Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Barron's Writing · 2026-08-27
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 5.0)
It is often argued that the one way to prohibit smoking in public places is to put a permanent ban on it, while a considerable number of people think that other measures should be taken to address this problem. In my view, making smoking illegal at general places is a better solution because it can promote more people to take benefit from them. This essay will discuss both perspectives supported with relevant examples.
On the one hand, the prominent reason for discouraging smoking is that it can ruin beauty of public places and people might avoid to visit there. What I mean by this is that many people usually smoke at parks, bus stations and food courts due to which they look unattractive and also, individuals do not like to sit near them. Another significant factor is
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response is significantly under the 250-word minimum requirement, which severely impacts the ability to fully develop ideas. While you have introduced the topic and stated a position, the essay is incomplete, ending abruptly mid-sentence. Because the task is not fully addressed and the arguments are left undeveloped, the response fails to meet the criteria for a higher band. To improve, you must ensure you provide a full discussion for both views and a clear conclusion, while meeting the word count to allow for sufficient elaboration of your points.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay shows a basic attempt at logical organization with an introduction and the start of a body paragraph. You have used some cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand' and 'In my view' to signal the structure. However, because the text is incomplete, the overall progression is interrupted. The paragraphing is also incomplete, as the second paragraph is cut off mid-sentence. To improve, focus on completing your thoughts and using a wider variety of linking words to connect your ideas more fluidly throughout the entire essay.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
Your vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, using phrases like 'considerable number of people' and 'permanent ban'. However, there are some awkward collocations, such as 'making smoking illegal at general places' (should be 'in public places') and 'promote more people to take benefit from them'. The range of vocabulary is limited by the short length of the response. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more precise academic vocabulary and ensure your word choices are natural and contextually appropriate.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
You demonstrate an ability to use complex sentence structures, such as 'It is often argued that... while a considerable number of people think that...'. However, there are grammatical errors, such as 'people might avoid to visit there' (should be 'avoid visiting there') and 'ruin beauty of public places' (missing an article). While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are noticeable. To improve, focus on verb patterns and article usage, and aim for more consistent accuracy across a wider range of sentence types.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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