The importance of public health in combating pandemics is a crucial topic that has gained significant attention in recent years, especially due to global events like the COVID-19 pandemic. This subject has become increasingly relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions, reflecting its real-world significance. Based on trends in past IELTS exams and the current global health landscape, we can expect this theme to appear more frequently in future tests. Let’s explore a relevant question and provide sample essays to help you prepare effectively.
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that the government should be responsible for preventing and controlling the spread of diseases, while others think it is the responsibility of individuals. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question directly addresses the role of public health initiatives in combating pandemics, focusing on the debate between government responsibility and individual accountability. Let’s break down the key elements:
- Two contrasting views are presented:
- Government responsibility for disease prevention and control
- Individual responsibility for disease prevention and control
- The task requires discussing both perspectives
- You must also provide your own opinion
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Here’s a high-quality essay that would likely score in the Band 8-9 range:
The prevention and control of diseases, particularly during pandemics, is a critical issue that affects societies globally. While some argue that this responsibility lies primarily with governments, others contend that individuals should bear the main burden. In my opinion, an effective approach to disease control requires a collaborative effort between both governmental bodies and individual citizens.
Those who advocate for government responsibility in disease prevention and control often point to the extensive resources and authority that governments possess. Public health initiatives, such as mass vaccination programs, quarantine measures, and healthcare infrastructure development, require substantial funding and coordination that only governments can provide. Moreover, governments have the legislative power to implement and enforce health regulations, ensuring a consistent approach across the entire population. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries successfully curbed the spread of the virus through government-mandated lockdowns and mask requirements.
On the other hand, proponents of individual responsibility argue that personal choices and behaviors play a crucial role in preventing disease transmission. They emphasize that individuals are ultimately responsible for following health guidelines, maintaining personal hygiene, and making informed decisions about their health. This perspective suggests that even the most comprehensive government policies can be ineffective if citizens do not take personal responsibility for their actions. For example, the success of social distancing measures during a pandemic relies heavily on individual compliance.
In my view, the most effective approach to disease prevention and control lies in a balanced combination of government leadership and individual responsibility. Governments should provide the necessary infrastructure, resources, and guidelines for public health, while individuals must take personal responsibility for adhering to these measures and maintaining their own health. This synergistic approach ensures that public health initiatives are both well-supported and widely adopted, maximizing their effectiveness in combating the spread of diseases.
To illustrate, during a pandemic, governments can establish testing facilities, implement contact tracing systems, and provide clear health guidelines. However, the success of these measures ultimately depends on individuals getting tested when necessary, cooperating with contact tracing efforts, and following the prescribed health protocols in their daily lives. This collaborative approach creates a robust defense against disease spread, combining top-down strategies with grassroots implementation.
In conclusion, while both government and individual responsibilities are crucial in preventing and controlling diseases, the most effective strategy involves a partnership between the two. By leveraging governmental resources and authority alongside individual commitment and action, societies can create a comprehensive and resilient approach to public health challenges, including pandemics.
(Word count: 398)
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
Now, let’s look at an essay that would likely score in the Band 6-7 range:
The question of who should be responsible for preventing and controlling the spread of diseases is a topic of much debate. Some people think it’s the government’s job, while others believe individuals should take care of it themselves. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
On one hand, many people believe that the government should be in charge of disease prevention and control. They think that the government has more resources and power to handle such big problems. For example, governments can create laws to make people follow health rules, like wearing masks during a pandemic. They can also spend money on things like hospitals and vaccines, which normal people can’t do. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw many governments taking action to stop the virus from spreading.
On the other hand, some people argue that individuals should be responsible for their own health and preventing diseases. They say that each person needs to take care of themselves by doing things like washing hands, eating healthy food, and exercising. These people think that even if the government makes rules, it’s up to individuals to follow them. For instance, during a pandemic, people need to choose to stay at home and avoid crowded places to stop the virus from spreading.
In my opinion, both the government and individuals have important roles to play in preventing and controlling diseases. I think the best way is for them to work together. The government should provide guidance, resources, and support, while individuals should take responsibility for following the rules and taking care of their health.
For example, during a pandemic, the government can give information about how to stay safe and provide vaccines. But it’s up to individuals to listen to this advice, get vaccinated, and follow safety measures in their daily lives. When both the government and people work together like this, it’s more effective in stopping diseases from spreading.
In conclusion, while both the government and individuals have responsibilities in preventing and controlling diseases, I believe that a combination of both is the best approach. By working together, we can create a stronger defense against the spread of diseases and keep everyone healthier.
(Word count: 365)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
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Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing each view, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced thesis statement.
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Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and phrases, such as “synergistic approach” and “grassroots implementation.” The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still effectively communicates the main ideas.
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Grammar: The higher-band essay demonstrates a wider range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and passive voice. The Band 6-7 essay uses mainly simple and compound sentences.
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Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the Band 8-9 essay provides more detailed examples and a more developed argument.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The Band 8-9 essay has better paragraph linking and idea development, while the Band 6-7 essay is more straightforward in its organization.
Challenging Vocabulary to Remember
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Pandemic (noun) /pænˈdemɪk/ – An outbreak of a disease that occurs over a wide geographic area and affects an exceptionally high proportion of the population.
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Initiative (noun) /ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/ – The power or opportunity to act or take charge before others do.
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Quarantine (noun) /ˈkwɒrəntiːn/ – A state, period, or place of isolation in which people or animals that have arrived from elsewhere or been exposed to infectious or contagious disease are placed.
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Compliance (noun) /kəmˈplaɪəns/ – The action or fact of complying with a wish or command.
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Synergistic (adjective) /ˌsɪnəˈdʒɪstɪk/ – Relating to the interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.
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Grassroots (adjective) /ˈɡrɑːsruːts/ – The most basic level of an activity or organization.
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Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
In conclusion, mastering essays on the importance of public health in combating pandemics requires a good understanding of the topic, strong language skills, and the ability to present a well-structured argument. Practice writing essays on this theme, considering various angles such as government policies, individual responsibilities, and international cooperation. You can also expect questions on related topics like the economic impact of pandemics, the role of technology in public health, or the importance of mental health during health crises.
We encourage you to practice writing your own essay based on the question provided in this article. Feel free to share your essay in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare more effectively for your IELTS exam.
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