IELTS Writing Task 2: Smoking In Public (Two Part Question) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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The Prompt

Discuss both views and give your opinion. Some people argue that smoking in public places should be completely banned, while others believe that designated smoking areas are a better solution. What is your opinion?

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

The issue of smoking in public places has been debated for many years. Some people say that smoking should not be allowed in any public area, while others think that having special places for smokers is better. I agree with the second view.

Firstly, banning smoking completely is not practical. Many people enjoy smoking and it would be difficult to enforce a total ban. Secondly, designated smoking areas can help to reduce the health risks associated with smoking. People who do not smoke can avoid these areas, while smokers can still enjoy their habit.

In conclusion, I believe that designated smoking areas are a better solution than a complete ban. This approach allows both smokers and non-smokers to coexist in public places.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Presents a position but with limited development. Some ideas are relevant but not fully extended.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Information is logically organized but with some repetition and lack of clear progression.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses some less common vocabulary but with some errors in word choice and collocations.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms but with frequent errors in grammar and punctuation.

Band 7.0 Answer

The debate surrounding smoking in public places continues to be a contentious issue. While some advocate for a complete prohibition, others support the establishment of designated smoking areas. I tend to favor the latter perspective.

Proponents of a total ban argue that it is the most effective way to protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke. However, this approach may not be feasible, as it is challenging to enforce and could lead to increased smoking in private areas. On the other hand, designated smoking areas provide a compromise, allowing smokers to indulge their habit while minimizing the impact on others.

Furthermore, designated smoking areas can serve as a stepping stone towards a smoke-free society. By gradually reducing the number of these areas, governments can encourage smokers to quit without causing widespread discontent.

In conclusion, while a complete ban on smoking in public places may seem ideal, designated smoking areas offer a more practical and balanced solution.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with relevant, extended arguments. Covers both views but with some underdevelopment.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Information is logically organized with clear progression. Uses a mix of cohesive devices effectively.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items. Some errors in word choice and collocations.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors in grammar and punctuation.

Band 8.0 Answer

The contentious issue of smoking in public places has sparked considerable debate. While some campaign for an outright prohibition, others advocate for the establishment of designated smoking areas. I am inclined to support the latter view.

Those in favor of a complete ban contend that it is the most effective way to safeguard public health. However, this approach may be overly restrictive and difficult to enforce. Moreover, it fails to address the underlying issue of nicotine addiction. In contrast, designated smoking areas strike a balance between public health and individual freedom. By confining smoking to specific areas, non-smokers can avoid second-hand smoke, while smokers can still enjoy their habit without causing widespread inconvenience.

Additionally, designated smoking areas can serve as a catalyst for behavior change. By making smoking less convenient and more socially stigmatized, these areas can encourage smokers to quit. Furthermore, they provide an opportunity for public health campaigns to reach smokers directly, offering support and resources for quitting.

In conclusion, while a complete ban on smoking in public places may seem like the most straightforward solution, designated smoking areas offer a more nuanced and effective approach. By striking a balance between public health and individual freedom, they can help to create a smoke-free society in the long term.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with relevant, extended arguments. Covers both views with balanced development.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Information is logically organized with clear progression. Uses a wide range of cohesive devices effectively.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a wide range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items. Some errors in word choice and collocations.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with some errors in grammar and punctuation.

Band 9.0 Answer

The vexed question of smoking in public places has been the subject of much debate. While some advocate for a total prohibition, others contend that designated smoking areas are a more pragmatic solution. I am firmly of the opinion that the latter approach is more likely to yield positive outcomes.

Proponents of a complete ban argue that it is the most effective way to protect public health. However, this approach is fraught with difficulties. Enforcement would be challenging, and a total ban may drive smoking underground, making it more difficult to monitor and regulate. Furthermore, a complete prohibition fails to address the root cause of smoking: nicotine addiction. In contrast, designated smoking areas offer a pragmatic solution that balances public health concerns with individual liberties.

Designated smoking areas can mitigate the health risks associated with smoking while still allowing smokers to indulge their habit. By confining smoking to specific areas, non-smokers can avoid second-hand smoke, and the environmental impact of cigarette butts can be more easily managed. Moreover, these areas can serve as a platform for public health initiatives, providing smokers with access to resources and support for quitting.

Furthermore, designated smoking areas can be a stepping stone towards a smoke-free society. By gradually reducing the number of these areas and increasing the restrictions on smoking, governments can encourage smokers to quit without causing widespread discontent. This gradual approach is more likely to be accepted by the public and to yield long-term benefits for public health.

In conclusion, while a total ban on smoking in public places may seem like the most straightforward solution, designated smoking areas offer a more nuanced and effective approach. By striking a balance between public health and individual freedom, they can help to create a smoke-free society in the long term.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with relevant, extended arguments. Covers both views with balanced development and extends arguments with examples and supporting details.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Information is logically organized with clear progression. Uses a wide range of cohesive devices effectively and flexibly.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a wide range of vocabulary with less common lexical items and natural collocations. Some sophisticated vocabulary is used appropriately.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences. Errors are rare and do not impede communication.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Contentious (adjective): Causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument.

• Example: The contentious issue of smoking in public places has sparked considerable debate.

1. Prohibition (noun): The action of forbidding something, especially by law.

• Example: While some campaign for an outright prohibition, others advocate for the establishment of designated smoking areas.

1. Safeguard (verb): Protect from harm or damage.

• Example: Those in favor of a complete ban contend that it is the most effective way to safeguard public health.

1. Strike a balance (phrase): To achieve a situation in which two opposing things are equal or in the correct proportion.

• Example: Designated smoking areas strike a balance between public health and individual freedom.

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

• Example: Designated smoking areas can serve as a catalyst for behavior change.

1. Vexed (adjective): Causing or characterized by difficulty or trouble.

• Example: The vexed question of smoking in public places has been the subject of much debate.

1. Fraught (adjective): (Of a situation or course of action) filled with or likely to result in (something undesirable).

• Example: However, this approach is fraught with difficulties.

1. Mitigate (verb): Make (something bad) less severe, serious, or painful.

• Example: Designated smoking areas can mitigate the health risks associated with smoking.

1. Indulge (verb): Allow oneself to enjoy the pleasure of (something).

• Example: By confining smoking to specific areas, non-smokers can avoid second-hand smoke, while smokers can still enjoy their habit without causing widespread inconvenience.

1. Platform (noun): A place or opportunity for something to be expressed or shown.

• Example: Moreover, these areas can serve as a platform for public health initiatives.

1. Gradual (adjective): Taking place or progressing slowly or by degrees.

• Example: This gradual approach is more likely to be accepted by the public and to yield long-term benefits for public health.

1. Nuanced (adjective): Characterized by subtle differences in expression or meaning.

• Example: In conclusion, while a total ban on smoking in public places may seem like the most straightforward solution, designated smoking areas offer a more nuanced and effective approach.

1. Yield (verb): Produce or provide (a natural, agricultural, or industrial product).

• Example: By striking a balance between public health and individual freedom, they can help to create a smoke-free society in the long term.

1. Pragmatic (adjective): Dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.

• Example: In contrast, designated smoking areas offer a pragmatic solution that balances public health concerns with individual liberties.

1. Stigmatized (adjective): Described or regarded as worthy of disgrace or disapproval.

• Example: By making smoking less convenient and more socially stigmatized, these areas can encourage smokers to quit.

Common Mistakes

1. Failing to address both views: Some candidates focus solely on one side of the argument, neglecting to discuss the opposing view.
2. Lack of specific examples: Answers may lack concrete examples or evidence to support the arguments presented.
3. Poor organization: Some candidates struggle with structuring their answers, leading to a lack of coherence and cohesion.
4. Overuse of simple sentences: Answers may rely too heavily on simple sentence structures, limiting the range and accuracy of grammar.
5. Inadequate vocabulary: Some candidates use a limited range of vocabulary, repeating words and phrases throughout the answer.

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