Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-12
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 7.5)
In recent years, there are numerous people who try to solve all dilemmas ongoing with their health, by consuming alternative medicines and treatment instead of visiting their usual doctor. 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
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
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 delay of conventional medical treatment. 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 is well-structured and covers all parts of the task, demonstrating a clear understanding of the requirements for an academic essay.
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 introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion is smooth. Cohesive devices such as 'Moreover', 'For instance', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct arguments. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between ideas is clearly established, meeting the criteria for a high band score in this category.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
The vocabulary is generally precise and appropriate for an academic context. Phrases such as 'scientific evidence', 'anecdotal evidence', 'chronic illnesses', and 'evidence-based medical treatments' demonstrate a good range of topic-specific language. While the vocabulary is effective, it could be slightly more varied to reach the highest band. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation that impede communication. The student successfully uses academic register throughout the response, which contributes to the overall clarity and professional tone of the essay.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
The essay displays a good range of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional and subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Patients who opt for such treatments risk their health... by avoiding treatments that are proven to work'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly. There are very few minor slips, such as 'dilemmas ongoing with their health', which is slightly awkward but does not hinder understanding. The control over grammar is strong, and the variety of structures used is sufficient for a high band score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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