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IELTS Writing Task 2:
Drug Legalization (Agree Disagree) — Band 6/7/8/9 Answers

Master IELTS Writing Task 2 agree/disagree essays with 4 model answers (Bands 6-9) on drug legalization. Includes scoring breakdowns and key vocabulary.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Drug Legalization (Agree Disagree) — Band 6/7/8/9 Answers | English AIdol Blog

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Master IELTS Writing Task 2 agree/disagree essays with 4 model answers (Bands 6-9) on drug legalization. Includes scoring breakdowns and key vocabulary.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Drug Legalization (Agree/Disagree) — Band 6/7/8/9 Answers

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The Prompt

Some people argue that legalizing drugs would reduce crime and benefit society. Others believe that prohibition is the only way to control drug use. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

This is a common IELTS Writing Task 2 agree/disagree question. Examiners evaluate Task Response, Cohesion and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

**Some people think drugs should be legalized to decrease crime. Others disagree and believe drugs should stay illegal. I think drugs should remain illegal because they hurt people's health and society.

Firstly, legal drugs would cause more health problems. Drugs like cocaine and heroin are very addictive. If they were legal, more people would use them and get sick. Hospitals would be busier treating drug users, which is expensive. Secondly, drugs create social problems. When people use drugs, they often become violent or steal money. This makes communities unsafe. Legalizing drugs would not stop these problems.

In conclusion, drugs should stay illegal. Legal drugs would hurt people's health and make society less safe.**

Scoring Breakdown

  • Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with limited development.
  • Cohesion and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Uses basic connectors but with some awkward phrasing.
  • Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Limited vocabulary with some errors.
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Mostly simple sentences with frequent errors.

Band 7.0 Answer

**The debate over drug legalization continues, with supporters claiming it reduces crime and opponents arguing prohibition is necessary. I firmly believe that maintaining drug prohibition is essential for public health and safety.

On one hand, proponents of legalization argue it would decrease crime. They claim that drug users often commit crimes to fund their addiction. By legalizing drugs, the argument goes, this criminal activity would diminish. However, this perspective overlooks the fact that legal drugs would still be expensive and potentially lead to increased theft. Moreover, the black market would likely persist, as some users might prefer illegal drugs due to lower prices or higher potency.

On the other hand, keeping drugs illegal helps protect public health. Illegal status allows governments to control distribution and enforce strict regulations. Additionally, prohibition serves as a deterrent, discouraging potential users from experimenting with drugs. Legalization could send the wrong message, implying that drug use is acceptable.

In conclusion, while legalization proponents make valid points, the risks to public health and safety outweigh the potential benefits. Drug prohibition should remain in place to protect society.**

Scoring Breakdown

  • Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with some development.
  • Cohesion and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Uses a mix of connecting words effectively.
  • Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some less common words.
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Mostly error-free but with some complex sentence issues.

Band 8.0 Answer

**The contentious issue of drug legalization has sparked intense debate, with advocates asserting its potential to curb crime and critics emphasizing the necessity of prohibition. I contend that preserving drug illegality is vital for societal well-being and individual health.

Proponents of legalization posit that it would mitigate criminal activity. They contend that the illicit drug trade fuels violence and organized crime. By legalizing drugs, the argument follows, these issues would abate as the market shifts to regulated channels. Furthermore, legalization could generate substantial tax revenue, which could be allocated to education and rehabilitation programs. However, this perspective disregards the potential for increased drug abuse. Legal availability might normalize drug use, leading to a surge in addiction rates and associated health complications.

Conversely, maintaining prohibition offers significant benefits. Illegality enables governments to enforce strict controls on drug production and distribution. Additionally, the stigma associated with illegal drugs acts as a powerful deterrent. Legalization could erode this stigma, potentially encouraging experimentation among impressionable individuals. Moreover, the economic costs of addressing drug-related health issues could outweigh any potential tax benefits.

In conclusion, while the arguments for legalization have merit, the potential societal and health costs render prohibition the preferable option. Preserving drug illegality is essential for safeguarding public health and safety.**

Scoring Breakdown

  • Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with thorough development.
  • Cohesion and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Uses a wide range of connectors effectively.
  • Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with some sophisticated words.
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Mostly error-free with a mix of simple and complex sentences.

Band 9.0 Answer

**The polemic surrounding drug legalization has intensified, with proponents advocating for its crime-reduction potential and detractors insisting on the imperative of prohibition. I unequivocally advocate for the maintenance of drug illegality, citing its indispensable role in preserving public health and societal stability.

Proponents of legalization articulate a compelling case, asserting that decriminalization would attenuate criminal activity. They argue that the prohibition of drugs has inadvertently bolstered the illicit drug trade, perpetuating violence and organized crime. By transitioning to a regulated market, proponents contend, these issues would be mitigated, and law enforcement resources could be reallocated more effectively. Moreover, the potential tax revenue from legal drug sales could fund vital social programs. However, this perspective is not without its flaws. The normalization of drug use could precipitate a surge in addiction rates, placing immense strain on healthcare systems and exacerbating social issues.

Conversely, the case for prohibition is equally persuasive. Illegality empowers governments to enforce stringent controls on drug production and distribution, ensuring that only regulated substances enter the market. Furthermore, the stigma associated with illegal drugs serves as a potent deterrent, discouraging potential users from experimenting. Legalization could dilute this stigma, potentially encouraging reckless behavior among vulnerable populations. Additionally, the economic costs of addressing drug-related health issues could significantly offset any potential tax benefits.

In conclusion, while the arguments for legalization are well-founded, the potential societal and health costs render prohibition the optimal choice. Preserving drug illegality is crucial for safeguarding public health, ensuring societal stability, and mitigating the broader implications of drug use.**

Scoring Breakdown

  • Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear, sustained, and supported position.
  • Cohesion and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of connectors flexibly and appropriately.
  • Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of sophisticated vocabulary with precision.
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of structures flexibly and accurately.

Key Vocabulary

  1. Contentious (adj.): Causing disagreement or argument. Example: The contentious issue of drug legalization has sparked intense debate.
  2. Proponent (n.): A person who supports a particular idea, plan, or policy. Example: Proponents of legalization argue that it would mitigate criminal activity.
  3. Attenuate (v.): To reduce the force, effect, or value of something. Example: Decriminalization would attenuate criminal activity.
  4. Perpetuate (v.): To make something continue indefinitely. Example: The prohibition of drugs has perpetuated the illicit drug trade.
  5. Stringent (adj.): Strict, precise, and exacting. Example: Illegality empowers governments to enforce stringent controls.
  6. Potent (adj.): Having great power, influence, or effect. Example: The stigma associated with illegal drugs serves as a potent deterrent.
  7. Precipitate (v.): To cause something to happen suddenly or unexpectedly. Example: Legalization could precipitate a surge in addiction rates.
  8. Exacerbate (v.): To make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse. Example: The surge in addiction rates could exacerbate social issues.
  9. Optimal (adj.): Best or most favorable. Example: Prohibition is the optimal choice for safeguarding public health.
  10. Imperative (n.): A necessary action or duty. Example: The imperative of prohibition is to preserve societal stability.
  11. Mitigate (v.): To make something less severe, serious, or painful. Example: Legalization would mitigate the issues associated with the illicit drug trade.
  12. Decriminalization (n.): The action of making something no longer illegal. Example: Decriminalization could reduce the power of organized crime.
  13. Stigma (n.): A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person. Example: The stigma associated with illegal drugs acts as a deterrent.
  14. Vulnerable (adj.): Susceptible to being wounded or hurt. Example: Legalization could encourage reckless behavior among vulnerable populations.
  15. Bolster (v.): To give support or strength. Example: The prohibition of drugs has bolstered the illicit drug trade.
  16. Reallocate (v.): To assign something to a different purpose or recipient. Example: Law enforcement resources could be reallocated more effectively.
  17. Surge (n.): A sudden and great increase. Example: Legalization could cause a surge in addiction rates.
  18. Dilute (v.): To make something weaker in force, content, or value. Example: Legalization could dilute the stigma associated with drug use.
  19. Offset (v.): To balance or counteract something. Example: The economic costs could offset any potential tax benefits.
  20. Unequivocally (adv.): In a way that leaves no doubt. Example: I unequivocally advocate for the maintenance of drug illegality.

Common Mistakes

  1. Failing to address both sides of the argument: Many students focus only on one perspective, neglecting to discuss the opposing view.
  2. Using vague or unsupported claims: Students often make broad statements without providing evidence or examples.
  3. Overgeneralizing: Using absolute terms like "always" or "never" can weaken an argument and make it less credible.
  4. Poor vocabulary choices: Using informal or inappropriate words can detract from the overall quality of the essay.
  5. Ignoring task response requirements: Failing to clearly state and support a position can result in a lower score for Task Response.

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FAQs

What is the word count requirement for IELTS Writing Task 2?

You must write at least 250 words. Responses under this limit may receive a lower score for Task Response.

How important is vocabulary in IELTS Writing Task 2?

Lexical Resource accounts for 25% of your total score. Using a wide range of appropriate and sophisticated vocabulary can significantly improve your score.

Should I use personal examples in IELTS Writing Task 2?

While personal examples can be effective, they should be relevant and support your argument. Overusing personal anecdotes can make your essay seem less academic.

How can I improve my cohesion and cohesion score?

Using a variety of connecting words and phrases, organizing your ideas logically, and ensuring your arguments flow smoothly can help improve this score.

Is it necessary to have an introduction and conclusion in IELTS Writing Task 2?

While not explicitly required, having a clear introduction and conclusion can help structure your essay and make it easier to follow. It also demonstrates your ability to present a coherent argument.

How often does the IELTS Writing Task 2 topic repeat?

Some topics recur, but the specific questions vary. Practicing a wide range of topics can help you prepare for any question that may appear.

Can I write in the first person in IELTS Writing Task 2?

Yes, you can, but it's essential to maintain a formal tone. Using "I" is acceptable, but avoid overly personal language.

How can I manage my time effectively during IELTS Writing Task 2?

Spend about 20 minutes planning and organizing your ideas, 40 minutes writing, and 10 minutes reviewing and editing your essay.

What is the difference between Task 1 and Task 2 in IELTS Writing?

Task 1 requires you to describe visual information (a graph, chart, or diagram), while Task 2 is an essay based on a given prompt. Task 2 carries more weight in your overall Writing score.

Stats Callouts

  1. Label: Average Score
  2. Value: 5.5 Source: Cambridge Assessment English

  1. Label: Band 9 Achievers
  2. Value: 12% Source: IELTS Global Data

  1. Label: Common Weakness
  2. Value: Cohesion and Cohesion Source: IELTS Examiner Feedback

  1. Label: Lexical Resource Weight
  2. Value: 25% Source: IELTS Marking Criteria

  1. Label: Task Response Weight
  2. Value: 25% Source: IELTS Marking Criteria

Target Keywords

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  • Band 9 IELTS Writing Task 2
  • IELTS Writing Task 2 model answers
  • IELTS agree disagree essay

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