Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-10
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 5.0)
Nowadays, an increasing number of people who suffer from health problems are choosing alternative medicines and treatment rather than visting their usual doctor. i believe that this a negative development.
On the one hand, alternative medicines can have some benefits some people use treatments such as yoga , meditation, massage and herbal medicines to feel better.
these method can help people reduce stress, body pain, and the other minor health problems.
On the other hand, there were several medicines through which people get sick some people with serious problems are also not going to doctors daily they are preferring other home treatments . I think people may do to doctors when they are suffering from serious health issues. Otherwise they should take alternate medicines.
In conclusion, alternative medicines have some advantages. i believe that its increasing instead of going to doctors.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 250 words, reaching only 141 words. This significant under-length results in an underdeveloped response where ideas are presented but not sufficiently extended or supported. While you clearly state your position that this is a 'negative development', the arguments provided in the body paragraphs lack the depth and specific examples required for a higher band. To improve, you must expand on your reasoning, provide concrete examples, and ensure the essay is of the required length to allow for a full exploration of the topic.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which is a positive step. However, the logical progression is weak. While you use basic cohesive devices like 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand', the internal flow of ideas within paragraphs is disjointed. For instance, the second paragraph jumps between ideas without clear transitions. Additionally, the conclusion is very brief and does not effectively summarise the main points. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence followed by supporting details that logically connect to the main argument.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, which restricts your ability to express complex ideas. You rely on basic terms such as 'health problems', 'medicines', and 'treatments'. There are also minor errors in word choice and phrasing, such as 'do to doctors' instead of 'go to doctors'. To achieve a higher band, you should aim to use a more varied range of vocabulary, including collocations and less common lexical items related to the topic of healthcare and alternative medicine. Expanding your vocabulary will help you convey your arguments with more precision and sophistication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors, including issues with subject-verb agreement, punctuation, and sentence structure. For example, 'these method can help' should be 'these methods can help', and there are several instances of run-on sentences or missing punctuation, such as 'some people with serious problems are also not going to doctors daily they are preferring other home treatments'. The range of structures is limited, consisting mostly of simple sentences. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring correct verb forms, and attempting to incorporate more complex sentence structures with accurate punctuation.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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