The topic of whether governments should promote alternative medicine has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on past exam trends and the current relevance of healthcare discussions, it’s likely to appear in future tests as well. Let’s examine a real IELTS question on this subject and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Some people believe that governments should promote alternative medicine to reduce healthcare costs. Others think this would be dangerous. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the view that governments should promote alternative medicine to reduce healthcare costs
- Discuss the opposing view that promoting alternative medicine would be dangerous
- Give your own opinion on the matter
Remember to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced discussion before stating your position.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Alternative medicine has gained popularity in recent years, leading to debates about its role in healthcare systems. While some argue that governments should promote these practices to cut costs, others warn of potential dangers. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of government support for alternative medicine argue that it could significantly reduce healthcare expenses. Traditional remedies and holistic approaches are often less expensive than conventional treatments, making them more accessible to the general population. Moreover, alternative therapies frequently focus on prevention and lifestyle changes, potentially decreasing the need for costly medical interventions in the long run. By promoting these practices, governments could alleviate the financial burden on both individuals and national health systems.
On the other hand, critics contend that government endorsement of alternative medicine could pose serious risks to public health. Many alternative treatments lack scientific evidence of their efficacy and safety, raising concerns about potential harm to patients. Furthermore, promoting these practices might discourage people from seeking proven medical care, leading to delayed diagnoses and worsened health outcomes. There is also the risk of unqualified practitioners exploiting vulnerable individuals, which could result in both financial and physical harm.
In my opinion, while alternative medicine may offer some benefits, governments should approach its promotion with caution. Instead of wholesale endorsement, a more balanced approach would be to integrate evidence-based alternative therapies into mainstream healthcare. This could involve funding research to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of various alternative treatments, regulating practitioners to ensure quality standards, and educating the public about both the potential benefits and risks of these approaches.
In conclusion, the debate over government promotion of alternative medicine is complex and multifaceted. While cost reduction is an attractive prospect, patient safety must remain paramount. By adopting a cautious, evidence-based approach, governments can harness the potential benefits of alternative medicine while minimizing risks to public health.
(Word count: 309)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
These days, many people are talking about alternative medicine and whether governments should support it. Some think it’s a good idea because it can help save money on healthcare, but others worry it might be dangerous. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
People who support government promotion of alternative medicine say it can reduce healthcare costs. Alternative treatments like herbal remedies or acupuncture are often cheaper than regular medicine. This means more people can afford to get treatment when they’re sick. Also, alternative medicine sometimes focuses on preventing illness, which could save money in the long run by keeping people healthier.
However, there are also reasons to be careful about promoting alternative medicine. Some alternative treatments haven’t been properly tested, so we don’t know if they really work or if they’re safe. If the government promotes these treatments, people might choose them instead of going to a regular doctor, which could be dangerous if they have a serious illness. There’s also a risk that some people might take advantage of others by offering fake treatments.
In my opinion, I think governments should be careful about promoting alternative medicine. While it might help save money, the safety of people is more important. Instead of promoting all alternative medicine, governments could support research to find out which treatments are safe and effective. They could also make sure that people who practice alternative medicine are properly trained and licensed.
To conclude, the issue of government promotion of alternative medicine has both good and bad points. I believe that a balanced approach, focusing on safety and scientific evidence, is the best way forward.
(Word count: 275)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Some people think governments should promote alternative medicine to save money on healthcare. Other people think this is dangerous. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
People who like alternative medicine say it is cheaper than normal medicine. Herbal medicines and things like yoga can cost less money than going to the hospital. If more people use these treatments, the government might not have to spend so much money on healthcare. Also, alternative medicine sometimes tries to stop people from getting sick in the first place, which could save money.
But other people think promoting alternative medicine is not safe. Some alternative treatments might not work or could even hurt people. If the government says these treatments are good, people might not go to real doctors when they are very sick. This could be very dangerous. Also, some bad people might trick others by selling fake treatments.
I think the government should be careful about alternative medicine. It’s good to save money, but keeping people safe is more important. Maybe the government could study alternative medicine to see which treatments really work and are safe. They could also make sure people who do alternative medicine have good training.
In conclusion, there are good and bad things about promoting alternative medicine. I think the government should be careful and only support treatments that are proven to be safe and work well.
(Word count: 228)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout.
- Lexical Resource: Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy.
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Arranges information coherently and there is clear overall progression.
- Lexical Resource: Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task with some evidence of style and flexibility.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with generally good control.
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses the task only partially, with limited development of ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Presents information with some organization but may lack overall progression.
- Lexical Resource: Uses a limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally adequate for the task.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses only a limited range of structures with some errors that may impede communication.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Alternative medicine (noun) /ɔːlˈtɜːnətɪv ˈmedɪsɪn/ – Medical treatments that are not part of mainstream medicine
- Holistic (adjective) /həʊˈlɪstɪk/ – Characterized by the treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors
- Efficacy (noun) /ˈefɪkəsi/ – The ability to produce a desired or intended result
- Conventional (adjective) /kənˈvenʃənəl/ – Based on or in accordance with what is generally done or believed
- Endorsement (noun) /ɪnˈdɔːsmənt/ – The action of declaring one’s public approval or support of
- Integration (noun) /ˌɪntɪˈɡreɪʃən/ – The action or process of combining two or more things in an effective way
- Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – Having many different aspects or features
- Paramount (adjective) /ˈpærəmaʊnt/ – More important than anything else; supreme
- Acupuncture (noun) /ˈækjʊpʌŋktʃər/ – A system of complementary medicine that involves pricking the skin with needles
- Evidence-based (adjective) /ˈevɪdəns beɪst/ – Based on or guided by the results of scientific studies and research
In conclusion, the topic of government promotion of alternative medicine is a complex issue that requires careful consideration of both potential benefits and risks. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, remember to address all parts of the question, provide a balanced discussion, and clearly state your own opinion. Practice writing essays on this topic and related healthcare issues to improve your skills. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further discussion.