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IELTS Writing Task 2:
Smoking in Public - Band 7.0 Sample with Full Breakdown

Get a Band 7.0 sample answer for IELTS Writing Task 2 smoking in public question with full scoring breakdown and expert analysis.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Smoking in Public - Band 7.0 Sample with Full Breakdown

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Prompt

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

Sample Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Smoking is bad for health and environment. Some people think it should be banned in public places. Others say smokers should have freedom to smoke anywhere. I think smoking should be banned in public places.

Firstly, smoking is harmful to others. Smoke can cause health problems for non-smokers. Children and old people are especially affected. Secondly, smoking makes public places dirty. Cigarette butts are everywhere and they are difficult to clean.

However, some people say smoking is a personal choice. They believe government should not tell people what to do. Also, some say there are enough non-smoking areas already. But I think these arguments are not strong enough.

In my opinion, smoking should be banned in all public places. Governments should make more non-smoking areas. Also, they should educate people about dangers of smoking. This will make public places healthier and cleaner.

Scoring Breakdown:

  • Task Response (TR): 5.0 (Presents a position but with limited development)
  • Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 5.5 (Ideas are logically organized but with simple connectors)
  • Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 (Uses some less common vocabulary but with frequent errors)
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 5.5 (Makes frequent grammatical errors)

Band 7.0 Answer

The issue of smoking in public places has sparked considerable debate. While some advocate for comprehensive bans, others contend that personal freedoms should be respected. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my stance.

On one hand, prohibiting smoking in public areas offers clear benefits. Primarily, it protects non-smokers from harmful secondhand smoke, which has been linked to serious health conditions. Additionally, such bans contribute to cleaner public spaces by reducing cigarette litter. Many cities have successfully implemented these restrictions, showing their practicality.

Conversely, opponents argue that smoking bans infringe upon individual liberties. They maintain that adults should have the autonomy to make their own choices regarding smoking. Furthermore, some suggest that designated smoking areas provide a reasonable compromise. Proponents of this view believe that complete bans go too far in restricting personal behavior.

In my view, the health and environmental benefits of smoking bans outweigh the arguments for personal freedom in this context. While I acknowledge the importance of individual choice, the collective well-being of society should take precedence. Governments should implement and enforce comprehensive smoking bans in all public spaces, while also providing support for those who wish to quit smoking.

Scoring Breakdown:

  • Task Response (TR): 7.0 (Presents a clear position with relevant, extended ideas)
  • Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 (Uses coherent paragraphs and clear progression)
  • Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 (Uses some less common vocabulary appropriately)
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.5 (Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors)

Band 8.0 Answer

The contentious issue of whether to permit smoking in public spaces continues to generate impassioned debate. While libertarians advocate for smokers' rights, public health advocates push for comprehensive restrictions. This discourse will critically evaluate both positions before advocating for a balanced approach.

Proponents of smoking bans present compelling arguments rooted in public health and environmental concerns. Secondhand smoke exposure poses significant health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. Moreover, the environmental impact of cigarette waste is substantial, with billions of butts discarded annually. Cities that have implemented strict bans, like New York and Singapore, have demonstrated measurable improvements in public health and cleanliness metrics.

Conversely, those opposing outright bans raise valid points about personal freedoms. They argue that in a society valuing individual autonomy, adults should have the right to make their own choices about smoking. Some suggest that alternatives like designated smoking areas or increased taxation on tobacco products might be more effective solutions. This perspective emphasizes the importance of balancing public health goals with personal liberties.

In my considered opinion, a middle ground approach would be most effective. While I support the principle of individual freedom, the collective health benefits of reduced smoking in public spaces are undeniable. I propose a solution that combines strict smoking bans in certain areas with robust public education campaigns and accessible cessation programs. This approach would respect personal choice while prioritizing public health and environmental protection.

Scoring Breakdown:

  • Task Response (TR): 8.0 (Presents a clear position with fully extended and supported ideas)
  • Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 (Uses coherent paragraphs and clear progression with sophisticated connectors)
  • Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 (Uses a wide range of vocabulary with skill and flexibility)
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 (Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with generally accurate grammar)

Vocabulary Highlights

  1. Sparked considerable debate (caused much discussion)
  • Collocation: sparked intense debate, sparked global debate
  1. Comprehensive bans (complete prohibitions)
  • Collocation: comprehensive smoking bans, comprehensive legislation
  1. Autonomy (independence, self-governance)
  • Collocation: personal autonomy, decision-making autonomy
  1. Impassioned debate (emotional, heated discussion)
  • Collocation: impassioned speech, impassioned argument
  1. Contentious issue (highly debated and controversial topic)
  • Collocation: contentious political issue, contentious legal matter
  1. Libertarians (advocates of individual freedom)
  • Collocation: libertarian policies, libertarian values
  1. Public health advocates (people who promote community well-being)
  • Collocation: public health initiatives, public health policies
  1. Measurable improvements (quantifiable enhancements)
  • Collocation: measurable results, measurable progress
  1. Vulnerable populations (groups at higher risk)
  • Collocation: vulnerable communities, vulnerable demographics
  1. Environmental impact (effects on nature and ecosystems)
  • Collocation: significant environmental impact, assess environmental impact
  1. Robust public education campaigns (strong informational programs)
  • Collocation: robust marketing campaigns, robust awareness campaigns
  1. Cessation programs (programs to help people quit)
  • Collocation: smoking cessation programs, addiction cessation programs
  1. Collective well-being (community health and happiness)
  • Collocation: collective good, collective benefit
  1. Designated smoking areas (specific places for smoking)
  • Collocation: designated parking areas, designated seating areas
  1. Impassioned debate (emotional, heated discussion)
  • Collocation: impassioned speech, impassioned argument
  1. Critical evaluation (detailed and objective assessment)
  • Collocation: critical analysis, critical review
  1. Impassioned debate (emotional, heated discussion)
  • Collocation: impassioned speech, impassioned argument
  1. Middle ground approach (compromise solution)
  • Collocation: find middle ground, seek middle ground
  1. Personal liberties (individual freedoms)
  • Collocation: civil liberties, personal freedoms
  1. Public education campaigns (community informational programs)
  • Collocation: awareness campaigns, health campaigns

Common Mistakes

  1. Overgeneralizing arguments: Many students make broad statements without sufficient support or examples.
  2. Ignoring task requirements: Some candidates fail to discuss both views as required by the prompt.
  3. Weak vocabulary choices: Using basic vocabulary repeatedly instead of attempting more advanced words and phrases.
  4. Poor paragraph structure: Combining multiple ideas in one paragraph without clear organization.
  5. Grammar errors: Frequent mistakes in verb tenses, subject-verb agreement, and sentence structure.

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FAQs

Q: How is the IELTS Writing Task 2 scored? A: IELTS Writing Task 2 is scored based on four criteria: Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Each criterion is scored from 0 to 9.

Q: What is the word count requirement for IELTS Writing Task 2? A: You should write at least 250 words for IELTS Writing Task 2. Responses with fewer words may receive a lower score for Task Response.

Q: How can I improve my vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2? A: Expand your vocabulary by reading a variety of texts, learning word families, and practicing using new words in context. Use vocabulary lists and flashcards to help memorize new words.

Q: What is the difference between IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2? A: Task 1 requires you to describe visual information (graphs, charts, diagrams) in 150 words, while Task 2 is an essay response to a given prompt in 250 words. Task 2 carries more weight in your overall Writing score.

Q: How can I manage my time effectively during IELTS Writing Task 2? A: Spend about 40 minutes on Task 2. Allocate time for planning (5-10 minutes), writing (25-30 minutes), and reviewing (5 minutes). Stick to your time plan to ensure you complete the task.

Q: What are some common topics for IELTS Writing Task 2? A: Common topics include education, environment, technology, health, government policy, and social issues. Practice writing about a variety of topics to prepare for the test.

Q: How important is grammar in IELTS Writing Task 2? A: Grammar is crucial in IELTS Writing Task 2. The Grammatical Range and Accuracy criterion accounts for 25% of your total Writing score. Use a variety of sentence structures and minimize grammatical errors.

Q: Can I use bullet points or lists in IELTS Writing Task 2? A: No, IELTS Writing Task 2 requires a formal essay response. Bullet points or lists are not acceptable and may result in a lower score for Coherence and Cohesion.

Stats Callouts

Label: Average IELTS Writing Task 2 Score Value: 5.5 Source: Cambridge Assessment English

Label: Most Common Writing Task 2 Error Value: Grammatical Range and Accuracy Source: ETS Research

Label: Percentage of Test-Takers Achieving Band 7.0 or Higher Value: 35% Source: IELTS Global Report 2022

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