In the realm of healthcare and medicine, the term “communicable disease” frequently surfaces, particularly in the IELTS exam. Understanding its meaning and usage is crucial for achieving a high score.
Here are some synonyms for “communicable disease”:
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Infectious disease: /ɪnˈfɛkʃəs dɪˈziz/ (noun) – a disease caused by a pathogen that can be spread from one person or animal to another.
Example: Measles is a highly infectious disease that can spread through the air. -
Transmissible disease: /trænzˈmɪsɪbəl dɪˈziz/ (noun) – a disease capable of being passed from one person or animal to another.
Example: The doctor emphasized the importance of handwashing to prevent the spread of transmissible diseases. -
Contagious disease: /kənˈteɪdʒəs dɪˈziz/ (noun) – a disease that is easily spread from one person to another, especially through direct contact.
Example: The common cold is a contagious disease that can spread rapidly, especially in crowded places.
Here are some antonyms for “communicable disease”:
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Non-communicable disease: /nɒn-kəˈmjuːnɪkəbəl dɪˈziz/ (noun) – a disease that is not transmissible directly from one person to another.
Example: Heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide and is classified as a non-communicable disease. -
Chronic disease: /ˈkrɒnɪk dɪˈziz/ (noun) – a disease that lasts for a long time, often for the rest of a person’s life.
Example: Diabetes is a chronic disease that requires ongoing management.
Breaking Down “Communicable Disease”
Pronunciation: /kəˈmjuːnɪkəbəl dɪˈziz/
Word type: Noun phrase
Definition: A communicable disease, also known as an infectious or contagious disease, is an illness caused by a specific infectious agent or its toxic products. It spreads directly or indirectly from one person or animal to another, or from an infected animal to a human.
Where “Communicable Disease” Appears in the IELTS
The term “communicable disease” is most likely to appear in the following IELTS sections:
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Listening: You might encounter this term in lectures or conversations about healthcare, public health, or global issues.
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Reading: Passages discussing health trends, epidemics, or the impact of diseases on societies may use this term.
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Writing Task 2: An essay question might ask you to discuss the challenges of controlling communicable diseases or the role of governments in public health initiatives.
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Speaking Part 3: You may need to discuss topics related to health and disease, where your understanding of “communicable disease” will be beneficial.
Using “Communicable Disease” in the IELTS
Let’s examine how to use “communicable disease” effectively in different IELTS sections:
Writing Task 2:
Question: “Some people believe that vaccination programs are the most effective way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Others argue that there are other equally important measures. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.”
Sample Answer:
“Communicable diseases pose a significant threat to global health, and their prevention requires a multifaceted approach. While vaccination programs have undoubtedly been instrumental in reducing the incidence of diseases like polio and measles, other measures are equally crucial. Public health campaigns promoting hygiene practices, access to clean water and sanitation, and early detection and treatment of infections are all vital components of a comprehensive strategy to combat communicable diseases.“
Speaking Part 3:
Examiner: “What are some of the biggest challenges in controlling the spread of diseases in today’s world?”
Candidate: “I think one of the major challenges is the ease of global travel. Communicable diseases can spread rapidly across borders and continents before authorities can even identify the outbreak. Another challenge is misinformation, which can lead people to make uninformed decisions about their health, such as refusing vaccinations.”
Collocations and Related Phrases:
- Outbreak of a communicable disease: “The World Health Organization is closely monitoring the outbreak of a new communicable disease in South America.”
- Prevention of communicable diseases: “Handwashing is a simple yet effective method for the prevention of communicable diseases.”
- Control and treatment of communicable diseases: “Advances in medical science have led to significant improvements in the control and treatment of communicable diseases.”
- Impact of communicable diseases: “The impact of communicable diseases on developing countries can be devastating, both in terms of human life and economic productivity.”
Idioms:
- Going around: “There’s a nasty flu going around at the moment, so try to avoid close contact with people who are sick.”
- Under the weather: “I’m feeling a bit under the weather today. I think I might be coming down with something.”
Conclusion
Mastering the vocabulary related to health and disease is essential for success in the IELTS exam. By understanding the meaning, usage, and collocations of terms like “communicable disease,” you’ll be well-equipped to articulate your ideas clearly and confidently on a range of health-related topics. Remember to practice using these terms in context to solidify your understanding and improve your fluency.