Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-07

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 contemporary society, there is an increasing tendency for individuals with health problems to explore alternative medicines and treatments instead of consulting their usual doctors. From my perspective, this shift is predominantly negative, primarily due to concerns about safety, efficacy, and the potential for delayed medical intervention. Firstly, the rigorous and extensive training that conventional medical doctors undergo equips them with the expertise to diagnose and treat a broad spectrum of health conditions. In contrast, many practitioners of alternative medicine do not receive the same level of rigorous, standardized training. This disparity can lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment, posing significant risks to patients. For example, an individual suffering from chronic fatigue might seek treatment from a naturopath who overlooks an underlying serious condition such as thyroid disease. Secondly, the efficacy of many alternative treatments is not supported by solid scientific evidence. While some alternative therapies may offer benefits, they often rely on anecdotal success stories rather than rigorous, peer-reviewed research. This lack of scientific validation can make alternative treatments unreliable and sometimes dangerous. For instance, using herbal supplements without adequate understanding of their pharmacological interactions can result in severe side effects or negate the effects of prescribed medications. Furthermore, reliance on alternative treatments can lead to dangerous delays in seeking necessary medical care. Individuals may postpone consulting a medical professional, hoping that alternative therapies will suffice, which can exacerbate their conditions. For instance, a person experiencing persistent chest pain might opt for herbal remedies or acupuncture, potentially delaying the diagnosis of a serious heart condition.

In conclusion, while alternative medicines and treatments can play a complementary role in healthcare, their lack of scientific validation, the potential for misdiagnosis, and the risk of delaying essential medical treatment highlight the negative aspects of this trend. It is imperative that individuals prioritize consultations with qualified medical professionals to ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatments for their health concerns.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses the prompt by taking a clear position that the trend is negative. The arguments regarding safety, lack of scientific evidence, and delayed medical intervention are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of thyroid disease and herbal supplement interactions. The response maintains a consistent focus throughout, and the conclusion effectively summarizes the main points while reinforcing the initial stance. The ideas are logically extended, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the progression of ideas is smooth. Cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'For instance', and 'Furthermore' are used effectively to link sentences and ideas. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the flow of the argument is easy to follow, demonstrating a sophisticated level of control over the structure of the essay.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The vocabulary is precise and well-suited to the academic context. The student uses a range of topic-specific terminology such as 'pharmacological interactions', 'anecdotal success stories', 'scientific validation', and 'medical intervention'. The word choice is consistently accurate and demonstrates a high level of flexibility. There are no noticeable errors in spelling or word formation, and the language used is natural and sophisticated throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of complex grammatical structures, including conditional sentences, relative clauses, and participial phrases. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly to enhance clarity. The control over grammar is consistent, with no significant errors that impede communication. The use of varied sentence lengths and structures contributes to the overall fluency and readability of the text.

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