Alternative medicine and its coverage by health insurance is a topic that has appeared in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams with moderate frequency. Based on past exam trends and current healthcare debates, it’s likely to remain a relevant topic in future tests. Let’s explore this subject through sample essays and analysis.
Some people think that alternative medicine such as herbal treatments should be covered by health insurance. Others believe only conventional medicine should be covered. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for including alternative medicine in health insurance coverage
- Discuss arguments against including alternative medicine in health insurance coverage
- Provide their own opinion on the matter
It’s important to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced discussion before stating your personal view.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The debate over whether health insurance should cover alternative medicine alongside conventional treatments has gained traction in recent years. While some advocate for the inclusion of alternative therapies, others argue that coverage should be limited to scientifically proven conventional medicine. This essay will examine both perspectives before offering a personal stance on the matter.
Proponents of including alternative medicine in health insurance coverage argue that these treatments can offer holistic and sometimes more affordable options for patients. Many individuals find relief from chronic conditions through herbal remedies, acupuncture, or chiropractic care, which are often less invasive and have fewer side effects than conventional drugs or surgeries. Moreover, integrating alternative therapies into mainstream healthcare could promote a more comprehensive approach to wellness, addressing not just physical symptoms but also mental and emotional aspects of health.
On the other hand, those who oppose covering alternative medicine through health insurance contend that these treatments lack rigorous scientific evidence of efficacy. Conventional medicine undergoes extensive clinical trials and peer reviews before being approved, ensuring safety and effectiveness. Critics argue that allocating insurance funds to unproven therapies could divert resources from essential, evidence-based treatments. Additionally, there are concerns about regulation and standardization in alternative medicine practices, which could lead to inconsistent quality of care.
In my opinion, while alternative medicine can offer valuable complementary approaches to health and wellness, health insurance coverage should primarily focus on conventional, scientifically validated treatments. However, I believe there is room for a middle ground. Insurance providers could consider covering certain alternative therapies that have shown promising results in clinical studies, such as acupuncture for chronic pain or mindfulness practices for stress reduction. This approach would ensure that patients have access to a range of treatment options while maintaining the integrity of evidence-based healthcare.
In conclusion, the inclusion of alternative medicine in health insurance coverage is a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides. By adopting a balanced approach that prioritizes proven treatments but remains open to well-researched alternative therapies, we can work towards a more inclusive and effective healthcare system that meets diverse patient needs.
(Word count: 343)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates several qualities that contribute to its high band score:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the question, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of linking words and phrases.
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Lexical Resource: It uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms like “holistic,” “chronic conditions,” and “clinical trials.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay employs a variety of complex sentence structures with a high degree of accuracy.
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Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The topic of whether alternative medicine should be covered by health insurance is a controversial one. Some people think it should be included, while others believe only conventional medicine deserves coverage. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support covering alternative medicine by health insurance say that these treatments can be helpful for some people. Herbal medicines and therapies like acupuncture have been used for centuries in many cultures and can sometimes provide relief when conventional medicine fails. Also, alternative treatments are often less expensive than traditional medical procedures, which could help reduce overall healthcare costs.
On the other hand, opponents argue that alternative medicine is not scientifically proven to be effective. They say that health insurance should only cover treatments that have been tested and approved through rigorous scientific methods. There are concerns that covering alternative therapies might encourage people to choose unproven treatments over necessary conventional care, which could be dangerous.
In my opinion, I think that health insurance should mainly cover conventional medicine because it has been proven to work through scientific research. However, I also believe that some alternative treatments that have shown positive results in studies could be partially covered. This would give patients more options while still ensuring that most insurance money goes to proven treatments.
To conclude, while there are arguments for and against covering alternative medicine in health insurance, a balanced approach that focuses on proven treatments but allows for some flexibility might be the best solution.
(Word count: 262)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates characteristics typical of a Band 6-7 score:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the question, but the discussion and personal opinion could be more fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated than in the Band 8-9 essay.
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Lexical Resource: It uses some topic-specific vocabulary, but the range is more limited compared to the higher band essay.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good accuracy, though not as varied as the Band 8-9 essay.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are relevant but could be expanded upon with more specific examples or deeper analysis.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Alternative medicine (noun) – /ɔːlˈtɜːnətɪv ˈmedɪsɪn/ – Medical treatments that are not part of mainstream medicine
- Conventional medicine (noun) – /kənˈvenʃənl ˈmedɪsɪn/ – Mainstream medical treatments based on scientific evidence
- Holistic (adjective) – /həʊˈlɪstɪk/ – Treating the whole person, not just physical symptoms
- Efficacy (noun) – /ˈefɪkəsi/ – The ability to produce a desired or intended result
- Clinical trials (noun) – /ˈklɪnɪkl ˈtraɪəlz/ – Research studies performed to evaluate a medical intervention
- Peer review (noun) – /pɪə rɪˈvjuː/ – Evaluation of scientific work by experts in the same field
- Complementary (adjective) – /ˌkɒmplɪˈmentəri/ – Combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize the qualities of each other
- Evidence-based (adjective) – /ˈevɪdəns beɪst/ – Based on or guided by results from scientific research
These vocabulary items are crucial for discussing topics related to healthcare and medical treatments in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Understanding and using them correctly can significantly enhance the lexical resource component of your essay.
Conclusion
The topic of alternative medicine coverage in health insurance is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare for similar questions, consider practicing with variations such as:
- Should governments regulate alternative medicine practices?
- Do alternative therapies have a place in modern healthcare systems?
- Should medical schools include alternative medicine in their curricula?
Remember to structure your essay clearly, address all parts of the question, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Practice writing on this topic and share your essays in the comments section below for feedback and improvement. This active approach to learning can significantly enhance your IELTS Writing skills.
For more insights on healthcare-related topics in IELTS, you might find our article on whether governments should provide free healthcare for everyone helpful. Additionally, to explore specific alternative therapies, check out our piece on massage therapy, which can provide valuable vocabulary and context for discussing alternative treatments in your essays.