Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-10

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 8.0)

In recent years, an increasing number of individuals suffering from various health issues have turned to alternative therapies, such as herbal medicine and acupuncture, rather than consulting conventional medical practitioners. In my opinion, although alternative treatments can offer holistic care for minor ailments, this trend is largely a negative development due to the lack of scientific validation and the risk of delaying vital medical treatment.

On the one hand, alternative medicine can provide certain benefits, particularly for managing stress and chronic non-life-threatening conditions. Many traditional remedies focus on holistic wellness, aiming to treat the entire body and mind rather than just eliminating symptoms. For example, therapies like yoga, massage, and herbal teas often help individuals cope with mild anxiety, insomnia, or joint pain without causing the side effects frequently associated with synthetic pharmaceutical drugs. Furthermore, alternative treatments often give patients a sense of personal control over their health, which can improve their overall psychological well-being.

On the other hand, relying on alternative treatments as a primary substitute for modern medicine carries significant risks. The main concern is that many non-conventional therapies lack rigorous scientific research and standardized regulations. Unlike conventional drugs, which undergo extensive clinical trials to prove their safety and effectiveness, herbal products and homeopathic remedies are often sold without strict quality control. This can lead to ineffective treatments or harmful interactions with other medications.

More importantly, avoiding qualified doctors can lead to serious delays in diagnosing severe illnesses. Conditions like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases require early detection and proven medical interventions. For instance, if a patient with an early-stage tumor relies solely on natural remedies instead of seeking conventional therapies like surgery or chemotherapy, the disease may progress to an untreatable stage. In such cases, choosing alternative options over standard medical care can prove life-threatening.

In conclusion, while alternative therapies can serve as a helpful complement for minor health issues and lifestyle management, replacing traditional medical doctors with unregulated treatments is primarily a negative development. To safeguard public health, patients should always seek professional medical advice for proper diagnosis before considering non-conventional options.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with a balanced discussion of the benefits of alternative medicine followed by a strong, logical argument regarding the risks of avoiding conventional care. The examples provided, such as the mention of cancer and diabetes, effectively support your stance and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the topic. The conclusion provides a clear summary that aligns with your initial position, ensuring the response is cohesive and task-focused.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the benefits of alternative medicine and the risks of avoiding conventional doctors is handled smoothly using appropriate cohesive devices like 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. Referencing is clear, and the use of linking words such as 'Furthermore' and 'More importantly' helps guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate distinct points, contributing to a professional and easy-to-follow structure.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases such as 'holistic care', 'synthetic pharmaceutical drugs', 'rigorous scientific research', and 'standardized regulations' show a sophisticated command of the topic. The word choices are natural and appropriate for an academic context. There are no noticeable errors in collocation or spelling, and the vocabulary effectively conveys your arguments without being repetitive. The use of topic-specific terminology is a particular strength of this response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and subordinate clauses, which are used with high accuracy. For example, the sentence 'Unlike conventional drugs, which undergo extensive clinical trials to prove their safety and effectiveness, herbal products and homeopathic remedies are often sold without strict quality control' is grammatically complex and error-free. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, reflecting a high level of control over English grammar.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.