The topic of “the role of public health campaigns in combating disease” is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on analysis of past exams and current trends, this subject is likely to appear frequently in future tests. Its relevance to global health issues makes it a prime candidate for examination. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays and in-depth analysis.
Analyzing the Task
Let’s consider the following IELTS Writing Task 2 question:
Some people believe that public health campaigns are an effective way to combat diseases, while others think they have little impact. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the effectiveness of public health campaigns in combating diseases
- Present arguments for and against their impact
- Provide your personal opinion on the matter
Now, let’s examine three sample essays of varying quality, representing different band scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Public health campaigns have long been a cornerstone of disease prevention and control strategies worldwide. While some argue that these initiatives are highly effective in combating diseases, others contend that their impact is minimal. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of public health campaigns assert that these initiatives play a crucial role in disease prevention and control. Firstly, these campaigns raise awareness about various health issues, educating the public about symptoms, transmission methods, and preventive measures. For instance, anti-smoking campaigns have significantly reduced tobacco use in many countries by highlighting its harmful effects. Secondly, well-executed public health campaigns can lead to behavioral changes, encouraging healthier lifestyles and reducing disease incidence. The success of hand-washing campaigns during the COVID-19 pandemic exemplifies how such initiatives can effectively alter public behavior to combat disease spread.
On the other hand, critics argue that public health campaigns have limited impact due to several factors. One primary concern is that these campaigns often fail to reach or resonate with certain demographic groups, particularly those most at risk. For example, anti-obesity campaigns may not effectively target low-income communities with limited access to healthy food options. Additionally, some argue that the short-term nature of many campaigns fails to create lasting behavioral changes, rendering them ineffective in the long run. The cyclical nature of flu vaccination campaigns, which require annual renewal, could be seen as evidence of this limitation.
In my opinion, while public health campaigns may face challenges in implementation and long-term effectiveness, they remain a vital tool in disease prevention and control. The key lies in designing comprehensive, culturally sensitive campaigns that address not only individual behaviors but also systemic factors contributing to health issues. By combining education with policy changes and infrastructure improvements, public health campaigns can have a more profound and lasting impact on population health.
In conclusion, public health campaigns, despite their limitations, play an indispensable role in combating diseases. Their effectiveness can be significantly enhanced through careful planning, targeted messaging, and integration with broader health initiatives.
(Word count: 329)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
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 stating the writer’s opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices (e.g., “Firstly,” “Secondly,” “On the other hand”).
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is sophisticated and precise (e.g., “cornerstone,” “contend,” “exemplifies,” “resonates”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and appropriately.
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Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Public health campaigns are often used to fight diseases, but people have different opinions about how well they work. Some think they are very effective, while others believe they don’t do much. I will discuss both sides and give my own thoughts.
Those who support public health campaigns say they are important for stopping diseases. These campaigns teach people about health problems and how to avoid them. For example, campaigns about not smoking have helped many people quit smoking in some countries. Also, campaigns can make people change their habits to be healthier. We saw this with hand-washing during COVID-19, which helped stop the virus from spreading.
However, some people think public health campaigns don’t work very well. They say that these campaigns often miss important groups of people who need the information most. For instance, campaigns about eating healthy might not help poor people who can’t buy expensive healthy food. Another problem is that some campaigns only work for a short time and don’t change people’s behavior forever. This can be seen with flu shot campaigns that need to be done every year.
I believe that public health campaigns are useful for fighting diseases, but they need to be done well. It’s important to make campaigns that everyone can understand and that deal with all the reasons why people might be unhealthy. If campaigns are planned carefully and combined with other health efforts, they can be very effective.
In conclusion, while public health campaigns have some problems, they are still important for stopping diseases. To make them work better, they should be planned carefully and used along with other ways to improve health.
(Word count: 279)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates good qualities but has some limitations:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the ideas are less fully 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 sophisticated.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is appropriate but less varied and precise compared to the higher band essay.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences but with less variety than the Band 8-9 essay.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are relevant but less fully extended and supported than in the higher band essay.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Public health campaigns are used to fight diseases. Some people think they work well, but others don’t agree. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
People who like public health campaigns say they are good. They teach people about health problems. For example, campaigns about smoking help people stop smoking. They also make people do healthy things. Like washing hands during COVID-19.
But some people think these campaigns are not good. They say the campaigns don’t reach everyone. Poor people might not get help from healthy eating campaigns. Also, some campaigns only work for a short time. People might forget about them quickly.
I think public health campaigns can be good, but they need to be done better. They should be made so everyone can understand them. If they are done well, they can help stop diseases.
In conclusion, public health campaigns have good and bad points. They can be useful if they are done the right way.
(Word count: 146)
Analysis of Band 5-6 Essay
This essay demonstrates basic abilities but has significant limitations:
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Task Response: The essay addresses the task but in a very simple and limited way.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The structure is visible but very basic, with limited use of cohesive devices.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is simple and repetitive, with limited range.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses mostly simple sentences with little variety.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are present but underdeveloped and lack specific details or examples.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Public health campaign (noun) /ˌpʌblɪk helθ kæmˈpeɪn/: Organized efforts to promote health awareness and prevent diseases.
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Effectiveness (noun) /ɪˈfektɪvnəs/: The degree to which something is successful in producing a desired result.
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Prevention (noun) /prɪˈvenʃn/: The action of stopping something from happening or arising.
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Awareness (noun) /əˈweərnəs/: Knowledge or perception of a situation or fact.
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Behavioral change (noun) /bɪˈheɪvjərəl tʃeɪndʒ/: Alteration of how people act or conduct themselves.
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Demographic (noun) /ˌdeməˈɡræfɪk/: A particular sector of a population.
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Resonates (verb) /ˈrezəneɪts/: Evokes a feeling of shared emotion or belief.
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Systemic (adjective) /sɪˈstemɪk/: Relating to a system, especially as opposed to a particular part.
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Comprehensive (adjective) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/: Including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.
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Indispensable (adjective) /ˌɪndɪˈspensəbl/: Absolutely necessary.
In conclusion, the topic of public health campaigns and their role in combating diseases is a significant one in IELTS Writing Task 2. As we’ve seen through these sample essays, the key to success lies in addressing all aspects of the question, providing relevant examples, and expressing ideas clearly and coherently.
For further practice, consider writing your own essay on this topic or related ones such as:
- The role of social media in public health awareness campaigns
- The effectiveness of government-funded health initiatives versus private sector health programs
- The impact of public health campaigns on lifestyle diseases
Remember, practice is crucial in improving your writing skills. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!