Alternative medicine research funding has emerged as a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing approximately 3-4 times annually in recent tests. Government fund alternative medicine research? remains a highly relevant topic given the growing interest in traditional healing methods worldwide.
Government funding for alternative medicine research debate
Analyzing the Task Question
Some people believe that governments should fund research into alternative medicine, while others think all research money should go to conventional medicine. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question requires:
- Discussing arguments for government funding of alternative medicine research
- Examining reasons for exclusive funding of conventional medicine
- Providing a balanced perspective with a clear personal stance
Band 8.5 Sample Essay
importance of alternative medicine research has become increasingly significant in modern healthcare discussions. Here’s a high-scoring response:
The debate over allocating government research funding between alternative and conventional medicine presents valid arguments on both sides. While I believe a balanced approach favoring conventional medicine while maintaining some support for alternative treatments is optimal, this essay will examine both perspectives.
Proponents of government funding for alternative medicine research argue that these traditional healing methods have served humanity for millennia and deserve scientific investigation. Many alternative treatments, such as acupuncture and herbal medicine, have shown promising results in treating chronic conditions where conventional medicine sometimes falls short. Furthermore, researching these methods could lead to discovering new compounds and therapeutic approaches that might revolutionize modern medicine.
However, those advocating exclusive funding for conventional medicine present compelling counterarguments. Scientific research requires substantial resources, and spreading funding too thin might compromise the development of life-saving conventional treatments. Conventional medicine’s rigorous testing protocols and evidence-based approach have consistently delivered reliable treatments for numerous diseases. Additionally, alternative medicine’s effectiveness often lacks substantial scientific verification, making it a riskier investment of public funds.
In my view, while conventional medicine should receive the majority of research funding, completely excluding alternative medicine research would be shortsighted. A practical solution would be allocating approximately 80% of funding to conventional medicine while reserving 20% for promising alternative treatments that show scientific potential. This approach would maintain focus on proven medical research while exploring valuable traditional knowledge.
Scientists conducting research in modern medical laboratory
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
The question of whether governments should give money for alternative medicine research or only support conventional medicine research is important today. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
Some people think governments should support alternative medicine research. First, many people use alternative medicine in their daily lives, especially in Asian countries. Second, some alternative treatments are cheaper than modern medicine and could help poor people. Also, some patients say alternative medicine helps them when normal medicine doesn’t work.
On the other hand, some believe all money should go to conventional medicine research. They think alternative medicine is not scientific enough and doesn’t have good proof that it works. Modern medicine has helped cure many diseases and save many lives. The money spent on alternative medicine research could be used to find new cures for serious illnesses.
I think governments should give most money to conventional medicine research but also give some support to alternative medicine. This is because we need both types of treatment. However, conventional medicine is more important because it has better scientific proof. Maybe 70% of money should go to conventional medicine and 30% to alternative medicine research.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8.5 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Clear organization with cohesive devices
- Well-developed arguments
- Balanced discussion with clear position
- Excellent use of examples
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Basic but clear vocabulary
- Simple but accurate grammar
- Adequate organization
- Basic development of ideas
- Some repetition and simplistic expression
Key Vocabulary
- alternative medicine (n) /ɔːlˈtɜːnətɪv ˈmedɪsn/ – non-conventional healthcare practices
- conventional medicine (n) /kənˈvenʃənl ˈmedɪsn/ – mainstream medical treatment
- rigorous (adj) /ˈrɪɡərəs/ – extremely thorough and careful
- therapeutic (adj) /ˌθerəˈpjuːtɪk/ – relating to healing of disease
- shortsighted (adj) /ʃɔːtˈsaɪtɪd/ – lacking foresight
- verification (n) /ˌverɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/ – confirmation of truth or accuracy
should governments promote alternative medicine remains a topic of ongoing debate. For practice, try writing your own essay about whether alternative medicine should be integrated into national healthcare systems.
Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and discussion with fellow IELTS candidates.
