Introduction In today’s fast-paced and technology-driven world, lifestyle-related illnesses such as stress, obesity, and chronic fatigue are becoming increasingly common. While modern medicine focuses primarily on...
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-09-06
Writing a strong traditional medicine essay requires balancing complex arguments about modern and holistic healthcare. This guide breaks down a model essay, analysing its structure and language, showing you exactly what examiners look for and how to elevate your arguments for a top grade.
This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth analysis of a model essay responding to the prompt: "More and more people are suffering from health problems caused by a modern lifestyle which cannot be treated with modern medicines. Some people think that a return to traditional medicine should be encouraged. To what extent do you agree?" It offers practical advice on constructing nuanced arguments, employing effective essay structures, and using precise academic language, all crucial for achieving a top grade in English exams for Norwegian upper secondary school.
The topic of health, society, and individual responsibility is a recurring theme in English exams for Norwegian upper secondary school. Prompts like this one are designed to test your ability to construct a nuanced, well-supported argumentative essay. Understanding how to tackle this specific type of question is crucial for success.
To write a high-scoring argumentative essay, you must master the key building blocks of argumentation. Understanding these terms will help you both deconstruct prompts and construct your own powerful responses.
| Concept | Definition & Explanation | Example from the Model Essay |
|---|---|---|
| Thesis Statement | A single sentence, typically in the introduction, that presents the essay's main argument or position. It acts as a roadmap for the reader, clearly outlining the essay's focus and stance. A strong thesis is specific and debatable. | "This essay will argue that traditional medicine can indeed complement modern healthcare, but relying solely on it may not be entirely practical." |
| Topic Sentence | The first sentence of a body paragraph. It introduces the paragraph's main idea and must clearly connect to the overall thesis statement, acting as a mini-thesis for that specific paragraph. It guides the reader through the development of your argument. | "However, modern medicine has proven to be highly effective in treating acute and life-threatening diseases." (This sentence states the main idea of the second body paragraph). |
| Counterclaim / Concession | The art of acknowledging the opposing viewpoint. This demonstrates intellectual maturity and a balanced understanding, making your own argument seem more reasonable and credible. It shows you've considered other perspectives before arriving at your own conclusion. | The entire second body paragraph, which discusses the undeniable strengths of modern medicine, serves as a counterclaim to the initial argument about promoting traditional methods. |
| Synthesis | Moving beyond a simple "for and against" structure to combine ideas into a new, more sophisticated proposal. This is often a hallmark of top-grade essays, demonstrating advanced critical thinking where you create a new perspective from existing ideas. | "Rather than viewing traditional and modern medicine as opposites, a combined or integrative approach may offer the best solution." (This proposes a third way, synthesising the previous two points). |
| Supporting Evidence | The concrete facts, examples, and details used to support a topic sentence. Vague claims are weak; specific examples are convincing and add credibility to your argument. This can include statistics, historical events, logical reasoning, or hypothetical scenarios. | "Vaccines, antibiotics, and advanced surgical techniques have saved millions of lives and eliminated many deadly illnesses such as smallpox and polio." |
| Transition Words/Phrases | Words or phrases that connect ideas, sentences, and paragraphs to create a smooth flow and logical progression of arguments. They signal to the reader how ideas are related. | "Moreover," "However," "For instance," "Therefore," "Rather than viewing," "In conclusion." |
The following text is a well-structured response to the prompt. Pay close attention to how it introduces its argument, develops its points with examples, and arrives at a nuanced conclusion. This model demonstrates how to build a coherent and persuasive argument.
In today’s fast-paced and technology-driven world, lifestyle-related illnesses such as stress, obesity, and chronic fatigue are becoming increasingly common. While modern medicine focuses primarily on curing symptoms through drugs and surgery, many people argue that traditional treatments should be revived as they offer more holistic and natural approaches. This essay will argue that traditional medicine can indeed complement modern healthcare, but relying solely on it may not be entirely practical.
Traditional medicine, which includes practices such as herbal treatments, acupuncture, yoga, and Ayurveda, focuses on the root causes of illness rather than just symptoms. It aims to restore balance between the body and mind. For example, herbal remedies are often used to strengthen the immune system or relieve stress without causing harmful side effects. These practices often emphasize a preventative approach, encouraging healthier living habits rather than only addressing illness after it manifests.
Moreover, many people find traditional therapies to be more affordable and culturally familiar, especially in developing countries where access to modern medical facilities may be limited. This accessibility makes traditional medicine an important resource for improving public health in certain regions, often integrating seamlessly into local customs and beliefs. Its focus on overall well-being, rather than just disease eradication, resonates with a growing number of individuals seeking comprehensive health solutions.
However, modern medicine has proven to be highly effective in treating acute and life-threatening diseases. Vaccines, antibiotics, and advanced surgical techniques have saved millions of lives and eliminated many deadly illnesses such as smallpox and polio. These interventions are backed by rigorous scientific testing, providing a level of efficacy and safety that is often unmatched by traditional methods. Furthermore, diagnostic tools like MRI and CT scans allow for precise identification and targeted treatment of complex conditions.
For instance, while herbal treatments may work for some individuals, they can also cause allergic reactions or interfere with prescription medications due to lack of standardization and scientific validation. Therefore, modern medicine remains essential for emergency care, infection control, and chronic disease management, where rapid and scientifically proven interventions are critical to survival and recovery.
Rather than viewing traditional and modern medicine as opposites, a combined or integrative approach may offer the best solution. Many doctors now acknowledge the benefits of alternative therapies for improving mental health, reducing stress, and supporting recovery. For example, yoga and meditation are increasingly recommended to patients suffering from anxiety or hypertension alongside prescribed medication, demonstrating a synergy between the two fields. …