Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Barron's Writing · 2026-08-01

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)

Some people believe that making smoking illegal in public places is the most effective way to reduce smoking. Others argue that this measure alone is insufficient and that additional actions are necessary. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I believe a combination of different strategies is the best solution.

On the one hand, banning smoking in public places can significantly discourage people from smoking. When smoking is prohibited in parks, restaurants, bus stops, and other public areas, smokers have fewer opportunities to smoke during the day. In addition, such laws protect non-smokers from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and create a healthier environment for everyone. For example, many countries have introduced smoking bans in public buildings, resulting in cleaner air and increased public awareness about the dangers of smoking.

On the other hand, public smoking bans alone cannot completely solve the problem. Many smokers continue their habit at home or in designated smoking areas. Therefore, governments should introduce other measures, such as increasing taxes on cigarettes, running educational campaigns, and providing free support for people who want to quit. These methods not only discourage young people from starting to smoke but also help existing smokers overcome their addiction.

In my opinion, while making smoking illegal in public places is an important step, it should be combined with education and financial measures. Smoking is an addictive habit, and simply restricting where people smoke does not address the root of the problem. A balanced approach is more likely to reduce smoking rates and improve public health in the long term.

In conclusion, although banning smoking in public places has many benefits, it is not enough by itself. Governments should adopt multiple strategies to achieve the greatest reduction in smoking.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have discussed both views regarding smoking bans and provided a clear, consistent personal opinion throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the distinction between public restrictions and the need for broader systemic measures like education and taxation. The structure is logical, and the arguments are supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of cleaner air and the need to address the root of addiction. The response is balanced and demonstrates a clear understanding of the task requirements, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence that guides the reader through your argument. You have used cohesive devices effectively, such as 'On the one hand,' 'In addition,' and 'Therefore,' which help to link ideas smoothly. The progression of ideas is coherent, moving from the benefits of bans to the limitations of such measures, and finally to your own balanced perspective. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points, making the text easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'harmful effects of second-hand smoke,' 'overcome their addiction,' and 'balanced approach' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is appropriate and natural, it stays within a relatively standard range. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated or less common collocations or idiomatic expressions related to public policy or health. However, the current usage is precise, and there are no errors in word choice that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional and concessive clauses (e.g., 'while making smoking illegal... it should be combined'). The grammar is highly accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there is a good control over verb tenses and subject-verb agreement. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of grammatical control, which is consistent with a high band score.

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