Nowadays a Growing Number of People with Health Problems - IELTS Writing Task 2

A Quick Brief on IELTS Writing Task 2

The IELTS writing Task 2 is one of the most crucial components of the IELTS exam, often viewed as the "make or break" section for many students. This task assesses your ability to write a clear and well-structured essay. It evaluates whether you have met the criteria for coherence and cohesion, effectively responding to the task. In addition, using appropriate and sufficient linguistic resources, along with an accurate range of grammar, is essential.

There is a variety of essay types you may encounter in Writing Task 2, including:

1. Opinion Question (Agree or Disagree)
2. Advantage and Disadvantage Question
3. Discussion Question
4. Problem and Solution Essay
5. Double Question Essay

In the next section of this blog, you will find details about the Advantages and Disadvantages essay type, as well as some important factors to consider.

Also Read: Cohesive Devices in IELTS Writing: An Ultimate Guide

Nowadays a Growing Number of People with Health Problems: How to Answer?

When writing your response to the topic “Nowadays a Growing Number of People with Health Problems” you should ensure that your essay focuses on either the advantages or disadvantages of this issue. It's important to avoid biased or one-sided arguments. To help you with this, you can follow the template for an advantages and disadvantages essay in IELTS. 

Here’s a suggested structure:

• Introduction:

Begin with a brief introduction to the topic and provide some background information. Clearly state that the essay will discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of the issue.

• Main Body Paragraph 1 - Advantages:

Start with a topic sentence that explains one advantage. Provide detailed support, including examples and reasons to strengthen your point.

• Main Body Paragraph 2 - Disadvantages:

Begin with a topic sentence that outlines a disadvantage. Offer detailed support, including examples and reasons to substantiate your argument.

• Conclusion:

Summarize the key points from both the advantages and disadvantages. Present your opinion or a balanced perspective on the topic. 

While it might be challenging to follow this specific structure, doing so will help you address the IELTS writing task effectively. Below, you will find three sample responses related to this topic.

Nowadays, a growing number of people with health problems are trying alternative medicine and treatments instead of visiting their usual doctor. Do you think this is a positive or a negative development?

Make sure to keep your essay within 250 words.

Sample 1

Here is the first sample response for the given IELTS writing task 2 topic.

Introduction

In recent years, more individuals with long-term health issues have turned to alternative medicines instead of traditional doctors. This trend is often viewed as harmful. This essay will discuss the negative impacts of this practice, particularly its lack of regulation and high costs.

Body

Unlike conventional medicine, holistic treatments are not subject to the strict regulations imposed by governments and health organizations. This lack of oversight means that the unorthodox practices used by some practitioners do not undergo rigorous scientific and safety testing, which could potentially harm patients or waste their time since these unconventional methods cannot be proven safe or effective. In addition, some herbal remedies might negatively interact with prescription medications, leading to unwanted and harmful side effects.

Since alternative treatments are not monitored by government agencies, it is no surprise that they are not covered by most insurance plans and can be quite expensive. As a result, these treatments are often less accessible and affordable for the majority of people. Those who are determined to pursue these options may find themselves in debt without any guaranteed results. For example, acupuncture sessions can be costly, and improvements may not occur until multiple sessions have been completed.

Conclusion

Summing up, natural drugs are generally not beneficial in most cases. While they may occasionally seem effective, there is no guarantee of consistent results. Furthermore, they could potentially cause more harm than good, particularly for individuals with serious health issues or those facing financial difficulties.

Sample 2

Here is the second sample response of "Nowadays a growing number of people with health problems" to gain a high band score in IELTS essay writing.

Introduction

Currently, overpopulation in the country is impacting the health of many individuals. Instead of seeking treatment from doctors, many people are attempting to self-medicate and heal on their own. There are several possible reasons for this, and I believe it represents a very concerning trend.

Body

It is undeniable that social media influences the public in various aspects of daily life, including travel, food, exercise, and even healthcare. This leads both healthcare professionals and everyday individuals to review the benefits of taking care of one's health. Consequently, many people tend to place their trust in these online suggestions, believing that self-care is simple and that they can avoid the costs associated with hospital visits. In addition, some individuals believe in the healing properties of herbs. For example, ginger is known to relieve sore throats, and Aloe Vera is often used to treat scars.

On the other hand, some people prefer to see a doctor because they believe that professional treatment is necessary. In the past three years, the spread of COVID-19 has generated an overwhelming amount of information and news, which has instilled fear in many. When my mother had an infection and serious condition, she chose to seek hospital treatment instead of using herbs or medications she saw online. Following the doctor's instructions, she gradually improved. In contrast, my aunt took much longer to heal because she relied on medical advice she encountered on Facebook.

Conclusion

Summing up, we can heal ourselves when experiencing mild symptoms. However, if we have severe symptoms, we should seek a doctor's advice on treatment.

Sample 3

Below is the third sample answer for the IELTS writing essay task.

Introduction

In recent years, many people have opted to use over-the-counter medications instead of consulting their family doctor for treatment. This essay will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this trend, and I will present my opinion on the matter.

Body

Some people believe that using medications can lead to long-term side effects, as the chemicals may accumulate in the liver and cause additional problems over time. Many of these beliefs are based on information passed down from ancestors, articles found on social media, or even videos watched on platforms like YouTube or Instagram, rather than from medical sources. However, it cannot be denied that some treatments have proven effective. For instance, Chinese cupping therapy has successfully relieved pain and treated various conditions that modern medicine has struggled to address.

It's important to remember that many diseases share similar symptoms, which means that specific tests, including X-rays, are often necessary to accurately identify the underlying issue. In some cases, conventional medications might worsen the problem, leading to increased pain rather than relief. A prime example is ginger, which is known for its natural antibiotic properties. However, consuming excessive amounts of ginger can raise blood pressure and increase heart rate.

Conclusion

In summary, the points discussed clearly highlight the advantages and disadvantages of both conventional and modern medicine. Ultimately, I believe that both approaches can be effective, but it is crucial to consult with a professional first. This helps avoid any potential medical issues that could endanger people's lives.

Here are three sample responses to the IELTS writing Task 2 essay that students can reference during their tests. Additionally, we will examine a table below that outlines the lexical resources used in the "Nowadays a growing number of people with health problems" essay, along with their meanings.

Also Read: Advantages and Disadvantages Essay in IELTS with Samples

Lexical Resources

In the above sample essays, there are some tough words that test taker should know to improve their IELTS writing task. Further, it will also improve your vocabulary for IELTS exam.

Here are some challenging words along with their meanings, which will help you as you write your IELTS writing essay. In the next section, you will find unique and helpful tips to assist you in completing the essay task.

Best Tips to Ace IELTS Essay Writing Task

To achieve a band 8 in IELTS writing task 2, it is essential to write an essay that meets the high standards set by the assessment criteria. Here are some tips to help you score well:

• Ensure that you cover every part of the prompt and maintain a balanced response.
• Avoid adding irrelevant information, focus on the question at hand.
• While it’s important to show a range of vocabulary, make sure that using synonyms for IELTS does not alter the original meaning of your ideas.
• Spend time elaborating on your main points to ensure they are clear and well-supported.
• Including idioms, phrases can enhance the quality of your writing, making it more cohesive and engaging.

By following these tips, you can improve your writing skills and enhance your chances of success in the IELTS exam.

Conclusion

Summing up, we discussed the essay topic "Nowadays a Growing Number of People with Health Problems" and provided three sample responses. Additionally, we presented a table of lexical resources and shared essential tips for achieving a high score in this section of the IELTS. However, to reach a high band score, effective techniques and strategies are necessary. If you'd like to practice more essay questions, consider taking our IELTS writing mock test to track your progress.