ESSAY INFORMATION:
Written by: Xuân Phi, 15/04/2024
Supported by: Ex-BC Examiner, 16/04/2024
Question: Some people say that when deciding how taxes are spent, government should prioritize health care. Others think that there are more important priorities for tax-payers’ money. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
(IELTS Academic – 13/04/2024)
ANSWER (8.0+):
The allocation of tax-payer funds has been the topic of much debate. While some support the idea of prioritising investment in the healthcare system, opponents maintain that other areas deserve greater attention from the government. In this essay, I will elaborate on both sides of the debate and the reasons why I lean toward the latter opinion.
On the one hand, prioritising investment in health care offers multifaceted benefits. Foremost among these is the availability of effective treatment for patients. Governmental budgets can be allocated to various projects encompassing drug research, medical equipment purchases and doctor training. These projects consequently can enhance not only the effectiveness but also affordability of medical remedies, contributing to the overall improvement of patients. Furthermore, additional funding allows the enhancement of general public health. Specifically, it provides necessary resources for various health-awareness campaigns to promote hygiene and healthy lifestyles, which are essential for fostering healthier citizens for a more robust economic growth.
However, some individuals argue for prioritizing other sectors such as education and national security over health concerns. They assert that education provides essential conditions for children to acquire vital skills and qualities, which are conducive to a high-quality workforce. These skilled workers and intellectuals can contribute to addressing more diverse social issues including housing, the environment and poverty. In addition, national security ensures the safety and stability of a country. Without adequate resources directed towards this issue, a nation might become vulnerable to various internal and external threats, ranging from terrorism to cyberattacks and geopolitical conflicts.
In conclusion, both points of view have their own merits. Nevertheless, I am of the opinion that education and defense systems should be the top priorities in regards to investments made by tax-payers’ money as they can address various social problems and safeguard a country’s stability. It is also imperative for governments to consult various stakeholders to devise a comprehensive transparent spending plan to ensure the effectiveness of these investments.
(Word count: 323)
WORD LIST
ENGLISH | TIẾNG VIỆT |
Tax-payer funds | Quỹ của người nộp thuế |
Effective treatment | Điều trị hiệu quả |
Governmental budgets | Ngân sách chính phủ |
Medical remedies | Biện pháp chữa bệnh |
General public health | Sức khỏe cộng đồng nói chung |
Promote hygiene and healthy lifestyles | Thúc đẩy lối sống vệ sinh và lành mạnh |
A robust economic growth | Một sự tăng trưởng kinh tế mạnh mẽ |
National security | An ninh quốc gia |
Be conducive to | Tạo thuận lợi cho |
Internal and external threats | Các mối đe dọa bên trong và bên ngoài |
Defense systems | Hệ thống phòng thủ |