Alternative Medicine Instead of Usual Doctors

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?

Annotated response

8 correction notes

Showing 8 correction notes.

In recent years, an increasing number of prefer alternative medicines and treatments over conventional medical treatments. This trend may have some they are insignificant compared to its negative side. Therefore, I strongly believe that it is a negative development.

Alternative medicines and treatments are often not backed by scientific evidence. Many of these treatments are based on ancient practices or anecdotal evidence, and safety are not guaranteed. Patients who opt for such treatments risk their health and well-being by that are proven to work. For instance, some people who opt for alternative medicines for chronic illnesses like cancer may put their health at risk.

Moreover, the use of alternative medicines can result in delays in receiving proper medical care. In some cases, patients choose to or delay necessary medical treatments in favour of alternative options, which can result in the progression of their . This can lead to complications, higher medical costs, and even death in severe cases. An example of the negative impact of relying solely on alternative medicines is the case of Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Inc. Jobs was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He initially chose to rely on alternative medicine and delayed conventional medical treatment. By the time he eventually sought medical intervention, it was too late.

In conclusion, while the use of alternative medicines and treatments may and its popularity is increasing, it is ultimately a negative development. It is therefore essential to educate the public on the risks associated with alternative treatments and to prioritize the use of evidence-based medical treatments.

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 7.0

The response presents a clear, consistently maintained position and supports it with relevant explanation and concrete examples, including the Steve Jobs case. Ideas are organised logically across well-formed paragraphs, though development of the first main idea is somewhat brief and the arguments are relatively conventional rather than extended in depth.

IELTS criteria

How each score was decided

Task Response

7.0

The response addresses the question directly with a clear position throughout, and main ideas about unproven treatments and delayed care are relevant and supported with examples, though the second body idea is developed more fully than the first.

Coherence and Cohesion

7.0

Paragraphing is logical and cohesive devices such as moreover, for instance, and therefore guide the reader smoothly, with a clear progression from position to supporting arguments to conclusion.

Lexical Resource

7.0

Vocabulary is sufficiently flexible and precise for the topic, including phrases like anecdotal evidence, forego, and progression of their illness, with only minor imprecision such as chronic illnesses like cancer.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

7.0

A variety of complex structures, including conditionals and relative clauses, are used with good control, and errors are rare and do not impede understanding.