IELTS Writing Task 2: Traditional Medicine (Problem Solution) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers
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The Prompt
Prompt: Some people believe that traditional medicine is better than modern medicine. Others argue that modern medicine is more effective. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Model Answers
Band 6.0 Answer
Sample Answer:
Traditional medicine has been used for many years and is believed to be better by some people. Modern medicine, however, is more effective according to others. I think both have their advantages.
On one hand, traditional medicine uses natural ingredients and has fewer side effects. For example, herbal remedies have been used in China for thousands of years. On the other hand, modern medicine can cure diseases quickly and save lives. Antibiotics, for instance, can treat infections that would be fatal otherwise.
In conclusion, both traditional and modern medicine have their benefits. I believe that a combination of both would be the best approach.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response: 5.0 (Presents a position but with limited development)
- Coherence and Cohesion: 6.0 (Uses some cohesive devices but lacks logical flow)
- Lexical Resource: 6.0 (Uses some less common vocabulary but with some inaccuracies)
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 6.0 (Makes frequent grammatical errors)
Band 7.0 Answer
Sample Answer:
The debate between traditional and modern medicine has been ongoing for decades. While some advocate for traditional medicine due to its natural origins, others prefer modern medicine for its effectiveness. I believe that both have their merits.
Proponents of traditional medicine argue that it uses natural ingredients, which have fewer side effects. For example, Ayurveda, a traditional Indian system of medicine, uses herbs and natural remedies to treat various ailments. However, modern medicine offers quick and effective treatments. Vaccines, for instance, have eradicated diseases like smallpox and significantly reduced the incidence of others.
In my opinion, the best approach is to integrate both traditional and modern medicine. This way, we can benefit from the natural healing properties of traditional medicine while also utilizing the advanced technologies of modern medicine.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response: 7.0 (Presents a clear position with some development)
- Coherence and Cohesion: 7.0 (Uses cohesive devices effectively but with some inconsistencies)
- Lexical Resource: 7.0 (Uses a mix of common and less common vocabulary appropriately)
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 7.0 (Makes some grammatical errors but they do not impede understanding)
Band 8.0 Answer
Sample Answer:
The efficacy of traditional medicine versus modern medicine is a contentious issue. While traditional medicine is praised for its natural ingredients and minimal side effects, modern medicine is lauded for its rapid and effective treatments. I contend that both have significant advantages.
Advocates of traditional medicine posit that it harnesses the healing power of nature. For instance, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) employs herbs like ginseng and goji berries to boost immunity and overall health. Conversely, modern medicine provides swift and targeted treatments. Chemotherapy, for example, can shrink tumors and prolong the lives of cancer patients.
In my view, an integrated approach that combines the best of both worlds is optimal. This synergy can lead to more holistic and effective healthcare solutions.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response: 8.0 (Presents a clear position with thorough development)
- Coherence and Cohesion: 8.0 (Uses cohesive devices effectively and logically)
- Lexical Resource: 8.0 (Uses a wide range of vocabulary appropriately)
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 8.0 (Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with few errors)
Band 9.0 Answer
Sample Answer:
The dichotomy between traditional and modern medicine has sparked considerable debate. Proponents of traditional medicine extol its natural origins and minimal side effects, whereas advocates of modern medicine highlight its efficacy and rapid results. I assert that both modalities have invaluable contributions to make.
Traditional medicine, with its roots in ancient practices, offers a holistic approach to healing. For example, traditional Thai massage not only alleviates physical discomfort but also promotes mental well-being. In contrast, modern medicine excels in diagnosing and treating complex conditions. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), for instance, provides detailed images of the body's interior, enabling precise diagnoses.
In my estimation, the future of healthcare lies in the amalgamation of traditional and modern medicine. This fusion can yield comprehensive and effective treatment protocols that address both the physical and emotional aspects of health.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response: 9.0 (Presents a clear position with extensive and supported development)
- Coherence and Cohesion: 9.0 (Uses cohesive devices effectively and logically)
- Lexical Resource: 9.0 (Uses a wide range of vocabulary with precision and sophistication)
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 9.0 (Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with rare errors)
Vocabulary Highlights
- Advocate (verb): To support or recommend something. Example: Many doctors advocate for the use of modern medicine.
- Efficacy (noun): The ability to produce a desired result. Example: The efficacy of traditional medicine has been proven over centuries.
- Holistic (adjective): Considering the whole of something rather than its parts. Example: Traditional medicine offers a holistic approach to healing.
- Laud (verb): To praise or commend. Example: Modern medicine is lauded for its rapid results.
- Modality (noun): A particular form or method of treatment. Example: Both traditional and modern medicine have valuable modalities.
- Posit (verb): To put forward as an explanation or suggestion. Example: Advocates of traditional medicine posit that it harnesses the healing power of nature.
- Proponent (noun): A person who advocates for a particular cause or proposal. Example: Proponents of modern medicine highlight its efficacy.
- Rapid (adjective): Happening quickly or within a short time. Example: Modern medicine provides rapid and effective treatments.
- Synergy (noun): The interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects. Example: The synergy of traditional and modern medicine can lead to more effective healthcare solutions.
- Targeted (adjective): Aimed at a specific goal or audience. Example: Modern medicine offers targeted treatments for various conditions.
- Valuable (adjective): Esteemed highly for its worth or importance. Example: Both traditional and modern medicine have valuable contributions to make.
- Allevate (verb): To make something less severe or intense. Example: Traditional Thai massage alleviates physical discomfort.
- Amalgamation (noun): A combination or blend of different things. Example: The amalgamation of traditional and modern medicine can yield comprehensive treatment protocols.
- Contention (noun): A point or issue in dispute or controversy. Example: The efficacy of traditional medicine versus modern medicine is a contentious issue.
- Diagnose (verb): To identify the nature of an illness or problem. Example: Modern medicine excels in diagnosing complex conditions.
- Dichotomy (noun): A division or contrast between two things that are represented as opposites. Example: The dichotomy between traditional and modern medicine has sparked considerable debate.
- Extol (verb): To praise enthusiastically. Example: Proponents of traditional medicine extol its natural origins.
- Holistic (adjective): Considering the whole of something rather than its parts. Example: Traditional medicine offers a holistic approach to healing.
- Integrated (adjective): Combined or coordinated to work together effectively. Example: An integrated approach that combines traditional and modern medicine is optimal.
- Modalities (noun): A particular form or method of treatment. Example: Both traditional and modern medicine have valuable modalities.
Common Mistakes
- Lack of Clear Position: Many students fail to present a clear position in their essays, leading to a lower task response score.
- Inadequate Development: Some students present a position but do not develop it sufficiently with examples and explanations.
- Poor Coherence and Cohesion: Students often struggle with using cohesive devices effectively, resulting in a lack of logical flow.
- Limited Vocabulary: Using a limited range of vocabulary can lead to a lower lexical resource score.
- Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can impede understanding and lower the grammatical range and accuracy score.
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