Page 72 - Grasp English C1 (Student Book)

5 WELL-BEING

Writing

A. In pairs or groups, answer the questions below.

1. What do you know about homoeopathy?
2. Have you ever taken homoeopathic treatments?
3. Why do you think many health services around the
world have banned homoeopathic treatments?

B. You are going to read a for and against essay on
homeopathy. Before you read, answer the questions
below.
1. What information do you expect the essay to include?
2. How do you expect the essay to be structured?

3. What phrases could be included in this essay?

C. Read the essay and choose the correct link words.

Homoeopathy is a type of alternative medicine which 5 (On the one hand / However), despite the extensive
originated in the 1790s in Germany. It is used by over investigation into homoeopathic treatments, there is
200 million people worldwide to treat a wide range of no quality evidence that they are any more effective
medical conditions. It is based on the idea that “like than a placebo. 6 (Consequently / On the other
cures like”. 1 (In other words / In fact), a small amount hand), when homoeopathy practitioners claim that
of one substance can cure the same symptoms their treatment can cure diseases such as cancer,
that it would cause if taken in large amounts. They their actions are highly unethical, especially if
claim that 2 (as a matter of fact / in this respect), they convince patients to abandon conventional
homoeopathic treatment works like a vaccine. medicine in favour of homoeopathy. 7 (What's more /
Even so), Homeopathic medicine can, on occasion,
Advocates of this “treatment” say that there are
react with conventional medicine and prevent it from
good reasons to choose homoeopathy. 3 (At First
working effectively.
/ Firstly), each patient is treated individually, and
their mind, spirit and emotions are all considered 8 (Although / Since) homoeopathic treatment is
when choosing a treatment. Secondly, they say that individual and can create a calming, healing
homoeopathic medicines are safe and rarely have placebo effect, it can nevertheless give uninformed
side effects, even when used by babies, the elderly, members of the public the false belief in the
pregnant or breastfeeding women. 4 (At last / Lastly), efficacy of the treatment and may even prevent
they claim that the treatment must be effective as it conventional medicine from working. For this reason,
is so popular, and is supported by numerous experts. I believe homoeopathy should be banned, as it is
both misleading and dangerous.

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