Childhood vaccination is a crucial topic that frequently appears 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 be featured in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people believe that all children should be vaccinated against common diseases, while others think parents should decide. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for mandatory childhood vaccinations
- Explore reasons why parents should have the choice
- Provide a personal opinion on the issue
Let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, along with detailed analyses.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The debate over mandatory childhood vaccinations is a contentious issue in public health policy. While some advocate for universal immunization, others argue for parental discretion. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of compulsory vaccination argue that it is essential for public health. Widespread immunization creates herd immunity, protecting vulnerable individuals who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons. Moreover, mandatory vaccination programs have historically been successful in eradicating or significantly reducing the incidence of deadly diseases like smallpox and polio. From an economic standpoint, preventing outbreaks through vaccination is far more cost-effective than treating epidemics.
On the other hand, those who support parental choice contend that forcing vaccinations infringes on personal freedom and parental rights. Some parents have concerns about vaccine safety, citing rare but severe side effects. They argue that the decision to vaccinate should be based on individual risk assessment and personal beliefs. Additionally, in some cases, religious or philosophical objections to vaccination are deeply held convictions that should be respected.
In my opinion, while parental concerns should be addressed through education and transparency, the overwhelming scientific evidence supports the safety and efficacy of vaccines. The societal benefits of widespread immunization far outweigh the risks to individuals. Therefore, I believe that childhood vaccinations should be mandatory, with exceptions only for verified medical contraindications. To address parental concerns, governments should invest in public education campaigns and maintain rigorous vaccine safety monitoring systems.
In conclusion, although the debate is complex, the public health imperative of preventing deadly diseases through vaccination is paramount. By implementing mandatory vaccination policies with appropriate safeguards, we can protect both individual children and society as a whole.
(Word count: 292)
Debate on mandatory childhood vaccinations
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellent command of academic writing skills:
Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly stating a personal opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression. Paragraphing is well-managed, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately. Complex ideas are precisely conveyed (e.g., “herd immunity”, “societal benefits”).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of grammatical structures is used accurately. Complex sentences are well-formed and error-free.
Critical Thinking: The essay demonstrates sophisticated critical thinking by considering multiple perspectives and providing nuanced arguments.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Childhood vaccinations are a topic that many people have different opinions about. Some think all children should get vaccines, while others believe parents should choose. I will discuss both sides and give my thoughts.
People who support mandatory vaccinations say it’s important for everyone’s health. When most children are vaccinated, it helps stop diseases from spreading. This protects babies and people who can’t get vaccines because of health problems. Also, vaccines have helped get rid of some dangerous diseases in the past. It’s cheaper to prevent diseases with vaccines than to treat them later.
On the other hand, some parents want to decide about vaccines themselves. They worry about side effects, even though these are very rare. Some people have religious reasons for not wanting vaccines. They think it’s their right to choose what’s best for their children.
In my opinion, I think childhood vaccinations should be required for most children. The benefits for society are very important. Vaccines are safe and effective, and they save many lives. However, I believe there should be exceptions for children who have medical reasons not to get vaccinated.
To sum up, while parents’ concerns are understandable, the health of the whole community is very important. Governments should educate people about vaccine safety and benefits to help everyone understand why they are necessary.
(Word count: 234)
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates good control of language with some limitations:
Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the development of ideas is less thorough than the Band 8-9 essay.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated.
Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used, but it lacks the precision and sophistication of higher band scores.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence structures is used, with generally good control. Some minor errors may be present but do not impede communication.
Critical Thinking: The essay presents relevant ideas but lacks the depth of analysis seen in higher band scores.
Public education campaign on childhood vaccinations
Key Vocabulary
- Mandatory (adjective) – /ˈmændətɔːri/ – required by law or rules
- Immunization (noun) – /ɪˌmjuːnaɪˈzeɪʃn/ – the process of making a person immune to infection
- Herd immunity (noun phrase) – /hɜːd ɪˈmjuːnəti/ – protection from disease due to a large portion of the population being immune
- Eradicate (verb) – /ɪˈrædɪkeɪt/ – to completely get rid of something
- Contraindication (noun) – /ˌkɒntrəˌɪndɪˈkeɪʃn/ – a condition that makes a particular treatment inadvisable
- Efficacy (noun) – /ˈefɪkəsi/ – the ability to produce a desired result
- Paramount (adjective) – /ˈpærəmaʊnt/ – more important than anything else
Conclusion
The topic of mandatory childhood vaccinations is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. 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 structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion.