Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-07-24

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Nowadays, a growing number of people with health problems are trying alternative medicines and treatments instead of visiting their usual doctor.

Do you think this is a positive or a negative development?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 8.5)

Alternative treatments such as Ayurveda and Homeopathy are on a growing trend and are capturing the interest of many. While there are some merits to this, including the non-invasive treatment practices favoured by patients, I personally believe this is a negative development solely because of the lack of scientific evidence and the questionable success rates of these practices.

On the one hand, proponents of alternative medicine argue that these treatments offer a holistic and patient-centric approach that conventional medicine often lacks. Unlike invasive surgeries or pharmaceuticals with harsh side effects, Ayurveda and Homeopathy rely on natural remedies and lifestyle adjustments, which many patients find appealing and psychologically comforting. Furthermore, these practices often provide personalized care, with practitioners spending considerable time understanding a patient's overall well-being rather than merely treating a specific symptom. For individuals with chronic conditions such as arthritis or migraines, where modern medicine offers limited relief, these alternative therapies can provide a sense of hope and control over their health.

However, despite these perceived benefits, I remain firmly convinced that the growing reliance on alternative medicine is a dangerous trend. The primary issue lies in the alarming absence of rigorous, peer-reviewed scientific evidence to support the efficacy of Ayurvedic and Homeopathic remedies. While modern pharmaceuticals undergo decades of clinical trials to verify their safety and dosage, alternative treatments often rely on anecdotal testimonies and centuries-old traditions that have never been subjected to modern scientific scrutiny. Moreover, the success rates attributed to these practices are frequently exaggerated. In many cases, patients may experience a placebo effect, where their belief in the treatment leads to perceived improvement, rather than any actual physiological change. This false sense of security can be fatal, as patients may delay seeking proven medical interventions for serious conditions like cancer or heart disease, allowing their illnesses to progress to untreatable stages.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly stated your position in the introduction and maintained it consistently throughout the essay. The arguments are well-developed, particularly the distinction between the psychological comfort of alternative medicine and the potential dangers of delaying evidence-based treatment. You have provided relevant examples and logical reasoning to support your stance. The ideas are extended and supported effectively, meeting the requirements for a high band score by providing a balanced view before firmly justifying your negative assessment.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the counter-argument and your own position is smooth. You use a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'On the one hand', 'Furthermore', and 'However', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the response. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, and the flow of information is natural and coherent throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases such as 'non-invasive treatment practices', 'rigorous, peer-reviewed scientific evidence', and 'false sense of security' show a sophisticated command of language. You successfully use less common lexical items to convey complex ideas accurately. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is well-suited to the academic tone of the task. The language is natural and contributes significantly to the overall quality of the writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of complex grammatical structures, including conditional sentences, relative clauses, and participial phrases. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and you demonstrate excellent control over punctuation and syntax. For instance, the sentence 'While modern pharmaceuticals undergo decades of clinical trials to verify their safety and dosage, alternative treatments often rely on anecdotal testimonies...' is complex and perfectly constructed. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and your control over tense and agreement is consistent throughout the text.

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