Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-07-31

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 people have chosen alternative medicines and therapies rather than seeking treatment from conventional medical practitioners. Although some forms of alternative medicine may provide relief for minor conditions or improve overall well-being, I believe this trend is largely a negative development because it can delay effective treatment and expose patients to unproven or even harmful remedies.

One major concern is that many alternative treatments lack strong scientific evidence. Unlike conventional medicine, which is thoroughly tested through clinical trials and subject to strict regulation, many alternative therapies have not been proven to be safe or effective. Consequently, patients who rely solely on these methods may allow serious illnesses to worsen before receiving appropriate medical care. For example, a person with cancer or heart disease who chooses herbal remedies instead of evidence-based treatment may significantly reduce their chances of recovery.

Furthermore, self-diagnosis and self-medication have become increasingly common due to the abundance of health information available online. Unfortunately, not all of this information is reliable. Many individuals are influenced by advertisements or personal testimonials rather than medical advice, leading them to spend considerable amounts of money on ineffective treatments. In some cases, these products may even interact negatively with prescribed medication, creating additional health risks.

Nevertheless, alternative medicine should not be dismissed entirely. Certain therapies, such as acupuncture, yoga, and meditation, have been shown to relieve stress, reduce chronic pain, and improve mental well-being when used alongside conventional treatment. In this complementary role, they can enhance patients’ quality of life without replacing professional medical care.

In conclusion, although alternative therapies may offer benefits for managing minor conditions or supporting overall health, replacing qualified doctors with unverified treatments is generally a negative development. Conventional medicine should remain the primary approach to diagnosing and treating disease, while alternative methods should be used only as complementary therapies under appropriate medical guidance.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have taken a clear position from the introduction, arguing that the trend is largely negative, and you maintain this stance consistently throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with logical arguments regarding the lack of scientific evidence for alternative treatments and the risks of self-diagnosis. You also provide a balanced view by acknowledging the potential benefits of complementary therapies, which demonstrates a sophisticated approach to the prompt. The supporting examples, such as the mention of cancer or heart disease, are relevant and effectively illustrate your points.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using effective cohesive devices such as 'One major concern', 'Furthermore', 'Nevertheless', and 'In conclusion'. The use of referencing is precise, and the internal structure of the paragraphs is coherent. You have managed the flow of information well, ensuring that the reader can easily follow your argument from the introduction to the final summary. The paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to the overall clarity of the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary. You use precise terms such as 'conventional medical practitioners', 'evidence-based treatment', 'self-diagnosis', and 'complementary role' with natural control. The vocabulary is appropriate for an academic context and conveys your meaning accurately. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is sophisticated enough to meet the requirements for a high band score. You successfully avoid repetition and use a variety of topic-specific terminology throughout the essay.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 9.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You effectively use complex sentences, such as 'Although some forms of alternative medicine may provide relief... I believe this trend is largely a negative development', which are error-free. Punctuation is used correctly to enhance readability. The majority of your sentences are complex and demonstrate a high level of control over grammar. There are no significant errors that impede communication, and the overall quality of your writing is consistent with a high level of proficiency.

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