The topic of mandatory vaccinations for schoolchildren is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on past exam trends and current global health concerns, it’s likely to remain a relevant and frequently appearing subject. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays for different band scores, focusing on the following question that has appeared in recent IELTS tests:
Some people believe that all children should be vaccinated against common diseases as a way to prevent illness. Others think that this practice is unnecessary and even dangerous. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for mandatory vaccinations
- Explore reasons against compulsory immunization
- Provide a personal 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.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Immunization has been a cornerstone of public health for decades, dramatically reducing the incidence of many life-threatening diseases. However, the debate over mandatory vaccinations for children has intensified in recent years. This essay will examine both sides of this contentious issue before presenting my own perspective.
Proponents of compulsory vaccination argue that it is essential for protecting not only individual children but also the wider community. They contend that high vaccination rates create ‘herd immunity’, which safeguards vulnerable individuals who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons. Moreover, advocates emphasize the proven safety and efficacy of vaccines, citing numerous scientific studies that demonstrate their benefits far outweigh any potential risks. From an economic standpoint, they also argue that preventing diseases through vaccination is far more cost-effective than treating outbreaks.
On the other hand, opponents of mandatory vaccination often cite concerns about personal freedom and parental rights. They argue that forcing individuals to undergo medical procedures violates bodily autonomy and infringes on civil liberties. Some skeptics also question the safety of vaccines, pointing to rare but serious side effects and alleging links to developmental disorders, despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting these claims. Additionally, there are those who believe that natural immunity acquired through contracting diseases is preferable to vaccine-induced immunity.
In my opinion, while I respect the importance of individual freedom, the overwhelming scientific consensus and public health benefits of vaccination make a compelling case for mandatory immunization programs for schoolchildren. The right to personal choice must be balanced against the collective right to a safe and healthy society. However, I believe that any mandatory program should include provisions for legitimate medical exemptions and be implemented with transparency and public education to address concerns and build trust.
In conclusion, the debate over mandatory vaccinations is complex, involving issues of public health, personal freedom, and scientific understanding. While both sides present valid concerns, the proven benefits of widespread immunization in preventing serious diseases and protecting vulnerable populations lead me to support carefully implemented mandatory vaccination programs for schoolchildren.
(Word count: 339)
Debate on mandatory vaccinations for schoolchildren
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that justify a high band score:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly presenting a personal opinion. It provides well-developed arguments and relevant examples.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. It uses a variety of cohesive devices effectively (e.g., “However,” “Moreover,” “On the other hand”) and demonstrates excellent paragraph structure.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control (e.g., “cornerstone,” “contentious,” “herd immunity,” “safeguards,” “efficacy”). There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a wide range of grammatical structures with full flexibility and accuracy. It demonstrates consistent control of complex sentences without any noticeable errors.
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Critical Thinking: The essay shows depth of critical thinking by considering multiple perspectives, including economic and social implications, and balancing individual rights against collective welfare.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The question of whether all children should be vaccinated against common diseases is a topic of much debate. This essay will discuss both sides of this issue and give my opinion.
Those who support mandatory vaccinations for children argue that it is important for public health. They say that vaccines have been proven to prevent many serious diseases and save lives. When most children are vaccinated, it helps to protect the whole community, including people who cannot get vaccines for medical reasons. Supporters also point out that vaccines are tested for safety and that serious side effects are very rare.
On the other hand, some people believe that forcing children to be vaccinated is wrong. They argue that parents should have the right to decide what medical treatments their children receive. Some parents worry about the safety of vaccines and believe that they might cause other health problems, even though most doctors say this is not true. There are also people who think that getting diseases naturally is better for building a strong immune system.
In my opinion, I think that vaccinating children against common diseases is very important. While I understand the concerns of parents who are worried about vaccine safety, I believe that the benefits of vaccination for both individuals and society are much greater than the risks. However, I also think that governments and health authorities should work harder to educate people about vaccine safety and address their concerns.
To conclude, although there are arguments on both sides, I believe that the evidence strongly supports the use of vaccines to protect children and communities from dangerous diseases. It is important to balance individual rights with the need to protect public health.
(Word count: 295)
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates good qualities that justify a band score of 6-7:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting both viewpoints and offering a personal opinion. However, the ideas could be more fully developed with more specific examples or details.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear progression. It uses some cohesive devices, but not always with complete accuracy or sophistication. Paragraphing is logical.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary (e.g., “mandatory,” “public health”), but with occasional inaccuracy. Word forms are generally controlled.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. There are no major grammatical errors that impede communication, but there is a lack of more sophisticated structures that would be expected for a higher band score.
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Critical Thinking: The essay shows some evidence of critical thinking by considering different perspectives. However, the analysis could be deeper and more nuanced.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Immunization (noun) – /ɪˌmjuːnaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – the process of making a person or animal immune to infection, typically by inoculation.
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Mandatory (adjective) – /ˈmændətɔːri/ – required by law or rules; compulsory.
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Herd immunity (noun) – /hɜːd ɪˈmjuːnɪti/ – the resistance to the spread of a contagious disease within a population that results if a sufficiently high proportion of individuals are immune to the disease.
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Efficacy (noun) – /ˈefɪkəsi/ – the ability to produce a desired or intended result.
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Autonomy (noun) – /ɔːˈtɒnəmi/ – the right or condition of self-government; freedom from external control or influence.
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Skeptic (noun) – /ˈskeptɪk/ – a person inclined to question or doubt accepted opinions.
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Consensus (noun) – /kənˈsensəs/ – a general agreement.
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Provision (noun) – /prəˈvɪʒən/ – a condition or requirement in a legal document.
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Transparency (noun) – /trænsˈpærənsi/ – the quality of being open and honest; lack of hidden agendas or conditions.
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Contentious (adjective) – /kənˈtenʃəs/ – causing or likely to cause disagreement; controversial.
Child receiving a vaccination
In conclusion, the topic of mandatory vaccinations for schoolchildren is a complex and often contentious issue that requires careful consideration of public health, individual rights, and scientific evidence. As you practice writing essays on this topic, remember to address all parts of the question, provide balanced arguments, and clearly state your own opinion.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of government in public health decisions
- Balancing individual freedom and societal welfare in healthcare policies
- The impact of social media on public perceptions of vaccination
We encourage you to write your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This is an excellent way to practice and improve your IELTS Writing Task 2 skills. Remember to aim for a well-structured essay with clear arguments, appropriate vocabulary, and a range of grammatical structures.
