IELTS Writing Task 2: Smoking In Public (Advantages Disadvantages) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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Prompt

Some people argue that smoking in public places should be banned. Others believe that people should have the freedom to smoke wherever they want. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Smoking in public places is a controversial issue. Some people think it should be banned, while others believe in freedom of choice. I think both sides have valid points.

On one hand, smoking in public can be harmful to others. Secondhand smoke can cause health problems, especially for children and elderly people. Also, cigarette butts are a big problem for the environment. Many countries have already banned smoking in public places to protect people's health and the environment.

On the other hand, some people argue that banning smoking is taking away their freedom. They say that adults should be able to make their own choices about what they do with their bodies. Also, some people believe that smoking helps them relax and deal with stress. Banning smoking in public places might make these people unhappy.

In my opinion, I think smoking should be banned in public places. The health risks to others and the environmental damage are too serious to ignore. However, I understand why some people might disagree. Maybe there could be designated smoking areas where people can smoke without harming others.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with some irrelevant points.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Logical progression but some unclear referencing.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Limited range of vocabulary with some errors.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Frequent errors in sentence formation.

Band 7.0 Answer

The debate over smoking in public places has been ongoing for years. While some advocate for a complete ban, others argue for personal freedom. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting a personal stance.

Proponents of smoking bans argue that secondhand smoke poses significant health risks. According to the World Health Organization, exposure to secondhand smoke can lead to various respiratory diseases and even cancer. Additionally, cigarette butts are a major source of litter, contributing to environmental degradation. Many cities have implemented smoking bans in public places to mitigate these issues, and the results have been largely positive.

Conversely, opponents of smoking bans contend that such measures infringe upon individual liberties. They argue that adults should have the right to make their own choices regarding their health. Furthermore, smoking can be a coping mechanism for stress and anxiety, and banning it in public places might exacerbate these issues. Some suggest that designated smoking areas could be a compromise, allowing smokers to enjoy their habit without affecting others.

In my view, the benefits of banning smoking in public places outweigh the drawbacks. The health risks to non-smokers and the environmental impact are too severe to ignore. However, I believe that designated smoking areas could be a reasonable compromise, allowing smokers to enjoy their habit without harming others.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant points and some extension.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Logical progression with clear referencing.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Adequate range of vocabulary with some errors.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Some errors in sentence formation but generally accurate.

Band 8.0 Answer

The issue of smoking in public places has sparked intense debate. While some advocate for stringent regulations, others champion personal freedom. This essay will critically examine both viewpoints before presenting a nuanced argument.

Those in favor of smoking bans argue that secondhand smoke poses significant health risks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that exposure to secondhand smoke can lead to a myriad of health issues, including heart disease and lung cancer. Moreover, cigarette butts are a major environmental hazard, taking up to 10 years to decompose. Many countries have successfully implemented smoking bans in public places, resulting in improved public health and cleaner environments.

Conversely, opponents of smoking bans contend that such measures infringe upon individual liberties. They argue that adults should have the right to make their own choices regarding their health. Furthermore, smoking can be a coping mechanism for stress and anxiety, and banning it in public places might exacerbate these issues. Some suggest that designated smoking areas could be a compromise, allowing smokers to enjoy their habit without affecting others.

In my view, the benefits of banning smoking in public places outweigh the drawbacks. The health risks to non-smokers and the environmental impact are too severe to ignore. However, I believe that designated smoking areas could be a reasonable compromise, allowing smokers to enjoy their habit without harming others. Ultimately, a balanced approach that respects both public health and individual freedoms is necessary.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant points and extension.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Logical progression with clear referencing and effective use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Adequate range of vocabulary with some sophisticated usage.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Some errors in sentence formation but generally accurate with a mix of simple and complex sentences.

Band 9.0 Answer

The contentious issue of smoking in public places has garnered significant attention. While some advocate for comprehensive bans, others champion personal autonomy. This essay will meticulously analyze both perspectives before presenting a well-reasoned argument.

Proponents of smoking bans argue that secondhand smoke poses significant health risks. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that exposure to secondhand smoke results in more than 1.2 million deaths annually. Furthermore, cigarette butts are a major environmental hazard, with an estimated 4.5 trillion discarded worldwide each year. Many countries have successfully implemented smoking bans in public places, resulting in improved public health and cleaner environments. For instance, the United Kingdom's smoking ban in public places has led to a significant reduction in heart disease and lung cancer rates.

Conversely, opponents of smoking bans contend that such measures infringe upon individual liberties. They argue that adults should have the right to make their own choices regarding their health. Furthermore, smoking can be a coping mechanism for stress and anxiety, and banning it in public places might exacerbate these issues. Some suggest that designated smoking areas could be a compromise, allowing smokers to enjoy their habit without affecting others. For example, many airports and train stations have successfully implemented designated smoking areas, providing a balance between public health and individual freedoms.

In my view, the benefits of banning smoking in public places outweigh the drawbacks. The health risks to non-smokers and the environmental impact are too severe to ignore. However, I believe that designated smoking areas could be a reasonable compromise, allowing smokers to enjoy their habit without harming others. Ultimately, a balanced approach that respects both public health and individual freedoms is necessary. By implementing comprehensive smoking bans in public places and providing designated smoking areas, we can strike a balance that benefits everyone.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant points and extension, supported by specific examples.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Logical progression with clear referencing and effective use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Adequate range of vocabulary with sophisticated and precise usage.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Accurate use of a wide range of sentence structures with minimal errors.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Controversial (adj.): Subject to dispute or argument.

• Example: The issue of smoking in public places is highly controversial.

1. Secondhand smoke (n.): Smoke inhaled by someone other than the smoker.

• Example: Secondhand smoke poses significant health risks to non-smokers.

1. Respiratory diseases (n.): Diseases affecting the lungs and breathing.

• Example: Secondhand smoke can lead to various respiratory diseases.

1. Environmental degradation (n.): The deterioration of the environment.

• Example: Cigarette butts contribute to environmental degradation.

1. Infringe (v.): Act in a way that limits or violates someone's rights.

• Example: Smoking bans infringe upon individual liberties.

1. Coping mechanism (n.): A strategy for dealing with stress or anxiety.

• Example: Smoking can be a coping mechanism for stress and anxiety.

1. Nuanced (adj.): Having subtle differences or distinctions.

• Example: This essay will present a nuanced argument.

1. Myriad (n.): A large number of things.

• Example: Secondhand smoke can lead to a myriad of health issues.

1. Decompose (v.): Rot or decay.

• Example: Cigarette butts take up to 10 years to decompose.

1. Exacerbate (v.): Make a problem worse.

• Example: Banning smoking in public places might exacerbate stress and anxiety.

1. Comprehensive (adj.): Including all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.

• Example: Many countries have implemented comprehensive smoking bans.

1. Autonomy (n.): The right or condition of self-government.

• Example: Opponents of smoking bans champion personal autonomy.

1. Meticulous (adj.): Very careful and precise.

• Example: This essay will meticulously analyze both perspectives.

1. Well-reasoned (adj.): Based on sound reasoning.

• Example: This essay will present a well-reasoned argument.

1. Strike a balance (idiom): To find a middle ground.

• Example: By implementing comprehensive smoking bans and providing designated smoking areas, we can strike a balance.

1. Champion (v.): Support or defend a cause or idea.

• Example: Opponents of smoking bans champion personal autonomy.

1. Contentious (adj.): Causing or likely to cause an argument.

• Example: The issue of smoking in public places is contentious.

1. Annually (adv.): Happening once every year.

• Example: Secondhand smoke results in more than 1.2 million deaths annually.

1. Discarded (adj.): Thrown away.

• Example: Cigarette butts are a major environmental hazard, with an estimated 4.5 trillion discarded worldwide each year.

1. Implement (v.): Put a plan or system into effect.

• Example: Many countries have successfully implemented smoking bans in public places.

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of Clear Position: Many students fail to present a clear position on the issue, resulting in a lower Task Response score.

1. Inadequate Vocabulary: Using limited vocabulary can lead to a lower Lexical Resource score. Students should aim to use a wide range of vocabulary, including sophisticated and precise words.

1. Poor Coherence and Cohesion: Students often struggle with organizing their ideas logically and using cohesive devices effectively, resulting in a lower Coherence and Cohesion score.

1. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can lead to a lower Grammatical Range and Accuracy score. Students should aim to use a mix of simple and complex sentences with minimal errors.

1. Lack of Specific Examples: Students often fail to support their arguments with specific examples, resulting in a lower Task Response score. Using real-world examples can significantly improve the quality of the essay.

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