IELTS Writing Task 2: Smoking In Public — Band 7.5 Sample with Full Breakdown

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The Prompt

Topic: Some people believe that smoking in public places should be banned completely. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give relevant support for your answer.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Score Breakdown:

• Task Response: 5.0 - Presents a position but with limited development.
• Coherence and Cohesion: 5.0 - Ideas are logically organized but with some abrupt transitions.
• Lexical Resource: 6.0 - Attempts some less common vocabulary but with some errors.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 6.0 - Makes frequent grammatical errors but maintains meaning.

Answer:

Smoking in public should be banned because it is bad for health. Many people smoke and this affects others. Smoking is dangerous and can cause cancer. I think government should stop people from smoking in public places. There are many non-smokers who don't like smoke. It is not fair to them. Some countries have banned smoking and it works. People should smoke only in their homes. This is better for everyone.

Band 7.0 Answer

Score Breakdown:

• Task Response: 6.5 - Presents a clear position with some development.
• Coherence and Cohesion: 6.5 - Uses cohesive devices effectively but with some awkward phrasing.
• Lexical Resource: 7.0 - Uses some sophisticated vocabulary appropriately.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 7.0 - Makes some grammatical errors but generally accurate.

Answer:

The issue of smoking in public places has become increasingly contentious. While some argue that individuals should have the freedom to smoke, I firmly believe that smoking should be banned in public areas due to its pervasive and detrimental effects.

Firstly, smoking in public poses significant health risks to non-smokers. Passive smoking can lead to various health issues, including respiratory diseases and cancer. For instance, in countries where smoking bans have been implemented, there has been a noticeable decline in hospital admissions related to smoking-related illnesses. Furthermore, smoking in public places can create an unpleasant environment for others, affecting their quality of life.

On the other hand, proponents of smoking argue that it is a personal choice and that banning it infringes upon individual freedoms. However, the rights of non-smokers to live in a healthy environment should take precedence. Governments have a responsibility to protect the public's health, and implementing smoking bans is a step in the right direction.

In conclusion, while some may view smoking bans as an overreach, the benefits to public health and the environment far outweigh the drawbacks. It is high time that governments take decisive action to curb this harmful practice.

Band 7.5 Answer

Score Breakdown:

• Task Response: 7.5 - Presents a clear position with logical development and some sophisticated vocabulary.
• Coherence and Cohesion: 7.5 - Uses cohesive devices effectively with some flexibility and sophistication.
• Lexical Resource: 7.5 - Uses a range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items used appropriately.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 7.5 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with generally good accuracy.

Answer:

The contentious issue of whether smoking should be prohibited in public places has sparked considerable debate. While some advocate for the freedom to smoke, I contend that a comprehensive ban on smoking in public areas is not only justified but also necessary to safeguard public health and well-being.

Smoking in public places poses significant health risks to both smokers and non-smokers alike. Passive smoking, or secondhand smoke, has been linked to a myriad of health issues, including lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory infections. For example, a study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke are at a 25% higher risk of developing heart disease. Moreover, the pervasive smell of smoke can be unpleasant and intrusive, detracting from the enjoyment of public spaces.

Proponents of smoking argue that banning it infringes upon individual liberties. However, the rights of non-smokers to live in a healthy environment should be given precedence. Governments have a moral and legal obligation to protect the public's health, and implementing smoking bans is a crucial step in fulfilling this responsibility. Furthermore, smoking bans can serve as a deterrent, encouraging smokers to quit or at least reduce their consumption.

In conclusion, while some may view smoking bans as an overreach, the benefits to public health and the environment are undeniable. It is imperative that governments take decisive action to curb this harmful practice and prioritize the well-being of their citizens.

Band 8.0 Answer

Score Breakdown:

• Task Response: 8.0 - Presents a clear position with fully extended and supported arguments.
• Coherence and Cohesion: 8.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively with a clear progression and logical flow.
• Lexical Resource: 8.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with precise and sophisticated lexical choices.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with generally good accuracy.

Answer:

The question of whether smoking should be banned in public places has become a pressing global issue. While some advocate for the freedom to smoke, I firmly believe that a comprehensive ban on smoking in public areas is essential to protect public health and promote a healthier society.

Smoking in public places poses significant health risks to both smokers and non-smokers. Secondhand smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, including at least 70 known carcinogens, which can lead to a range of health issues. For instance, research published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke are at a 30% higher risk of developing lung cancer. Additionally, the economic burden of smoking-related illnesses is substantial, with healthcare costs and productivity losses running into billions of dollars annually.

Opponents of smoking bans argue that they infringe upon individual liberties. However, the rights of non-smokers to live in a healthy environment should take precedence. Governments have a responsibility to protect the public's health, and implementing smoking bans is a crucial step in fulfilling this duty. Furthermore, smoking bans can serve as a catalyst for behavior change, encouraging smokers to quit or at least reduce their consumption.

In conclusion, while some may view smoking bans as an overreach, the benefits to public health and the environment are clear. It is imperative that governments take decisive action to curb this harmful practice and prioritize the well-being of their citizens. By doing so, they can create a healthier, more sustainable future for all.

Key Vocabulary

1. Contentious: Causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.

• Example: The issue of smoking in public places has become increasingly contentious.

1. Pervasive: Spreading widely throughout an area or a group of people.

• Example: The pervasive smell of smoke can be unpleasant and intrusive.

1. Detrimental: Harmful to someone or something; damaging.

• Example: The detrimental effects of smoking on public health are well-documented.

1. Precedence: The condition of being considered more important than someone or something else; priority.

• Example: The rights of non-smokers to live in a healthy environment should be given precedence.

1. Imperative: Of vital importance; crucial.

• Example: It is imperative that governments take decisive action to curb this harmful practice.

1. Carcinogens: Substances capable of causing cancer in living tissue.

• Example: Secondhand smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, including at least 70 known carcinogens.

1. Infringe: Actively break the terms of a law, agreement, etc.

• Example: Proponents of smoking argue that banning it infringes upon individual liberties.

1. Deterrent: A thing that discourages or is intended to discourage someone from doing something.

• Example: Smoking bans can serve as a deterrent, encouraging smokers to quit.

1. Myriad: A countless or extremely large number of things.

• Example: Passive smoking has been linked to a myriad of health issues.

1. Respiratory: Relating to the organs and passages involved in breathing.

• Example: Smoking can lead to various respiratory diseases.

1. Intrusive: Encroaching on a person's privacy or space.

• Example: The pervasive smell of smoke can be unpleasant and intrusive.

1. Contentious: Causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.

• Example: The issue of smoking in public places has become increasingly contentious.

1. Proponents: A person who advocates for a cause or proposal.

• Example: Proponents of smoking argue that banning it infringes upon individual liberties.

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

• Example: A comprehensive ban on smoking in public areas is necessary to safeguard public health.

1. Promote: Support or actively encourage (a cause, venture, etc.); further the progress of.

• Example: Implementing smoking bans is a crucial step in promoting a healthier society.

1. Catalyst: A person or event that quickly precipitates a change or reaction.

• Example: Smoking bans can serve as a catalyst for behavior change.

1. Sustainable: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.

• Example: By implementing smoking bans, governments can create a healthier, more sustainable future.

1. Economic burden: The financial strain or cost imposed on individuals, businesses, or governments.

• Example: The economic burden of smoking-related illnesses is substantial.

1. Productivity losses: The reduction in output or efficiency due to factors such as illness or absenteeism.

• Example: Healthcare costs and productivity losses due to smoking run into billions of dollars annually.

1. Prioritize: Designate or treat (something) as more important than other things.

• Example: Governments should prioritize the well-being of their citizens by implementing smoking bans.

Common Mistakes

1. Overgeneralizing: Making broad statements without sufficient evidence or support.

1. Ignoring Counterarguments: Failing to acknowledge and address opposing views.

1. Lack of Specific Examples: Providing vague or unsupported claims without concrete evidence.

1. Poor Vocabulary Choices: Using inappropriate or overly complex vocabulary that detracts from the argument.

1. Grammatical Errors: Making frequent grammatical mistakes that affect the clarity and coherence of the response.

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