Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-10-21

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, the number of people choosing alternative medicines and treatments is increasing over visiting clinical doctors. In my opinion, this is a negative development because there are close to no scientific evidence for the effectiveness of alternative treatments, and neglecting clinical treatment frequently leads to worse physical conditions.

Alternative medicines and treatments are less effective compared to its clinical counterpart. There are close to negligible scientific evidence for the effectiveness of alternative medicines. In some cases, the treatments can reduce the symptoms but fails to provide definitive proof that these treatments can improve the conditions. For example, after taking herbal medicines, placebo effect makes the patient believe the symptoms have lessened. On the contrary, the condition of health of the patients might not improve at all.

Moreover, when patients ignore clinical treatments for trying alternative treatments they might end up in a worst situation. This is because, when the symptoms are absent for a disease or physical condition, individuals tend to think it is solved. But reality behind is different. The disease continues to develop and might become deadly to the point of no return. Dengue affected patients, for instance, when try homeopathic medicine, the fever might go down. Even if the fever goes down the blood platelet count keeps declining and might even risk the patients life. Consequently, while immediate relief could be gained from alternative treatments, it puts the patients in danger.

In conclusion, while the number of people trying alternative medicines is increasing day by day, I think it is a negative development if they desire to replace clinical doctors. This is mainly because, there are no scientific backings for alternative treatments and this can put the patients in harms way.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

Your position is clear from the introduction to the conclusion: you consider replacing a usual doctor with alternative treatment a negative development. Both main reasons are relevant and extended with examples, particularly the dengue example, which explains how reduced fever may conceal a worsening condition. This meets the descriptor for addressing the task with a clear position and supported ideas. To strengthen the response further, qualify broad claims such as “there are close to no scientific evidence” and develop the distinction between using alternative treatments alongside medical care and using them instead of it. That would make the argument more precise and avoid over-generalising about all alternative treatments.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The essay has a clear four-paragraph structure, with each body paragraph focused on a separate reason and the conclusion returning to your position. The progression from limited evidence to the risks of delaying clinical care is easy to follow. You also use linking expressions such as “Moreover,” “For example,” and “Consequently” to show relationships between ideas. At times, however, the connections feel somewhat formulaic, and some references could be clearer: “the treatments” and “the condition” require the reader to infer exactly what is being discussed. Use a wider range of natural transitions and make links between claims and examples more explicit to improve the flow further.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

You use a relevant range of topic vocabulary, including “alternative treatments,” “scientific evidence,” “placebo effect,” “symptoms,” and “blood platelet count.” These choices help explain the health-related argument, and the meaning is generally clear. The range shows some flexibility, but several collocations and word forms are inaccurate or unnatural, such as “over visiting clinical doctors,” “scientific backings,” and “in harms way.” Some repetition of “alternative treatments” and “clinical” also limits variety. Aim for more precise, natural combinations and vary references where possible—for example, “conventional medical care” or “evidence supporting their effectiveness.” This would make the vocabulary more fluent and controlled.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

You attempt a mix of simple and complex structures, including conditional and subordinate clauses: “when the symptoms are absent…” and “Even if the fever goes down…”. Most sentences communicate the intended meaning, and the argument remains understandable. Some grammatical errors persist, however. In “the number … is increasing,” the comparison structure is incomplete; “treatments … fails” has a subject–verb agreement error; and “there are … evidence” needs an uncountable-noun construction. There are also issues with articles and possessives, as in “risk the patients life.” Review agreement, countability, and sentence patterns, then proofread for these recurring errors. More consistently accurate complex sentences would strengthen control.

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