GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 370
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following 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?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: [Opinion: It is a negative development]
These days, alternative medicine has become increasingly popular among many individuals who prefer to opt for treatments that differ from conventional medical practices. However, I believe that this trend is a tremendously dangerous development as alternative medicines and treatments are often touted to heal serious diseases without any backing from scientific research.
Firstly, alternative medicine may not have undergone the same level of rigorous testing and scientific evaluation as conventional medicine, which could pose a great risk to the health and safety of individuals. There have been cases where individuals have suffered from severe health problems and even died due to the use of untested treatments, and this could be a major concern for those who prefer alternative medicine. If those patients had used conventional and scientifically proven medicines and treatments, in many cases their lives could have been saved. Herbs, oils and other natural ingredients that alternative natural treatment providers or healers often use have no connection whatsoever with curing simple diseases like headaches let alone serious ailments like cancers.
Secondly, reliance on alternative medicine could lead to delays in receiving effective medical care. Alternative medicine may not provide a cure for health problems, and the delay in seeking conventional medical treatment could exacerbate health conditions, leading to further complications or the demise of the patient. Furthermore, the promotion of alternative medicine could lead to distrust in conventional medicine and a reluctance to seek necessary medical attention. This could be particularly harmful in the case of serious medical conditions that require immediate medical attention.
In conclusion, while alternative medicine may seem like an attractive option for some individuals, I believe that it is a serious negative development due to the potential risks it poses to individual health and the potential delay in receiving effective medical care. It is important to seek medical attention from qualified healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible outcome for one’s health.
Sample Answer 2: [Opinion: It is a positive development]
An increasing number of people, these days, are using alternative medicine and treatment than they did at any time in the past. I believe that this is a positive development because alternative medicine and treatments are whole-body care and a safer approach.
The biggest benefit of adopting alternative medicine is the fact it is focused not just on a patient’s body, but also on his mind. Unlike typical treatment, which just treats the symptoms of an individual’s disease, alternative medical practitioners think that the body and mind are interconnected. This means a patient’s illness could be developed by a purely physical cause, but could also be stemmed from his or her mental or spiritual health. Therefore, they take the whole body into consideration. Instead of focusing on one’s back pain, for example, alternative medical practitioners consider his or her lifestyle as a part of the healing process.
Likewise, alternative medicine places the main emphasis on the power that stems from a natural and healthy approach. It uses natural substances like oils and herbs in order to cure a patient’s illness and usually does not cause side effects that are detrimental to one’s body. Many studies reveal that alternative therapies have no side effects and are highly effective in treating various health issues such as diabetes, chronic fatigue, allergies, and premenstrual syndrome to mention but a few. Alternative medicine is thus a safer way to treat diseases.
In conclusion, a burgeoning number of sick people, today, are adopting alternative medicine and treatments, and I think this is a positive trend because it is a whole-person treatment and relies on natural remedies, thereby having no side effects.
Model Answer 3: [Opinion: Mixed opinion]
In recent times, more and more individuals with health issues are opting for alternative medicine and treatments as an alternative to conventional medical care. This essay aims to critically analyze this trend and explain why this can be a positive development if the authority strictly maintains the alternative medicine industry, and people opt for conventional medical treatments when they have serious illnesses.
The rise in the utilization of alternative medicine can be seen as a positive development. Alternative treatments often adopt a holistic approach that focuses on addressing the underlying causes of health problems rather than merely treating the symptoms. This approach may provide individuals with a sense of empowerment and control over their own well-being. Moreover, alternative medicine often emphasizes natural and non-invasive methods, which may result in fewer side effects and complications compared to many conventional medical interventions. For example, practices like yoga and herbal remedies have been found to effectively alleviate chronic pain and enhance overall well-being.
However, there are potential drawbacks associated with the increasing preference for alternative medicine. One concern is the lack of regulation and standardized practices in the field. Unlike conventional medicine, alternative therapies are not always subjected to rigorous scientific testing and validation. This raises questions regarding the safety and efficacy of certain treatments. So the authority must strictly regulate this sector. Moreover, by relying solely on alternative medicine, individuals with serious diseases may delay or neglect seeking timely medical care, which can have serious consequences for their health outcomes. So, individuals should always consult with medical practitioners when they have any serious ailment.
In conclusion, the growing inclination towards alternative medicine presents both advantages and disadvantages. So it is expected that the government would intervene and impose strict guidelines and monitor this sector so that we can reap the benefits of this trend while also minimising the potential drawbacks.