IELTS Writing Task 2: Vaccination (Problem Solution) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers
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The Prompt
IELTS Writing Task 2 (Academic & General Training) - 2026 Format
Some people believe that vaccination is necessary for children, while others argue that it can cause health problems. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Task Type: Problem-Solution (Opinion) Word Count: 250+ words Time Allocation: 40 minutes
Model Answers
Band 6.0 Answer
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a relevant position but with some limitations in addressing the task requirements.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Ideas are logically organized but with some repetition and lack of clear progression.
- Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Uses some less common vocabulary but with some errors and limited range.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms but with frequent errors.
Answer:
Vaccination is a big topic today. Some people think it is good for kids, but others say it can make them sick. I think vaccination is important.
The first reason is that vaccines stop diseases. In the past, many children got sick and died. Now, with vaccines, this happens less. For example, polio was a big problem, but now it is almost gone because of vaccines. Also, vaccines help not just one person but everyone. If most people are vaccinated, diseases cannot spread easily.
But some people say vaccines can cause problems. They think vaccines can make children sick or have bad effects later. Some parents choose not to vaccinate their kids because they are scared. However, scientists say these problems are very rare. The benefits of vaccines are much bigger than the small risks.
In conclusion, I believe vaccination is very important. It protects children and helps everyone stay healthy. Parents should vaccinate their kids to keep them safe.
Band 7.0 Answer
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively but with some less common ones used inaccurately.
- Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items but some errors in word choice and collocation.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent but not persistent errors.
Answer:
The issue of vaccination for children has sparked considerable debate. While some advocate for its necessity, others express concerns about potential health risks. I firmly believe that the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks.
On one hand, vaccines play a crucial role in preventing diseases. Historically, vaccines have significantly reduced the incidence of deadly illnesses such as measles, mumps, and polio. For instance, the introduction of the measles vaccine has led to a dramatic decline in measles-related deaths worldwide. Moreover, vaccination not only protects individuals but also contributes to herd immunity, safeguarding those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons.
On the other hand, some individuals argue that vaccines can have adverse effects. They point to rare cases of allergic reactions or long-term health issues as evidence of the potential dangers. Additionally, some parents prefer natural immunity, believing that exposure to diseases without vaccination builds stronger immunity. However, these concerns are often based on misinformation or anecdotal evidence rather than scientific consensus.
In conclusion, while it is understandable that some parents have reservations about vaccination, the overwhelming evidence supports its efficacy and safety. Governments and health organizations should continue to promote vaccination programs to ensure the health and well-being of future generations.
Band 8.0 Answer
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas, and presents a clear problem-solution structure.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively with a clear progression of ideas.
- Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items used appropriately.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with occasional errors but minimal effect on communication.
Answer:
The debate surrounding childhood vaccination has intensified in recent years, with proponents emphasizing its necessity and detractors highlighting potential health risks. I firmly believe that vaccination is a critical public health measure that should be widely adopted.
One of the primary benefits of vaccination is its role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Vaccines have been instrumental in eradicating or significantly reducing the incidence of diseases such as smallpox, polio, and measles. For example, the global polio eradication initiative, spearheaded by the World Health Organization, has led to a 99% reduction in polio cases since 1988. Furthermore, vaccination programs have contributed to herd immunity, protecting vulnerable populations who cannot be vaccinated due to age or medical conditions.
However, some individuals express concerns about the safety of vaccines. They argue that vaccines can cause adverse reactions, ranging from mild symptoms such as fever and swelling to more severe complications like allergic reactions. Additionally, some parents prefer natural immunity, believing that exposure to diseases without vaccination builds stronger immunity. While these concerns are valid, they are often based on anecdotal evidence or misinformation. Scientific studies have consistently demonstrated the safety and efficacy of vaccines, with the benefits far outweighing the risks.
To address these concerns, governments and health organizations should invest in public education campaigns to dispel myths and misconceptions about vaccines. Additionally, they should ensure that vaccines are readily available and affordable, particularly in low-income communities where access to healthcare may be limited. By promoting vaccination programs and addressing public concerns, we can protect the health and well-being of future generations.
Band 9.0 Answer
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas, and presents a clear problem-solution structure with insightful examples.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively with a clear progression of ideas and sophisticated use of cohesive devices.
- Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with less common lexical items used appropriately and naturally.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with minimal errors and a high degree of sophistication.
Answer:
The contentious issue of childhood vaccination has garnered significant attention in recent years, with proponents advocating for its necessity and detractors citing potential health risks. I firmly believe that vaccination is a critical public health measure that should be widely adopted to safeguard the well-being of future generations.
One of the most compelling arguments in favor of vaccination is its proven efficacy in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Vaccines have been instrumental in eradicating or significantly reducing the incidence of diseases such as smallpox, polio, and measles. For instance, the global polio eradication initiative, spearheaded by the World Health Organization, has led to a 99% reduction in polio cases since 1988. Furthermore, vaccination programs have contributed to herd immunity, protecting vulnerable populations who cannot be vaccinated due to age or medical conditions. By ensuring that a significant proportion of the population is immunized, we can effectively curb the transmission of diseases and prevent outbreaks.
However, some individuals express concerns about the safety of vaccines. They argue that vaccines can cause adverse reactions, ranging from mild symptoms such as fever and swelling to more severe complications like allergic reactions. Additionally, some parents prefer natural immunity, believing that exposure to diseases without vaccination builds stronger immunity. While these concerns are valid, they are often based on anecdotal evidence or misinformation. Scientific studies have consistently demonstrated the safety and efficacy of vaccines, with the benefits far outweighing the risks. To address these concerns, governments and health organizations should invest in public education campaigns to dispel myths and misconceptions about vaccines. Additionally, they should ensure that vaccines are readily available and affordable, particularly in low-income communities where access to healthcare may be limited.
In conclusion, while it is understandable that some parents have reservations about vaccination, the overwhelming evidence supports its efficacy and safety. Governments and health organizations should continue to promote vaccination programs to ensure the health and well-being of future generations. By doing so, we can protect our children from preventable diseases and build a healthier, more resilient society.
Vocabulary Highlights
- Advocate (verb) - to support or argue for a cause or policy. Collocation: advocate for vaccination, advocate for change
- Detractor (noun) - a person who disparages someone or something. Collocation: vaccine detractors, political detractors
- Eradicate (verb) - to remove or destroy completely. Collocation: eradicate diseases, eradicate poverty
- Infectious (adjective) - capable of being transmitted by infection. Collocation: infectious diseases, infectious enthusiasm
- Instrumental (adjective) - serving as a means or aid. Collocation: instrumental in success, instrumental in change
- Misinformation (noun) - false or inaccurate information, especially that which is deliberately intended to deceive. Collocation: spread misinformation, combat misinformation
- Outweigh (verb) - to be greater in number, amount, or importance. Collocation: outweigh the risks, outweigh the benefits
- Proponent (noun) - a person who advocates for a cause or policy. Collocation: vaccine proponents, policy proponents
- Resilient (adjective) - able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions. Collocation: resilient society, resilient individuals
- Spearhead (verb) - to lead or initiate a movement or project. Collocation: spearhead a campaign, spearhead a project
- Transmission (noun) - the process of passing something on. Collocation: disease transmission, data transmission
- Vulnerable (adjective) - susceptible to being harmed or attacked. Collocation: vulnerable populations, vulnerable individuals
- Well-being (noun) - the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy. Collocation: promote well-being, ensure well-being
- Anecdotal (adjective) - (of evidence or information) based on personal experience or hearsay rather than on proof or research. Collocation: anecdotal evidence, anecdotal information
- Consensus (noun) - a general agreement or collective opinion. Collocation: scientific consensus, public consensus
- Dispel (verb) - to make (a doubt, fear, or false impression) disappear. Collocation: dispel myths, dispel fears
- Incidence (noun) - the occurrence, rate, or frequency of something. Collocation: incidence of disease, incidence of crime
- Preventable (adjective) - able to be prevented. Collocation: preventable diseases, preventable accidents
- Significant (adjective) - sufficiently great or important to be worthy of attention. Collocation: significant reduction, significant impact
- Sophisticated (adjective) - having, showing, or involving a great deal of worldly experience and knowledge. Collocation: sophisticated use, sophisticated technology
Common Mistakes
- Lack of Clear Structure: Many students fail to present a clear problem-solution structure, leading to a disjointed and confusing essay. Ensure that each paragraph addresses a specific aspect of the problem or solution.
- Overgeneralization: Some students make broad, unsupported claims without providing specific examples or evidence. Always support your arguments with relevant examples and data.
- Repetition: Repetition of ideas and vocabulary can make your essay seem less sophisticated. Use a wide range of vocabulary and vary your sentence structures.
- Poor Time Management: Many students spend too much time on the introduction or conclusion, leaving insufficient time to develop their main arguments. Allocate your time effectively to ensure that each part of your essay is well-developed.
- Ignoring the Task Requirements: Some students fail to address both sides of the argument or provide a clear opinion. Make sure to discuss both views and present a clear position.
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