Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Barron's Writing · 2026-07-29

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some people say that the best way to discourage smoking is to make smoking illegal in public places. Other people say that this is not enough and that other measures are needed.

Discuss both these views, and give your opinion.

Give reasons for your answer, and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 8.5)

Smoking has long been recognized as a major public health issue. While some people argue that banning smoking in public places is the most effective way to reduce smoking rates, others believe that such a measure alone is insufficient and that additional strategies are necessary. This essay will discuss both perspectives before explaining why I support a combination of measures.

On the one hand, prohibiting smoking in public places can significantly discourage the habit. Public smoking bans protect non-smokers from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and make smoking less convenient for smokers. As a result, some people may reduce their cigarette consumption or even quit altogether. Furthermore, these laws help change social attitudes by making smoking less socially acceptable, particularly among young people who are easily influenced by their surroundings. For example, many countries have reported lower smoking rates after introducing smoke-free restaurants, offices, and public transport.

On the other hand, public smoking bans alone cannot fully solve the problem because smokers can still smoke in private spaces such as their homes. Therefore, governments should implement additional measures to tackle the root causes of smoking. One effective approach is to increase taxes on tobacco products, making cigarettes less affordable, especially for teenagers. Another important measure is to educate people about the serious health risks associated with smoking through school programs and public awareness campaigns. In addition, providing free or affordable smoking cessation services, including counselling and nicotine replacement therapy, can help smokers overcome addiction more successfully.

In my opinion, although banning smoking in public places is an essential step, it should be combined with educational, financial, and medical interventions to achieve the best results. A comprehensive strategy addresses both the availability of tobacco and the reasons why people start or continue smoking.

In conclusion, public smoking bans are effective in reducing smoking and protecting public health, but they are not sufficient on their own. Governments should adopt a range of complementary policies to reduce smoking rates and improve the overall well-being of society.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly presented both viewpoints—the efficacy of public smoking bans and the necessity of supplementary measures—and maintained a consistent, clear position throughout. The ideas are well-developed and supported with logical reasoning, such as the mention of second-hand smoke protection and the root causes of addiction. The structure is balanced, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes your argument. To reach the highest band, you could further extend your examples by briefly mentioning a specific country or a particular study to add more depth to your arguments.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Furthermore'. The referencing is clear, and the paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different stages of your argument. The flow is natural, and the reader is guided through your reasoning without any confusion. The use of cohesive devices is skillful and never feels forced or mechanical.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic discussion. Phrases like 'public health issue', 'socially acceptable', 'complementary policies', and 'nicotine replacement therapy' show a strong command of topic-specific language. The word choice is generally precise and natural. While the vocabulary is effective, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or idiomatic expressions could elevate the writing further. However, the current range is more than sufficient to convey your ideas clearly and accurately throughout the essay.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a high level of grammatical control. You have successfully used a variety of complex sentence structures, such as conditional clauses and subordinate clauses, with very few errors. Punctuation is accurate, and the sentence construction is varied, which keeps the writing engaging. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the few minor slips do not impede communication in any way. Your ability to maintain grammatical accuracy while expressing complex ideas is a significant strength of this piece.

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