IELTS Writing Task 2: Health Topic Ideas and Sample Essay (Band 8)

Introduction

Health is a high-frequency theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Topics may include public health, government roles, lifestyle choices, or healthcare funding.

This page gives you:

A Band 8 sample essay with structure
Powerful ideas for common health-related essay questions
5 essential vocabulary items with definitions and examples
A grammar point (question tags) to boost range and tone
Internal SEO links to strengthen site authority and UX

Common IELTS Health Essay Questions

Should healthcare be free for everyone?
Is prevention better than cure?
Should unhealthy foods be taxed?
Who is responsible for public health — individuals or governments?
Has technology improved or harmed our health?

Band 8 Essay Sample

Essay Question:
“Many people believe that prevention is better than cure. Do you agree?”

Introduction
This essay will argue that prevention is more effective than treatment because it reduces long-term healthcare costs and helps individuals lead healthier lives.

Body Paragraph 1 – Support for Prevention
Preventative strategies such as public health campaigns and early screenings help reduce the incidence of disease. For instance, regular checkups can detect cancer at an early stage, which is less expensive to treat and has higher survival rates. In contrast, treatment often begins when the condition is already advanced.

Body Paragraph 2 – Economic Efficiency
Governments can save substantial amounts by investing in prevention. Vaccination programs, for example, are significantly cheaper than hospital admissions for preventable diseases. Preventative care also reduces productivity loss from illness, doesn’t it?

Conclusion
In conclusion, focusing on preventative healthcare not only saves money but also improves quality of life. For these reasons, public policy should prioritize prevention over treatment.

Health Topic Ideas to Use in Essays

The rise in lifestyle-related diseases (obesity, diabetes, heart disease)
The role of exercise and diet in health maintenance
Government regulation of junk food and sugary drinks
Mental health support in schools and workplaces
Free healthcare vs. private systems

5 Vocabulary Words (with Definitions + Examples)

1. Preventative care

Definition: Medical services that prevent illness rather than treat it.
Example: Preventative care includes vaccinations, health screenings, and dietary advice.

2. Chronic illness

Definition: A long-term medical condition that often requires ongoing treatment.
Example: Diabetes is a chronic illness that can be managed through lifestyle changes.

3. Sedentary lifestyle

Definition: A way of life that involves little physical activity.
Example: A sedentary lifestyle is linked to an increased risk of heart disease.

4. Healthcare expenditure

Definition: The total amount spent on health services.
Example: Nations that invest in prevention see lower healthcare expenditure in the long term.

5. Public health campaigns

Definition: Organized efforts to inform and educate the public about health issues.
Example: Public health campaigns about smoking have significantly reduced tobacco use.

Grammar Point: Using Tag Questions for Variation and Emphasis

Tag questions add rhythm and rhetorical strength.
They invite reflection and improve fluency.

Examples:

Prevention is cheaper than treatment, isn’t it?
People often ignore early symptoms, don’t they?

Use sparingly — ideally in body or conclusion — to boost grammatical range and tone.

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Want to write powerful essays on any health topic?

Download: “Health Vocabulary for IELTS Writing”
Practice: Essay questions with sample introductions and thesis templates
Learn: How to structure all 5 essay types with precision
Join: The IELTS Power Writing Program for Band 7–8 training with full essay feedback, templates, and real-time grammar upgrades

This lesson is part of our comprehensive Task 2 success system — built by a senior IELTS instructor with over 25 years of experience helping students master ideas, structure, tone, and confidence.