The topic of banning prescription drug advertisements is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. It falls under the broader category of health and marketing ethics, which has been a popular subject in recent years. Based on past exam trends and current societal concerns, there’s a high probability that this topic will continue to appear in future IELTS tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in previous IELTS exams:
Some people think that advertisements for prescription drugs should be banned. Others think that these advertisements are useful for consumers. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for banning prescription drug advertisements
- Discuss arguments in favor of allowing these advertisements
- Provide their own opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score. Let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-band response.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In recent years, the debate over whether to prohibit advertisements for prescription medications has intensified, with valid arguments on both sides. While some argue that such ads should be banned due to potential risks, others contend that they provide valuable information to consumers. In my opinion, while there are merits to both viewpoints, the potential dangers of prescription drug advertisements outweigh their benefits.
Those in favor of banning these advertisements argue that they can lead to self-diagnosis and inappropriate use of medications. Prescription drugs are potent substances that should only be taken under medical supervision. Advertisements may oversimplify complex medical conditions and encourage people to pressure their doctors for specific medications, even when they may not be the best treatment option. Moreover, these ads often downplay potential side effects while exaggerating benefits, potentially misleading consumers about the risks involved.
On the other hand, proponents of prescription drug advertising claim that it empowers patients by providing them with information about available treatments. They argue that informed patients are more likely to seek medical advice for conditions they might otherwise ignore. Additionally, these advertisements can raise awareness about certain health issues, prompting people to discuss concerns with their healthcare providers. This increased dialogue between patients and doctors could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of various conditions.
However, I believe that the risks associated with prescription drug advertisements outweigh their potential benefits. The primary source of medical information should be healthcare professionals, not marketing campaigns. While raising awareness about health issues is important, this can be achieved through public health initiatives rather than commercial advertising. Furthermore, the financial interests of pharmaceutical companies may conflict with providing truly unbiased information to consumers.
In conclusion, while prescription drug advertisements may offer some benefits in terms of patient awareness, the potential for misinformation and inappropriate medication use is too great to ignore. Therefore, I support stricter regulation or outright banning of these advertisements to protect public health and ensure that medical decisions are based on professional advice rather than marketing tactics.
(Word count: 329)
Prescription drug advertisements pros and cons
Explanation of Band 8-9 Score
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the question, discussing both viewpoints and clearly stating the writer’s opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. It uses a variety of cohesive devices effectively (e.g., “On the other hand”, “However”, “Moreover”).
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “prohibit”, “contend”, “oversimplify”, “downplay”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly (e.g., complex sentences, passive voice, conditional statements).
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Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with clear reasoning and relevant examples.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The topic of banning advertisements for prescription drugs is a controversial one. Some people think these ads should not be allowed, while others believe they are helpful for consumers. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who want to ban prescription drug ads say they can be dangerous. These ads might make people think they need medicines they don’t really need. Sometimes, people might try to diagnose themselves instead of going to a doctor. Also, the ads might not tell the whole truth about side effects, which could be harmful.
On the other hand, some people think these ads are useful. They say that the ads can teach people about new treatments for diseases. This information might help people talk to their doctors about problems they have. The ads can also remind people to take care of their health and see a doctor regularly.
In my opinion, I think prescription drug ads should be allowed, but with more rules. It’s important for people to know about new medicines, but the ads should be very clear about risks and side effects. Doctors should still be the main source of information about medicines, not TV commercials or magazine ads.
To conclude, while there are good arguments on both sides, I believe that prescription drug ads can be helpful if they are carefully controlled. The most important thing is to make sure people get accurate information about their health and medicines.
(Word count: 253)
Explanation of Band 6-7 Score
This essay demonstrates competence in several areas but lacks the sophistication of a higher band score:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the question, but the discussion of each viewpoint is less developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is less varied and sophisticated (e.g., frequent use of “Also” and “On the other hand”).
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate but less precise and varied compared to the higher band essay (e.g., repeated use of “ads” instead of alternatives like “advertisements” or “commercials”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences but with less flexibility and range than the Band 8-9 essay.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are presented clearly but with less depth and nuance compared to the higher band essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Prescription (noun) /prɪˈskrɪpʃən/ – An instruction written by a medical practitioner that authorizes a patient to be issued with a medicine or treatment.
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Advertisement (noun) /ədˈvɜːtɪsmənt/ – A notice or announcement in a public medium promoting a product, service, or event.
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Self-diagnosis (noun) /ˌselfˌdaɪəɡˈnoʊsɪs/ – The process of diagnosing one’s own medical condition without professional medical consultation.
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Oversimplify (verb) /ˌoʊvərˈsɪmplɪfaɪ/ – To simplify something so much that a distorted impression of it is given.
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Downplay (verb) /ˈdaʊnpleɪ/ – To minimize the significance of; play down.
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Empower (verb) /ɪmˈpaʊər/ – To give (someone) the authority or power to do something.
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Misinformation (noun) /ˌmɪsɪnfərˈmeɪʃən/ – False or inaccurate information, especially that which is deliberately intended to deceive.
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Proponent (noun) /prəˈpoʊnənt/ – A person who advocates for or supports a theory, proposal, or course of action.
Regulation of prescription drug advertisements
Conclusion
The topic of banning prescription drug advertisements is a complex and nuanced issue that requires careful consideration of multiple perspectives. As demonstrated in the sample essays, a high-scoring response will thoroughly analyze both viewpoints, provide well-reasoned arguments, and express a clear personal opinion supported by evidence.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of social media in promoting health awareness
- The ethical implications of direct-to-consumer genetic testing advertisements
- The impact of health product marketing on public health outcomes
Remember to focus on developing a clear structure, using a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and providing well-reasoned arguments supported by relevant examples. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.
