GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 205
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no special knowledge of the following topic.
Many childhood diseases can now be prevented through the use of vaccines.
Should parents be made by law to immunise their children against common diseases or should individuals have the right to choose not to immunise their children?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1:
Compulsory vaccination for children is at the forefront of national debates and is driving political discourse. Many argue that parents should have the right to opt out of the ‘child immunization program’, whereas others demand that laws should be introduced to make immunization mandatory. In this case, I believe that authorities should draw the line between public health and civil liberty, but for the sake of the next generation, child vaccination should be made mandatory.
There are many compelling reasons why authorities should enact mandatory childhood immunization laws to stop the spread of preventable diseases. First, vaccines can boost children’s immune systems to combat many serious diseases, thus eradicating those severe diseases. A case in point is polio. It was once the most-feared disease, causing death and paralysis around the world, but today, there are no reports of polio in many countries like the USA. Furthermore, vaccination can protect our future generation. Vaccines, in many cases, can eliminate many diseases that severely disabled or killed people just a few generations ago. A very good example here is smallpox. Nowadays, there is no need to get shots of the smallpox vaccine because the disease no longer exists. Thus, vaccination ought to be statutory.
On the other hand, some claim that vaccination can turn deadly for some children. But the reality is that this percentage is ignorable. They also express that each child is born with different genes, a unique microbiome and epigenetic qualities that determine how he or she responds to the environment in which he or she lives. Therefore, children do not all respond in the same manner to contagious diseases or pharmaceutical products for example vaccines. Besides, their belief goes on that governments should not infringe on the parental right to make medical decisions for their children, thus undermining civil liberty.
To conclude, a mandatory vaccination policy for children ensures a better future not only for us but for our future generations. In my opinion, however, it is difficult to force all parents. So it is expected that parents would spontaneously vaccinate their children.
Model Answer 2:
The issue of childhood immunization is a subject of intense debate, with some advocating for compulsory immunization and others arguing for individual choice in the matter. In my opinion, parents should be obliged to immunize their children against common and deadly diseases to protect not only their own children but also the broader community. This essay will outline the reasons supporting mandatory immunization and provide examples to strengthen the argument.
Firstly, immunization is a crucial public health measure that has proven to be highly effective in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. By ensuring a high vaccination rate within the population, herd immunity is achieved, providing protection to vulnerable individuals who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons. This includes newborns, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems. For instance, the global eradication of diseases like smallpox and the near-elimination of polio are clear demonstrations of the effectiveness of widespread immunization efforts.
Secondly, the decision not to immunize a child can have serious consequences, both for the child and the community. Vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles, mumps, and whooping cough, can lead to severe complications and even death. Failure to immunize not only puts the unvaccinated child at risk but also exposes others who may come into contact with them, including infants, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases have occurred in communities with low vaccination rates, highlighting the potential danger posed by the choice to forgo immunization. To illustrate the significance of immunization, consider the case of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. This vaccine protects against several strains of HPV that can cause cervical cancer. By immunizing young girls and boys, countries like Australia have witnessed a significant decline in HPV-related diseases, leading to a reduction in cervical cancer rates.
In conclusion, parents should be obliged to immunize their children against common and deadly diseases. The benefits of immunization extend beyond individual health, protecting vulnerable populations and contributing to the overall well-being of society.
Many people are against compulsory vaccination for children as they believe that the government should not force parents to vaccinate their children against their wishes. Others consider that vaccination should be mandatory as it prevents many deadly and contagious diseases, and thus ensures a healthy nation. The writer supports mandatory vaccination for all children through legislation around the globe.
Those who are against compulsory vaccination for children often point to the fact that some vaccines against diseases might be created in a hurry and are not carefully tested. So, some children, who might possess some inborn health issues, hidden from parents and doctors, might show unexcepted reactions to various chemical compounds that are used in modern vaccines. They also point out that when vaccination is made compulsory, the parents lose their freedom to decide whether to vaccinate their children or rely on the natural immune system. Nevertheless, we must not make such mistakes and ensure mandatory vaccination for all children around the globe which will save billions of lives.
The majority of the global population today live in developing and underdeveloped countries, where most adults fail to understand the significance of vaccinations for children. This is why their government should deal with the vaccination programmes. Without making laws to make it mandatory, it seems like an impossible target to fulfil. In this case, mandatory vaccination should be enacted by the laws-makers and supported by the WHO and healthcare staff. In contrast, if the government allows parents to choose, they might opt to not vaccinate their children and make the whole initiative a failure project.
In conclusion, without the obligatory vaccination programmes launched by the government, everyone will be at risk, and our next generation will suffer to a great extent. So, for the greater good of the planet, mandatory vaccination should be in place in all countries.