Should Universal Health Coverage Be Implemented Worldwide - TOEFL iBT® Writing Integrated Practice Test

The TOEFL exam evaluates candidates on various abilities, placing particular importance on their communication skills. Among the test sections, the Writing Section is particularly significant, requiring diverse skills from TOEFL examinees. This writing integrated practice test focuses on the topic 'Should Universal Health Coverage Be Implemented Worldwide,' assisting you in understanding integrated td task instructions, structuring responses effectively, and enhancing your performance in the TOEFL Writing segment.

Writing Instructions 

• You'll read a passage and listen to a lecture on an academic topic.
• You may take notes while listening to aid comprehension.
• Then you will write a response to a question that asks you about the lecture you heard.
• Answer the question comprehensively using information from the lecture. Avoid expressing personal opinions in the response.
• There is no strict word limit. However, an effective response is considered to be within 150 to 225 words.
• Your response will be assessed based on writing quality, content accuracy, and completeness.

Universal health coverage (UHC) is often supported as a way to ensure that everyone has access to necessary healthcare services without facing financial hardship. One of the main benefits of putting UHC in place worldwide is the improvement in public health outcomes. When people have access to preventive care, early diagnosis, and timely treatment, the overall health of the population gets better. This can lead to fewer long-term diseases and lower death rates.Another big advantage is the economic benefit. Healthier populations are more productive because they are less likely to miss work due to illness and can contribute more effectively to the economy. Also, UHC can reduce the financial burden on families. Medical expenses are a leading cause of poverty in many countries, and by providing healthcare coverage, families can avoid huge health costs that can lead to financial ruin.UHC also promotes social fairness. Access to healthcare should be a basic right, not a privilege based on one's ability to pay. Putting UHC in place ensures that everyone, regardless of their economic status, has access to the same quality of care. This can help to reduce health differences and promote a more just and equal society.

Also, UHC can lead to more efficient use of healthcare resources. By focusing on preventive care and early action, healthcare systems can reduce the need for expensive emergency treatments and hospitalizations. This can result in cost savings for both individuals and governments, making healthcare systems more sustainable in the long run.

Now play the audio.

Question 

Summarise the lecture’s key points and explain how they challenge or support the reading passage’s claims.

Transcript of the Audio of the Lecture on Should Universal Health Coverage Be Implemented Worldwide

Sample Responses for the Integrated Writing Task on Should Universal Health Coverage Be Implemented Worldwide

Below is a detailed review of different responses, including both mid-level and high-level examples, to help you pinpoint areas for improvement and reach your desired score:

Mid Level Response

The reading passage highlights the benefits of universal health coverage (UHC), such as improved public health outcomes, economic benefits, social fairness, and efficient use of healthcare resources. However, the lecture presents several counterarguments that challenge these points.The lecture argues that the financial sustainability of UHC is a significant concern. Implementing and maintaining such a system requires substantial funding, which can strain government budgets. In many countries, the necessary resources may not be available, leading to higher taxes or cuts in other essential services. This contradicts the reading's claim that UHC leads to economic benefits.Regarding the quality of care, the lecture points out that a universal system can overburden healthcare services, leading to longer wait times and reduced quality of care. The focus on providing universal access can result in a one-size-fits-all approach that does not fully address the specific needs of different populations. This counters the reading's assertion that UHC improves public health outcomes.The lecture also highlights the potential for inefficiency and waste in government-run healthcare systems. Complex inefficiencies can lead to higher costs and lower quality of care. Additionally, without proper oversight and accountability, there is a risk of corruption and poor management of funds, further undermining the effectiveness of UHC. This opposes the reading's view that UHC leads to more efficient use of healthcare resources.In summary, while the reading passage emphasizes the benefits of UHC, the lecture provides reasons to question its feasibility and effectiveness, focusing on issues of financial sustainability, quality of care, and inefficiency.

Rater's Comment:

This response provides a summary of the main points from both the reading and the lecture, but it lacks some depth and detail, which is why it falls into the mid-level category. The essay is generally well-organized, with each paragraph addressing a specific point of contention between the reading and the lecture. However, it omits some important details and examples that would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the material.For instance, the response mentions the lecture's point about the high initial investment and ongoing costs of digital services but does not elaborate on the specific expenses like regular updates and maintenance. Similarly, while it notes the lecture's concern about the traditional role of libraries, it does not fully explain how shifting to digital services might weaken the sense of community.The response also contains a few grammatical errors and awkward phrasings, such as "Many people, especially in low-income areas, might not have reliable internet or the devices needed to use digital services." A more polished sentence would be, "Many people, particularly in low-income areas, may lack reliable internet access or the necessary devices to utilize digital services."Overall, while the response demonstrates a basic understanding of the material and is generally coherent, it lacks the depth, detail, and language control required for a higher score.

High Level Response

The reading passage highlights the benefits of universal health coverage (UHC), such as improved public health outcomes, economic benefits, social fairness, and efficient use of healthcare resources. However, the lecture presents several counterarguments that challenge these points.The lecture argues that the financial sustainability of UHC is a significant concern. Implementing and maintaining such a system requires substantial funding, which can strain government budgets. In many countries, the necessary resources may not be available, leading to higher taxes or cuts in other essential services. This contradicts the reading's claim that UHC leads to economic benefits.Regarding the quality of care, the lecture points out that a universal system can overburden healthcare services, leading to longer wait times and reduced quality of care. The focus on providing universal access can result in a one-size-fits-all approach that does not fully address the specific needs of different populations. This counters the reading's assertion that UHC improves public health outcomes.The lecture also highlights the potential for inefficiency and waste in government-run healthcare systems. Complex inefficiencies can lead to higher costs and lower quality of care. Additionally, without proper oversight and accountability, there is a risk of corruption and poor management of funds, further undermining the effectiveness of UHC. This opposes the reading's view that UHC leads to more efficient use of healthcare resources.

Lastly, the lecture addresses the political and cultural resistance to UHC. In many countries, there is a strong preference for private healthcare and skepticism towards government intervention. Convincing the public and policymakers to support UHC can be challenging, and without broad-based support, the system may struggle to achieve its goals. This challenges the reading's assertion that UHC promotes social fairness.In summary, while the reading passage emphasizes the benefits of UHC, the lecture provides compelling reasons to question its feasibility and effectiveness, focusing on issues of financial sustainability, quality of care, inefficiency, and political resistance.

Rater's Comment:

This response deserves a high score as it effectively summarizes the main points from both the reading and the lecture, demonstrating a clear understanding of the material. The essay is well-organized, with each paragraph addressing a specific point of contention between the reading and the lecture. For instance, the response clearly contrasts the reading's claim about economic benefits with the lecture's argument on the financial sustainability of UHC. Similarly, it juxtaposes the reading's view on improved public health outcomes with the lecture's concerns about the quality of care.The response also maintains objectivity, focusing on summarizing the relationship between the reading and the lecture without expressing personal opinions. The use of transitions such as "The lecture argues," "Regarding the quality of care," and "Lastly, the lecture addresses" helps to clearly signal the relationship between the two sources, enhancing the coherence and flow of the essay.Moreover, the language used is appropriate for a college-level response, with strong control over grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary. The essay is concise, staying within the word limit while effectively conveying all necessary information. Overall, the response demonstrates a high level of proficiency in summarizing and synthesizing information from multiple sources, which is a key requirement for this task.

Strategies for Taking the Integrated Writing Task on Should Universal Health Coverage Be Implemented Worldwide

Here are strategies to help you tackle the topic ' Should Universal Health Coverage Be Implemented Wordwide' effectively:

1. Identify Key Points: Focus on understanding both the advantages and disadvantages of UHC as presented in the reading and lecture.

2. Take Effective Notes: While listening, jot down critical arguments and examples to use in your response.

3. Structure Your Response: Organize your writing clearly, presenting the reading’s points first, followed by the lecture’s counterarguments.

4. Use Clear Transitions: Employ transition phrases to connect ideas smoothly, such as "The lecture argues," or "In contrast."

5. Stay Objective: Focus on summarizing the information without inserting personal opinions, ensuring a balanced view of both sides.

Hope you found the practice test on 'Should Universal Health Coverage Be Implemented Worldwide' helpful in enhancing your writing skills. By applying the strategies discussed, you can effectively tackle the complexities of this topic. Best of luck as you prepare for the TOEFL exam!

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