Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Barron's Writing · 2026-08-11

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 8.0)

Some people argue that prohibiting smoking in public places is the most effective way to discourage people from smoking, while others believe that additional measures are necessary. Although banning smoking in public areas can significantly reduce exposure to second-hand smoke and discourage the habit, I believe that it should be combined with other measures to achieve a substantial and long-term reduction in smoking rates.

On the one hand, making smoking illegal in public places can be highly effective. The primary benefit is that it protects non-smokers from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke, particularly in enclosed areas such as restaurants, workplaces and public transportation facilities. Furthermore, public smoking bans can gradually change social attitudes towards smoking. When smokers are required to leave public areas to smoke, the habit becomes less convenient and less socially acceptable. This may encourage some smokers, especially young people, to reduce their consumption or quit altogether. For example, many countries have introduced strict smoking restrictions in restaurants and workplaces, resulting in cleaner and healthier public environments.

On the other hand, banning smoking in public places alone is unlikely to eliminate the problem. Smoking is an addictive habit, and simply restricting where people can smoke does not necessarily address the underlying causes of addiction. Therefore, governments should introduce complementary measures, such as increasing tobacco taxes, restricting tobacco advertising, providing free or affordable cessation programmes, and educating the public about the long-term health consequences of smoking. Higher cigarette prices, in particular, can discourage young people from starting the habit and motivate existing smokers to reduce their consumption. Schools can also play an important role by educating teenagers about nicotine addiction before they begin smoking.

In my opinion, a ban on smoking in public places is an essential first step, but it should not be regarded as a complete solution. A combination of legislation, taxation, education and accessible support for people who want to quit would be far more effective. Such a comprehensive approach would not only protect the public from second-hand smoke but also address the reasons why people continue to smoke.

In conclusion, prohibiting smoking in public places can reduce exposure to tobacco smoke and make smoking less socially acceptable. However, because it does not directly overcome nicotine addiction, governments should implement additional measures to encourage people to quit and prevent others from taking up the habit.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly present both sides of the argument—the effectiveness of public smoking bans and the necessity of additional measures—while maintaining a consistent personal position throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of restaurants and workplaces, and the suggestion of specific complementary measures like taxation and education. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your position, ensuring the response is balanced and comprehensive. You have successfully met all requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

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'. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The referencing is clear, and the flow of information is natural, making the text easy to follow. The use of linking words is neither mechanical nor excessive, contributing to a coherent and well-structured argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic discussion. Phrases like 'complementary measures', 'cessation programmes', and 'socially acceptable' show a level of precision and sophistication. The word choice is generally accurate and fits the context well. While there is a solid range of vocabulary, incorporating a few more idiomatic or less common collocations could elevate the response further. However, the current range is sufficient to convey your ideas clearly and effectively without any noticeable errors in word choice or spelling.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Although banning smoking... I believe that...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and verb tenses is excellent. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication. The variety of sentence forms used—ranging from simple statements to more complex, multi-clause constructions—demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence and flexibility, which is consistent with a high band score.

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