The topic of mandatory vaccinations has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on past trends and current global health concerns, it’s highly likely that this subject will continue to appear in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:

Some people believe that all citizens should be required by law to have certain vaccinations. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

Analyzing the Question

This question asks for your opinion on the mandatory vaccination of all citizens. Key points to consider:

1. The scope: “all citizens” – this includes every member of society.
2. The method: “required by law” – implying government enforcement.
3. The specificity: “certain vaccinations” – not all, but specific ones.

Your task is to present a clear stance on this issue and support it with logical arguments and relevant examples.

Sample Essay for Band 8-9

Vaccination debate

Vaccination has been a cornerstone of public health for decades, dramatically reducing the incidence of many deadly diseases. While I acknowledge the concerns of those who oppose mandatory vaccination, I firmly believe that requiring certain vaccinations by law for all citizens is necessary and beneficial for society as a whole.

The primary argument in favor of mandatory vaccination is the concept of herd immunity. When a significant portion of a population is immunized against a contagious disease, it becomes difficult for that disease to spread, thereby protecting even those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons. This collective protection is crucial for safeguarding vulnerable groups such as infants, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. For instance, the near-eradication of polio in many countries can be attributed to widespread vaccination programs.

Moreover, mandatory vaccination can prevent the resurgence of diseases that have been largely controlled. Recent outbreaks of measles in countries with declining vaccination rates serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of complacency. By ensuring that all citizens receive essential vaccinations, we can maintain the progress made in public health and prevent unnecessary suffering and deaths.

Critics of mandatory vaccination often cite personal freedom as a counterargument. However, it’s important to recognize that individual liberty in a society is not absolute and must be balanced against the collective good. Just as we have laws requiring the use of seatbelts or prohibiting drunk driving to protect public safety, mandating certain vaccinations can be seen as a necessary measure to protect public health.

That being said, implementation of mandatory vaccination policies should be done thoughtfully and transparently. Governments should invest in public education campaigns to address concerns and misconceptions about vaccines. Additionally, there should be clear guidelines for medical exemptions to accommodate those who genuinely cannot receive certain vaccines due to health conditions.

In conclusion, while respecting individual choices is important, the overwhelming benefits of widespread vaccination to public health justify making certain vaccinations mandatory for all citizens. By doing so, we can create a safer and healthier society for everyone, especially the most vulnerable among us.

(Word count: 329)

Sample Essay for Band 6-7

Vaccinations have been a topic of debate for many years. While some people think that all citizens should be forced by law to get certain vaccinations, I partially agree with this view because there are both advantages and disadvantages to consider.

On the one hand, mandatory vaccinations can bring significant benefits to society. Firstly, they can help prevent the spread of dangerous diseases. When most people are vaccinated, it becomes harder for diseases to spread, which protects everyone, including those who can’t get vaccinated for medical reasons. For example, the widespread use of the polio vaccine has almost eliminated this terrible disease in many countries. Secondly, mandatory vaccinations can save the government money in the long run by reducing healthcare costs associated with treating preventable diseases.

However, there are also some drawbacks to making vaccinations compulsory. The main argument against this is that it infringes on personal freedom. Many people believe that they should have the right to decide what medical treatments they receive. Additionally, some individuals have concerns about the safety of vaccines, even though scientific evidence supports their safety and effectiveness. Forcing these people to get vaccinated could lead to resentment and distrust in the government.

In my opinion, a balanced approach would be the best solution. Instead of making all vaccinations mandatory for everyone, the government could focus on educating people about the benefits of vaccines and making them easily accessible. They could also make certain crucial vaccines mandatory for specific groups, such as children attending school or healthcare workers, while leaving the choice open for others. This way, we can achieve a high vaccination rate without completely disregarding personal choice.

To conclude, while mandatory vaccinations have clear public health benefits, they also raise concerns about individual rights. A compromise that emphasizes education and targeted mandatory vaccination policies could help balance these competing interests.

(Word count: 309)

Key Points to Remember When Writing

1. Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced argument.

2. Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and phrases, such as “cornerstone of public health,” “herd immunity,” and “resurgence of diseases.” The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still effectively conveys the main ideas.

3. Grammar: Both essays demonstrate good grammar control, but the Band 8-9 essay shows more complex sentence structures and a wider range of grammatical constructions.

4. Coherence and Cohesion: The Band 8-9 essay has stronger coherence, with ideas flowing logically from one to the next. The Band 6-7 essay is also coherent but with less sophisticated linking.

5. Task Response: Both essays address the question fully, but the Band 8-9 essay provides a more nuanced and well-developed argument.

Useful Vocabulary for This Topic

1. Herd immunity (noun) /hɜːd ɪˈmjuːnəti/ – protection from an infectious disease when a large percentage of a population has become immune to it
2. Contagious (adjective) /kənˈteɪdʒəs/ – able to be transmitted from one person or organism to another
3. Eradication (noun) /ɪˌrædɪˈkeɪʃn/ – the complete destruction or elimination of something
4. Resurgence (noun) /rɪˈsɜːdʒəns/ – a renewed increase in strength or importance
5. Complacency (noun) /kəmˈpleɪsnsi/ – a feeling of contentment or self-satisfaction, often combined with a lack of awareness of potential dangers
6. Infringement (noun) /ɪnˈfrɪndʒmənt/ – the action of breaking or failing to observe a law, agreement, or code of conduct
7. Resentment (noun) /rɪˈzentmənt/ – bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly
8. Accessibility (noun) /əkˌsesəˈbɪləti/ – the quality of being able to be reached or entered

Conclusion

The topic of mandatory vaccinations is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

• The role of government in public health decisions
• Balancing individual rights with societal needs
• The impact of misinformation on public health policies

Remember to always analyze the question carefully, plan your essay structure, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your target band score. We encourage you to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners.