Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-07-29

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)

In recent years, an increasing number of ill people prefer alternative medicines and treatments over conventional medical treatments. This trend may have some positive sides but they are insignificant compared to its negative side. Therefore, I strongly believe that it is a negative development.

Alternative medicines and treatments are often not backed by scientific evidence. Many of these treatments are based on ancient practices or anecdotal evidence, and therefore their effectiveness and safety are not guaranteed. Patients who opt for such treatments risk their health and well-being by avoiding treatments that are proven to work. For instance, some people who opt for alternative medicines for chronic illnesses like cancer may put their health at risk.

Moreover, the use of alternative medicines can result in delays in receiving proper medical care. In some cases, patients choose to forego or delay necessary medical treatments in favour of alternative options, which can result in the progression of their illness or condition. This can lead to complications, higher medical costs, and even death in severe cases. An example of the negative impact of relying solely on alternative medicines is the case of Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Inc. Jobs was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He initially chose to rely on alternative medicine and delayed conventional medical treatment. By the time he eventually sought medical intervention, it was too late.

In conclusion, while the use of alternative medicines and treatments may seem like an appealing option for some and its popularity is increasing, it is ultimately a negative development. It is therefore essential to educate the public on the risks associated with alternative treatments and to prioritize the use of evidence-based medical treatments.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses the prompt by taking a clear position that the trend is negative. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the argument regarding the lack of scientific evidence and the potential for delayed medical intervention. The inclusion of the Steve Jobs example provides a concrete, relevant illustration that strengthens the argument significantly. The position is maintained consistently throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively summarizes the main points. The response meets all requirements of the task, providing a logical and persuasive argument.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the progression of ideas is smooth. Cohesive devices such as 'Moreover', 'For instance', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to link sentences and paragraphs. The referencing is clear, and the flow of the argument is easy to follow. The paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points, contributing to the overall coherence of the piece.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for an academic task. The student uses terms like 'conventional medical treatments', 'anecdotal evidence', 'forego', and 'evidence-based' accurately. While the range is solid, it could be further enhanced by incorporating more sophisticated collocations or less common academic vocabulary to reach the highest band. However, the current usage is precise, and there are no errors in word choice that impede communication or cause confusion.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay demonstrates a good command of grammatical structures. There is a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as 'Patients who opt for such treatments risk their health and well-being by avoiding treatments that are proven to work.' The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is used correctly throughout. The control over complex structures is consistent, and there are no significant grammatical errors that distract the reader or affect the clarity of the argument.

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