Currently there is a trend towards the use of alternative forms of medicine. However, at best these methods are ineffective, and at worst they may be dangerous. To what extent do you agree with this statement?
Sample Response
Alternative medicine is not new. It is accepted that it predatespre-dates conventional medicine and it is still used by many people all over the world. I am unconvinced that it is dangerous, and feel that both alternative and conventional medicine can be useful.
There are several reasons why the conventional medical community is often dismissive of alternative treatmentsdismissive of alternatives. Firstly, there has been little scientific research into such treatmentsmedicine, so there is a scarcity of evidence to support the their supporters’ claimsclaims of their supporters. Furthermore, people often try such treatmentstreatment because of recommendations from friends, and therefore come to the therapist with a very positive attitude, which may be part of the reason for their recoveryreason for the cure. Moreover, these therapies are usually only useful for chronic conditionslong-term, chronic conditions. Acute medical problems, such as accidental injury, often require more conventional methods.
On the other hand, there remain strong arguments for the use of alternatives. Despite the lack of scientific proof, there is considerable anecdotal evidencea lot of anecdotal evidence to suggest that these therapies work. In addition, far from being dangerous, they often have few or no side effects, so the worst outcome would be no change. One of the strongest arguments for the effectiveness of alternative therapies in the West is that, whilst conventional medicine is available free of chargeavailable without charge, many people are prepared to pay considerable sums for alternative treatmentsconsiderable sums for alternatives. If they were totally unhelpful, it would be surprising if this continued.
I strongly believe that conventional medicine and alternative therapies can and should coexist. They have different strengths, and can both be used effectively to treattarget particular medical problems. The best situation would be for alternative therapies to be used to support and complement conventional medicine.
Why this response received Band 8.0
The response gives a clear, nuanced position and develops both the reservations about alternative medicine and the case for its complementary use in a persuasive, logically structured argument. Its main limitation is that a few claims, such as the absence of side effects or continued demand as evidence of effectiveness, are asserted too broadly. The highest-priority improvement is to qualify these claims and support them with more rigorous reasoning.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
The task is fully addressed through a clear position, well-developed counterarguments, and a relevant conclusion advocating complementary use.
Qualify broad claims about safety and effectiveness and test anecdotal or popularity-based evidence more critically.
Coherence and Cohesion
The argument progresses clearly through contrasting perspectives, with effective paragraphing and cohesive links that remain unobtrusive.
Strengthen the logical bridge from the limitations discussed in the second paragraph to the qualified endorsement that follows.
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary is wide, precise, and flexible throughout, with strong control of topic-specific and evaluative language.
Refine the few slightly general phrases by distinguishing treatments, therapies, evidence, and outcomes with even greater precision.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A wide variety of complex sentence forms is used accurately and naturally, with errors rare and non-impeding.
Maintain this control while varying a few recurring introductory and concessive structures for greater stylistic flexibility.
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IELTS Writing Task 2
Currently there is a trend towards the use of alternative forms of medicine. However, at best these methods are ineffective, and at worst they may be dangerous. To what extent do you agree with this statement?
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.