Antibiotic resistance is a pressing global health concern that has been increasingly appearing in IELTS Writing Task 2 prompts. Given its relevance to public health and scientific advancements, it’s highly likely that you’ll encounter this topic in your IELTS exam. Let’s explore a sample question and learn how to craft a compelling essay on this subject.
Analyzing the Task
Let’s consider the following IELTS Writing Task 2 question:
The overuse of antibiotics has led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing a significant threat to global health. What measures can be taken to address this problem, and who should be responsible for implementing these measures?
This question is a problem-solution type, combined with a responsibility aspect. It requires you to:
- Discuss measures to address antibiotic resistance
- Identify who should be responsible for implementing these measures
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
The proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria due to the excessive use of antibiotics has become a critical global health issue. This essay will explore potential measures to combat this problem and discuss the stakeholders responsible for their implementation.
One of the primary measures to address antibiotic resistance is to regulate and restrict the use of antibiotics. This can be achieved through stricter prescription policies in healthcare settings and limiting the use of antibiotics in agriculture. For instance, implementing guidelines that require diagnostic tests before prescribing antibiotics can help ensure their appropriate use. Additionally, promoting alternative methods in animal husbandry, such as improved hygiene practices and vaccinations, can reduce the reliance on antibiotics in livestock.
Another crucial step is to invest in research and development of new antibiotics and alternative treatments. This includes supporting pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions in their efforts to discover novel antimicrobial agents and exploring innovative approaches like bacteriophage therapy. Furthermore, enhancing public awareness through educational campaigns can play a significant role in curbing the misuse of antibiotics and promoting responsible consumption.
Regarding responsibility, this multifaceted issue requires a collaborative approach. Governments should take the lead in establishing and enforcing regulations on antibiotic use, as well as allocating funds for research. Healthcare professionals have a crucial role in adhering to prescription guidelines and educating patients about the proper use of antibiotics. The pharmaceutical industry bears the responsibility of investing in the development of new antibiotics and alternative treatments. Agricultural sectors must adopt practices that reduce antibiotic use in livestock. Lastly, individuals have a responsibility to use antibiotics as prescribed and practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of infections.
In conclusion, addressing the challenge of antibiotic resistance requires a comprehensive strategy involving regulation, research, and education. The implementation of these measures necessitates the combined efforts of governments, healthcare professionals, the pharmaceutical industry, agricultural sectors, and individuals. Only through such a concerted approach can we hope to mitigate the threat posed by antibiotic-resistant bacteria and safeguard global health.
(Word count: 329)
Band 6-7 Essay
Antibiotic resistance is a big problem for global health because of the overuse of antibiotics. This essay will discuss some ways to solve this issue and who should be responsible for fixing it.
One important measure is to control the use of antibiotics. Doctors should only give antibiotics when they are really needed. Also, we should stop using so many antibiotics in farming. This can help reduce the amount of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in our food.
Another solution is to invest more money in making new antibiotics. Scientists need to find new ways to fight bacteria that have become resistant to old antibiotics. We also need to teach people about the dangers of using antibiotics too much. If people understand the problem, they might be more careful about using antibiotics.
As for who should be responsible, I think everyone has a part to play. Governments need to make rules about using antibiotics and give money for research. Doctors should be careful about prescribing antibiotics. Pharmaceutical companies should work on developing new medicines. Farmers need to find other ways to keep their animals healthy without using too many antibiotics. Finally, ordinary people should use antibiotics correctly and only when necessary.
In conclusion, we need to take several steps to fight antibiotic resistance, including controlling antibiotic use, investing in new medicines, and educating people. This is a problem that needs everyone to work together, from governments and doctors to farmers and individuals.
(Word count: 249)
Antibiotic Resistance Infographic
Key Points to Remember When Writing
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Essay Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing measures and responsibilities, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay demonstrates more sophisticated paragraph development and cohesion.
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Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and scientific terms (e.g., “antimicrobial agents,” “bacteriophage therapy”), while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language.
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Grammar: The higher band essay employs a variety of complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler constructions.
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Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the Band 8-9 essay provides more detailed and nuanced responses.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The Band 8-9 essay demonstrates better use of linking words and phrases, creating a more fluid argument.
Important Vocabulary to Remember
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Antibiotic resistance (noun) /ˌæn.ti.baɪˈɒt.ɪk rɪˈzɪs.təns/ – The ability of bacteria to withstand the effects of antibiotics.
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Proliferation (noun) /prəˌlɪf.əˈreɪ.ʃən/ – Rapid increase or spread.
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Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌl.tiˈfæs.ɪ.tɪd/ – Having many different aspects or features.
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Mitigation (noun) /ˌmɪt.ɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/ – The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.
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Concerted (adjective) /kənˈsɜː.tɪd/ – Jointly arranged or carried out; coordinated.
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Bacteriophage (noun) /bækˈtɪə.ri.ə.feɪdʒ/ – A virus that infects and replicates within bacteria.
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Antimicrobial (adjective) /ˌæn.ti.maɪˈkrəʊ.bi.əl/ – Destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, especially pathogenic ones.
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Husbandry (noun) /ˈhʌz.bən.dri/ – The care, cultivation, and breeding of crops and animals.
Conclusion
Addressing the challenges of antibiotic resistance is a complex topic that requires a comprehensive understanding of global health issues, scientific research, and policy-making. When writing about this subject in your IELTS essay, focus on providing clear measures to combat the problem and identifying the various stakeholders responsible for implementation. Remember to use appropriate vocabulary and maintain a balanced structure in your essay.
To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic or related ones such as “The Role of Scientific Research in Solving Global Problems” or “How is the Global Community Addressing the Challenge of Antibiotic Resistance?”. Practice regularly and don’t hesitate to share your essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
