Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)

Over the past few decades society at large had witnessed

tremendous growth and revolutionary changes that has been cornerstone the multifaceted progress. Growth an development often touted as penance for all its ills afflicting the society comes with a scourge in its wake: healthcare. In this context an issue that has become a fixture of many discussions that pertains to the effects to which people are nowadays taking medication for their own instead of going to hospitals. This essay shall analyse the issue in every angle and argue that it is a negative development to take alternative medicines of their own.

In the arsenal of arguments supporting some people perspective that, there is no need to go to doctors take their own medicines. One of the potent is that it is more risk to health. Alternative medicines may not be scientifically proven, and this can lead to other diseases and infections. The proponents of the view also feels that

by relaying on alternative proper medical treatment may be delayed.

A quick perusal of the situation at hand would throw up a surfeit of seminal reasons supporting my perspective that proper treatments should be done by consulting doctors. Firstly, doctors will identify the exact problems and will give correct medication. I also feels that alternative medicines only give relief for a short period. Finally, doctors will take correct examinations and tests to find the disease.

Having considered both sides, it seems ever so sensible to register my disagreement with the statement that people are trying alternative medicines instead of going to doctors. In spite of the intricate tapestry of arguments delicately woven favour of the same is seems unconvincing to my mind in a subtextual basis. The benefits are ephemeral, superficial and beyond a point cease to be palpable in the long. Suffice it to say that there is no short cut way in health using doctor prescribed medicines are more effective.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses the prompt by taking a clear position against the use of alternative medicine. However, the development of ideas is limited. While you mention risks and the delay of proper treatment, these points are not fully extended with specific examples or logical depth. The introduction is somewhat abstract and does not clearly paraphrase the prompt, leading to a slightly confusing opening. To improve, ensure each body paragraph focuses on a single, well-supported argument rather than listing brief, repetitive points. The conclusion is clear, but the overall development remains superficial, which limits the score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or misused. For example, phrases like 'In the arsenal of arguments' and 'In spite of the intricate tapestry of arguments' feel forced and do not naturally connect the ideas. There is some repetition of ideas between paragraphs, and the progression of arguments is not always smooth. To improve, focus on using simpler, more natural linking words to connect your sentences and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, distinct focus.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You attempt to use a wide range of vocabulary, such as 'multifaceted', 'scourge', 'seminal', and 'ephemeral'. However, many of these words are used incorrectly or in unnatural collocations, such as 'penance for all its ills' or 'in a subtextual basis'. This suggests a lack of precision in word choice. While the meaning is generally clear, the frequent misuse of sophisticated vocabulary prevents a higher score. Focus on using words that you are completely confident in, ensuring they fit the context naturally rather than trying to force complex terminology.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, including subject-verb agreement issues ('proponents... feels', 'I also feels'), incorrect article usage, and awkward sentence structures ('that has been cornerstone the multifaceted progress'). While you attempt complex sentences, they often contain errors that make the writing feel disjointed. The punctuation is generally acceptable, but the lack of control over basic grammar significantly impacts the clarity of your arguments. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction and subject-verb agreement before attempting more complex structures.

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.