Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-25

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 an age of abundant information and heightened awareness, individuals are increasingly exposed to a wide array of alternative remedies and treatments for various ailments. However, the efficacy of these non-conventional approaches remains a subject of considerable debate. From my perspective, relying on alternative medicines instead of consulting a qualified physician represents a negative development, particularly when dealing with health issues.

To begin with, it is undeniable that people today are more health-conscious than ever before, engaging in activities such as walking, running, yoga, and other forms of exercise. While these practices are generally beneficial for maintaining overall well-being, they are sometimes mistakenly perceived as substitutes for medical treatment. For instance, someone suffering from persistent leg or back pain might assume that gentle exercise alone will alleviate their discomfort. Yet, such pain often stems from underlying physiological deficiencies, such as vitamin or mineral imbalances, which can only be accurately diagnosed through medical examination. A doctor is equipped to conduct comprehensive check-ups, order necessary blood tests, and identify the root cause of the ailment before prescribing appropriate medication. Consequently, relying solely on alternative methods may obscure the real issue and delay effective treatment.

Furthermore, what may appear as a minor discomfort could actually be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition. For example, a slight swelling and pain in a limb could indicate a hairline fracture. If an individual chooses to treat this with alternative therapies instead of seeking professional medical advice, the fracture could worsen, potentially leading to permanent damage. Hence, timely consultation with a physician is crucial to prevent such escalating health complications.

Another concern is the proliferation of health advice on social media platforms, where numerous individuals claim to offer effective alternative solutions. While some of these suggestions may occasionally be beneficial, they come with inherent risks due to the lack of verifiable credentials. The credibility of the source is often questionable, and following such advice can lead to adverse reactions, such as severe allergic responses, rather than the promised relief. In contrast, professional medical guidance mitigates these risks by providing evidence-based treatment and ensuring that interventions are safe and appropriate for the individual's specific condition.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that substituting conventional medical care with alternative treatments is a detrimental trend. While alternative practices may complement medical advice, they should never be used as replacements. To safeguard one's health and ensure proper recovery, consulting a doctor remains the most reliable course of action.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it consistently throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the distinction between minor discomforts and potentially serious conditions like hairline fractures. You provide relevant examples, such as the risks of social media health advice, which strengthens your argument. The conclusion effectively summarises your stance. To reach a higher band, you could further explore the nuance of why some people might feel compelled to seek alternatives, perhaps by briefly acknowledging the limitations of conventional medicine before refuting them, which would add even more depth to your critical analysis.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion'. Referencing is clear, and the use of linking words is natural rather than mechanical. The paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct arguments. The flow of information is easy to follow, and the relationship between the ideas is consistently logical throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases such as 'heightened awareness', 'underlying physiological deficiencies', 'mitigates these risks', and 'evidence-based treatment' show a sophisticated command of language. The word choices are natural and appropriate for an academic context. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and you successfully use less common lexical items to convey your points effectively. The vocabulary is varied and contributes significantly to the overall clarity and professional tone of the essay.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of complex structures, including conditional sentences, relative clauses, and participial phrases. The majority of sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and grammar is excellent. You use a variety of sentence lengths and types, which keeps the writing engaging and fluent. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The accuracy is high, and the few minor slips that might occur are non-systematic and do not detract from the overall quality of the writing.

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