Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-12

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 7.0)

In recent times, a growing number of people suffering from various health conditions have begun experimenting with alternative medicines and treatment methods rather than consulting qualified healthcare professionals. Although some alternative therapies may offer certain benefits, I strongly believe that replacing professional medical advice with self-directed treatment is a negative development, as it can have serious and potentially irreversible consequences for people’s health.

To begin with, the human body is an invaluable asset and should not be treated as an object of experimentation. The body consists of highly complex systems that need an appropriate balance of nutrition, physical activity and medical care to function effectively. For instance, people who wish to lose weight may suddenly adopt an extremely restrictive diet or engage in excessive exercise without first considering their body's minimum nutritional and energy requirements. Such drastic changes can result in fatigue, nutritional deficiencies and increased stress. Therefore, seeking advice from a qualified doctor or dietician before making significant changes to one's lifestyle is essential to avoid unnecessary harm.

Furthermore, altering the dosage of medication or replacing prescribed drugs without consulting a doctor can lead to severe health complications and, in some cases, permanent disability. Medicines are prescribed according to an individual's medical history, physical condition, age and specific health requirements. Consequently, taking an incorrect dosage or using unsuitable medication may cause organ damage or even organ failure. Once vital organs are seriously damaged, treatment can be extremely difficult and recovery cannot always be guaranteed. For example, cases of children consuming contaminated or expired medicines demonstrate how improper medication can have devastating effects on health. This highlights the importance of obtaining an accurate prescription and professional guidance before taking any medication.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that the growing tendency among people with health problems to experiment with alternative treatments or alter their medication without professional supervision is a negative development. While some alternative therapies may have legitimate uses, they should not replace qualified medical advice, because inappropriate treatment can worsen an existing condition and, in severe cases, result in permanent health problems.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The candidate fully addresses all parts of the task by presenting a clear position that replacing professional medical advice with self-directed alternative treatment is a negative development. The response is well-developed with relevant arguments and supporting explanations, such as discussing weight loss methods and the dangers of improper medication dosages. The position is maintained consistently throughout the essay, demonstrating a strong understanding of the prompt. Ideas are extended logically and supported with relevant examples, fitting comfortably within the Band 7 to Band 8 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay displays clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, introduced with appropriate cohesive phrases like 'To begin with', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion'. Referencing and substitution are handled smoothly, and paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately. The flow of ideas from the introduction through the body paragraphs to the conclusion is seamless, satisfying the requirements for Band 7 and leaning towards Band 8 due to the natural transition of ideas.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items such as 'invaluable asset', 'nutritional deficiencies', 'permanent disability', and 'professional supervision' are used effectively. While there are occasional minor limitations in collocation, the vocabulary choice is generally appropriate and allows the writer to convey precise meanings. Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout, supporting a solid Band 7 score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response features a wide variety of complex sentence structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, and good control of grammar and punctuation is evident throughout. Examples of complex structures include conditional and participial phrases such as 'Once vital organs are seriously damaged, treatment can be extremely difficult'. Errors are extremely rare, which easily justifies a Band 8 rating for this criterion.

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