The Benefits and Drawbacks of Nationalized Healthcare Systems - TOEFL Writing Integrated Practice Test

The TOEFL iBT^® exam evaluates candidates on different types of abilities, especially on their communication skills. Among all the test sections, the Writing Section is one of the significant ones, requiring diverse skills from TOEFL examinees.

The practice test on 'The Benefits and Drawbacks of Nationalised Healthcare Systems' aims to enhance your writing abilities, concentrating specifically on the Integrated Writing task of the TOEFL test. It aims to assist you in understanding task instructions, structuring responses effectively, and enhancing your performance in the TOEFL Writing segment. So, let's start your journey towards attaining your desired TOEFL score!

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.

Government-provided healthcare systems, where the government offers and funds healthcare services, have been implemented in various countries to ensure everyone has access to medical care. Supporters of government-provided healthcare argue that it offers several significant benefits. One major advantage is that everyone gets covered. In a government-provided healthcare system, all citizens can access medical services no matter their financial status. This removes the gaps in healthcare access often seen in privatized systems, where people without enough insurance or money might not afford necessary treatments. Healthcare for all makes sure everyone gets the medical care they need, boosting overall public health and well-being.

Another benefit is the potential to control costs. Government-provided healthcare systems can negotiate prices for medications and medical services for the whole population, often leading to lower costs. By centralizing the buying power, the government can get better deals with drug companies and healthcare providers. This can lead to big savings for both the government and patients, making healthcare more affordable and reducing the financial burden on individuals. Also, government-provided healthcare systems can lead to better health outcomes. With a focus on preventive care and early action, these systems can tackle health issues before they become severe and costly. Regular check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings are more accessible, helping to catch and manage conditions early. This proactive approach not only improves the quality of life for individuals but also cuts down the long-term costs of treating advanced illnesses.

Now play the audio.

Question

Summarise on the arguments made in the lecture by emphasizing their relevance to the assertions made in the reading passage. State the opinion.

Transcript of the Audio of the Lecture on the Benefits and Drawbacks of Nationalised Healthcare Systems 

Curious about what a good TOEFL score looks like? Check it out first, then explore the Integrated Writing sample answers!

Sample Responses for the Integrated Writing Task on the Benefits and Drawbacks of Nationalised Healthcare Systems

A comprehensive analysis of various responses is provided below, enabling you to identify areas requiring improvement to achieve your target score.

High-Level Response

Rater's Comment

This response deserves a high score because 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 from the reading and its corresponding counterpoint from the lecture. For example, the response accurately captures the lecture's argument about long wait times, which challenges the reading's claim of universal coverage. Additionally, the response clearly explains the lecture's concerns about the potential for lower quality of care due to budget constraints, which contradicts the reading's assertion of cost control. The discussion of the financial strain on the government is also well-handled, highlighting the lecture's emphasis on the economic burden of funding universal healthcare. The language used is clear and concise, with strong control over grammar and vocabulary, making the essay easy to read and understand. Overall, this response effectively presents the relationship between the reading and the lecture, demonstrating a high level of comprehension and writing ability.

Mid Level Response

Rater's Comment

This response provides a summary of the main points from both the reading and the lecture, but it lacks depth and detail in some areas. The essay is generally organized, but it could benefit from more specific examples and explanations. For instance, the response mentions the issue of long wait times but does not elaborate on how this contradicts the reading's claim of universal coverage. Similarly, the discussion of the potential for lower quality of care is brief and could be expanded to better explain the lecture's concerns. The response also touches on the financial strain on the government but does not fully explore how this impacts other essential services. Additionally, there are a few grammatical errors, such as "leading to delays in getting care" and "the significant financial strain these systems can place on the government," which could be improved for clarity. Overall, while the response captures the main points, it lacks the depth and detail needed for a higher score.

Strategies for Taking the Integrated Writing Task on the Benefits and Drawbacks of Nationalised Healthcare Systems

Here are the strategies for taking the Integrated Writing Task on the Benefits and Drawbacks of Nationalised Healthcare Systems.

• Read the passage carefully and taking concise notes on key points is ideal.
• Listen actively to the lecture, noting its relationship to the reading.
• Begin your response by clearly stating how the lecture relates to the reading.
• Explain any contradictions or connections between the reading and lecture.
• Integrate information from both sources throughout your essay.
• Use clear transitions and attributions for information from each source.

Prepared to enhance your TOEFL writing skills? Our collection of example responses and professional tips is here to support you in your journey. It's time to put your abilities to the test with some hands-on practice!

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