GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 304
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people think that public health is a responsibility of the government, while others believe that individuals should be responsible for their own health.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: [View: A collaborative effort is needed.]
Public health has triggered a heated debate and many believe that public health is an onus of the government, yet others think that citizens ought to take responsibility for maintaining their own health. This essay will discuss both perspectives and argue that both the government and the people need collaborative efforts to shape a healthy nation.
On the one hand, people in view that the state should take responsibility for public health consider health as a basic right of every individual. They go on to argue that the success or failure of a government is ultimately measured by the well-being of its subjects and nothing can be more crucial to a nation than its public health. Therefore, the government’s prime concern should be the health of its citizens. It is obvious that public health in some wealthy nations has improved to a great extent because their government has taken care of it.
On the other hand, many others think that individuals should be responsible to maintain their own health through self-care. To put it another way, people can keep themselves fit and healthy by intaking appropriate nutrition, doing sufficient physical activity, and avoiding bad lifestyle habits. Governments, in fact, are not in a situation to look after the lifestyle of every citizen. It is solely an individual’s responsibility for adopting a healthy lifestyle so that he or she can stay physically and mentally fit. A recent study, for instance, sheds light on the fact that maintaining good health depends largely on a person’s eating habits, efforts, and healthy lifestyle as a whole.
However, in my point of view, both governments and individuals need to do their own part so as to improve the public’s health. This means that governments should make health care affordable, build enough public parks and health centres, and promote a healthy lifestyle while at the same time, people need to take responsibility for their own health.
In conclusion, government responsibility is crucial for maintaining health. Governments alone, however, cannot build a healthy society. People also need to make a real effort in their life to remain healthy and fit.
Model Answer 2: [View: It is the responsibility of the government.]
The question of who bears the responsibility for public health has been a topic of debate. Some argue that the government should take the lead in ensuring public health, while others believe that individuals should be accountable for their well-being. In this essay, I will explore both perspectives and present the argument that it should be supported by the government.
Supporters of government responsibility for public health argue that it is a matter of societal welfare. Governments have the resources and authority to implement comprehensive public health policies and initiatives that benefit the entire population. They can establish healthcare systems, regulate food and drug safety, promote preventive measures, and respond to public health emergencies. For example, government-funded vaccination programmes, disease surveillance systems, and public health campaigns have played a crucial role in reducing the spread of infectious diseases all around the world.
Furthermore, public health issues often require collective action and coordination. The government can enforce regulations to ensure environmental health and safety standards, such as clean air and water, and protect citizens from hazards that they may not have the ability to address individually. Additionally, governments can allocate resources to underserved communities, reducing health disparities and promoting equitable access to healthcare services.
On the other hand, proponents of individual responsibility argue that personal choices and behaviours greatly impact health outcomes. They believe that individuals should be proactive in maintaining their health through lifestyle choices, such as adopting healthy diets, engaging in regular exercise, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. They argue that individuals should take ownership of their own well-being and make informed decisions about their health.
However, while personal responsibility is important, it should not be seen as a substitute for government intervention in public health. Public health issues often extend beyond individual actions and require comprehensive strategies and interventions at the population level. Governments have the authority and resources to implement policies that address social determinants of health, promote health education, and provide accessible healthcare services for all. In my opinion, therefore, public health is indeed a responsibility of the government.
In conclusion, public health is primarily a responsibility of the government. While individuals have a responsibility to make healthy choices, the government plays the most significant role in creating an environment that fosters public health.