Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-19

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 years, more people with health problems have turned to alternative medicines and treatments instead of visiting their regular doctors. There are several reasons for this trend, and I believe it brings both benefits and drawbacks, although the negative effects may be more serious.

One reason why people choose alternative treatments is that they are often more affordable. Many traditional or herbal remedies cost less than modern medical treatments, making them attractive to those with limited financial resources. Another reason is that some individuals believe alternative medicine is more "natural" and has fewer side effects compared to pharmaceutical drugs. In addition, long waiting times in hospitals or clinics may encourage people to look for quicker solutions elsewhere.

On the positive side, alternative medicine can provide comfort and relaxation. Treatments like acupuncture, herbal therapy or massage may help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Some people also feel more in control of their health when they try different healing methods.

However, there are also disadvantages. Many alternative treatments are not scientifically proven, which means they may not effectively cure illnesses. In some cases, relying on untested remedies can delay proper medical treatment, causing the condition to worsen. Furthermore, some herbal products may contain harmful ingredients or interact negatively with prescribed medicines.

In my view, although alternative treatments can be useful for minor problems or relaxation, they should not replace professional medical care. People need accurate diagnoses and evidence-based treatment to ensure their safety and long-term health.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both the reasons behind the trend and evaluating whether it is a positive or negative development. A clear position is maintained throughout, concluding that the negative effects outweigh the benefits. Ideas are extended with relevant examples, such as acupuncture, herbal therapy, and the risk of delayed medical treatment. However, a strict length check reveals that the response contains 246 words, narrowly missing the 250-word minimum requirement. This minor technical under-length prevents the task response from fully reaching higher band levels despite the adequate development of ideas, resulting in a score of 6.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response exhibits a coherent overall arrangement with a clear, logical progression throughout. The essay is divided into appropriate paragraphs, starting with an introduction that outlines the writer's stance, followed by body paragraphs dedicated to causes, advantages, and disadvantages, and concluding with a balanced summary. Cohesive devices are used effectively to connect ideas, such as 'Another reason', 'On the positive side', 'However', and 'In my view'. Referencing is clear and unambiguous. Although some transitions are somewhat standard rather than sophisticated, the structural flow is easy to follow and meets the criteria for Band 7.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The student demonstrates an adequate and generally appropriate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating terms such as 'financial resources', 'pharmaceutical drugs', 'acupuncture', and 'evidence-based treatment'. There are attempts to use less common lexical items like 'untested remedies' and 'interact negatively'. Word choice is mostly precise, and spelling is accurate throughout. While the lexical range is sufficient for precision and clarity, it lacks the broader flexibility, sophisticated collocation, and wide-ranging uncommon vocabulary characteristic of a Band 8 level, fitting comfortably into Band 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response features a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, demonstrating effective control over grammar and punctuation. Examples of complex constructions include concessive clauses ('although the negative effects may be more serious') and conditional or relative clauses ('people who choose alternative treatments'). Grammatical accuracy is quite high; the majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled well. There are very few minor slips, but overall the control of grammar supports smooth communication. This performance aligns well with the descriptors for Band 7.

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