IELTS Writing: Government should pay for health care and education

Some people think the government should pay for health care and education, but others believe it is not the government’s responsibility.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Nowadays, the debate over whether the government should be responsible for funding health care and education has become increasingly prominent. While some believe these services should be fully covered by the state, others argue that individuals should bear the cost themselves. My view is that the government should indeed take the main responsibility for providing free health care and education for its citizens.

First, it is obvious that access to health care and education is a basic human right, rather than a privilege. If these services are only available to those who can afford them, social inequality will be deepened. Many people, especially from low-income families, may not be able to see a doctor or go to school if they have to pay high fees. As a result, the whole society will suffer from poor public health and a lack of skilled workers. Free public services can ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to live a healthy and educated life.

Moreover, actually, when the government provides free health care and education, it benefits the economy in the long run. For example, a well-educated population is more likely to innovate and contribute to national development. At the same time, if citizens are healthy, they are more productive and place less burden on emergency medical systems. In countries like Sweden and Canada, the strong welfare system has proven to support both individual well-being and national economic growth.

That is not to say that the government can cover everything without challenges. Funding public services requires a large amount of tax revenue, which may increase financial pressure, especially in developing countries. Some argue that this could lead to higher taxes or cuts in other areas. Furthermore, critics believe that if services are free, people may overuse them or not value them enough, leading to waste of public resources.

In sum, although there are concerns about government spending and efficiency, I believe the advantages of free health care and education far outweigh the disadvantages. These services are essential for building a fair and prosperous society. Only by investing in people’s well-being and knowledge can a nation truly thrive in the long term.

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