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)

Nowadays, an increasing number of people with health problems are turning to alternative medicines and treatments rather than consulting their regular doctors. Although some alternative treatments can provide certain benefits, I believe that this is a negative development because relying on them instead of professional medical care can lead to incorrect treatment and serious health consequences.

One major disadvantage is that alternative treatments may not always be scientifically proven to be effective. People who rely exclusively on herbal remedies, acupuncture or other unconventional methods may delay receiving an accurate diagnosis from a qualified doctor. As a result, a relatively manageable illness could become more serious because appropriate treatment was not provided at the right time. For example, a person experiencing persistent chest pain might choose a traditional remedy instead of visiting a hospital, potentially delaying treatment for a serious heart condition.

Another concern is that some alternative medicines can interact negatively with conventional medication or may be unsuitable for particular health conditions. Unlike qualified doctors, some alternative practitioners may not have sufficient medical knowledge to identify underlying diseases or determine whether a particular treatment is safe. This can be especially dangerous for people with chronic illnesses who require regular medical supervision. Therefore, while certain alternative therapies may be useful as a complement to conventional medicine, they should not generally replace professional healthcare.

On the other hand, it is understandable why some people choose alternative treatments. They may consider them more natural, less expensive or associated with fewer side effects. In addition, certain therapies, such as massage or acupuncture, may help some patients manage pain or stress. However, these potential benefits do not outweigh the risks of avoiding qualified medical advice when treatment is necessary.

In conclusion, I consider the increasing preference for alternative medicine over conventional medical care to be a negative development. Although some alternative treatments can be beneficial when used alongside professional healthcare, people with serious or persistent health problems should consult qualified doctors to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the argument regarding the risks of delayed diagnosis and the potential for negative interactions with conventional medication. You have provided relevant examples, such as the scenario of persistent chest pain, which effectively supports your main argument. The conclusion provides a balanced summary that acknowledges the potential benefits of alternative therapies while firmly reiterating your stance that they should not replace professional medical care. The response is well-structured and directly answers the question asked.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth and natural. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'One major disadvantage', 'Another concern', and 'On the other hand', which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the topic. The referencing is clear, and the flow of information is logical, making the essay easy to follow from start to finish.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey your ideas with precision. Phrases such as 'consulting their regular doctors', 'scientifically proven', 'underlying diseases', and 'medical supervision' demonstrate a good command of topic-specific language. The vocabulary is natural and appropriate for an academic context. While the range is solid, incorporating a few more sophisticated or less common collocations could elevate the response further. However, the current usage is accurate and effectively supports your arguments without any noticeable errors in word choice or spelling.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional and concessive clauses (e.g., 'Although some alternative treatments can provide certain benefits, I believe that...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and grammar is strong. There are no significant errors that impede communication. The use of modal verbs and passive constructions is handled well, contributing to a formal and academic tone. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of grammatical control throughout the text.

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.