some countries, people choose between public and private healthcare based on cost and quality.”

    IELTS Speaking Challenge

    Warm-Up:

    • How is healthcare provided in your country?
    • Do you think medical care should be free for everyone?
    • Have you ever been to a public or private hospital?

    Band 6 Style Answer:

    • “I went to the hospital. It was not expensive, but I had to wait a long time.”

    Try This Frame:

    • “In my opinion, ______ is important for healthcare. I believe combining ______ and improving ______ could help make the system better.”

    IELTS Writing Challenge

    Task 2 Prompt:
    Some people think healthcare should be free for everyone. Others believe individuals should pay for medical services.
    Discuss both views and give your opinion.

    Band 6 Sample Answer:

    “Free healthcare helps everyone get treatment, especially people who don’t have much money. On the other hand, some people think it’s better if individuals pay, because it can improve the quality of care. In my opinion, a mix of both could work best.”

    Structure Plan:

    • Intro: Introduce both ideas: free healthcare vs. paying for services.
    • Para 1: Why free healthcare is good (e.g., equality, helps low-income people).
    • Para 2: Why paying for healthcare could be better (e.g., better quality, personal responsibility).
    • Conclusion: Give a balanced opinion: a mix of both is the best option.

    Use These Words:

    • Healthcare, Affordability, Universal coverage, Public vs. Private

    Grammar Focus: Modals of Necessity

    Structure:

    • Must, Should, Have to: Show something that is necessary.
    • Can, Could: Suggest things or possibilities.

    Examples:

    • “Governments must provide healthcare to people.”
    • “People should go to the doctor if they feel sick.”

    Rewrite Practice:

    • “It’s necessary to offer free care.”
      → “Governments must offer free care.”

    Your Turn:

    Use the following words to make sentences:

    • Affordability, Universal coverage, Healthcare

    Rewrite Challenge

    Question:

    Should healthcare be a public responsibility?

    Plan:

    • Healthcare is something everyone needs.
    • Universal coverage helps people who have little money.
    • Private care may be better quality, but it can make things unfair.
    • A fair system needs both good access and good quality.

    Your Mission:

    Write a 4-sentence body paragraph using the vocabulary you’ve learned today.

    Final Reflection

    ✔️ You’ve just:

    • Learned new words related to healthcare.
    • Practised using modal verbs.
    • Organised your ideas clearly in writing.
    • Improved your speaking skills with simple answers.

    Now ask yourself:

    • What did I learn about healthcare today?
    • How can I improve my writing and speaking on this topic?

    Final Encouragement:

    You’re not just learning English. You’re learning how to discuss important topics like healthcare with confidence and clarity. Keep practising!