The topic of vaccination education and mandates has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations, particularly since the global COVID-19 pandemic. Based on recent exam reports and importance of public health initiatives in preventing diseases, this theme appears in approximately 15% of health-related questions, making it crucial for IELTS candidates to prepare thoroughly.
Task Analysis
Some people believe that governments should make vaccination compulsory for all citizens, while others think it should be a matter of personal choice. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Examine both perspectives on mandatory vaccination
- Present balanced arguments
- Provide a clear personal stance
- Support ideas with relevant examples
Vaccination debate and public health policy discussion
Band 8.5 Sample Essay
The debate over whether vaccination should be mandatory or voluntary has intensified in recent years, particularly with the emergence of global health challenges. While both approaches have their merits, I believe that a balanced combination of mandatory vaccination for certain diseases and personal choice for others is most appropriate.
Those who support compulsory vaccination argue that it is essential for public health protection. When a significant portion of the population is immunized, it creates herd immunity, which protects vulnerable individuals who cannot receive vaccines due to medical conditions. For instance, the near-eradication of polio in many countries can be attributed to mandatory vaccination programs. Similar to should vaccinations be mandatory for all citizens, this approach has proven highly effective in preventing disease outbreaks.
However, opponents contend that mandatory vaccination infringes upon personal autonomy and medical freedom. They argue that individuals should have the right to make informed decisions about their health care, including vaccination choices. Some people may have religious beliefs or philosophical objections to certain vaccines, while others may be concerned about potential side effects, albeit rare ones.
In my opinion, the optimal approach would be a nuanced policy that mandates vaccination for serious communicable diseases while allowing personal choice for less critical ones. Core vaccines that prevent highly contagious and dangerous diseases should be required, especially for children attending school or people working in healthcare settings. However, for diseases with lower transmission rates or severity, individuals should retain the right to choose.
Healthcare workers educating community about vaccination benefits
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
Nowadays, there is a big discussion about whether governments should force everyone to get vaccinated or let people decide for themselves. This essay will look at both sides and share my thoughts.
Some people think governments should make vaccines compulsory. They say this helps keep everyone safe from dangerous diseases. When most people get vaccinated, it stops diseases from spreading easily. For example, in many countries, children must get certain vaccines before they can go to school, which has helped stop many diseases.
On the other hand, some people believe vaccination should be a personal choice. They think everyone should have the right to decide what medical treatments they want. Some people worry about vaccine side effects, while others have religious reasons for not wanting vaccines.
I think the best solution is somewhere in the middle. The government should make some important vaccines mandatory, especially for dangerous diseases that spread easily. But for other vaccines, people should be able to choose. The government should focus on education about vaccines instead of just forcing people.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “herd immunity,” “autonomy,” “nuanced policy”
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear progression of ideas
- Strong cohesion and coherence
- Well-developed arguments with specific examples
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Simple but clear vocabulary
- Basic sentence structures
- Some repetition
- Limited use of complex language
- Arguments could be more developed
Key Vocabulary
- Mandatory (adj) /ˈmændətɔːri/ – required by law
- Autonomy (n) /ɔːˈtɒnəmi/ – freedom to make own decisions
- Herd immunity (n) /hɜːd ɪˈmjuːnɪti/ – population-wide resistance to disease
- Efficacy (n) /ˈefɪkəsi/ – effectiveness
- Immunization (n) /ˌɪmjunaɪˈzeɪʃn/ – process of making immune through vaccination
Looking ahead, similar topics may include questions about:
- Digital vaccination records
- Global vaccination coordination
- Vaccine development ethics
- Public health emergency responses
We encourage readers to practice writing their own essays on this topic and share them in the comments for feedback and discussion.
