Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Barron's Writing · 2026-09-03
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)
Some people believe that making smoking illegal in public place will discourage smoking among people and it's the best way. While, other thinks that much is not enough some other measures are needed. I will discuss both point of view and will give my opinion.
Firstly, to make smoking illegal in public place will demoralized smoking. I do not completely agree with this belief because smokers will buy cigarette in black, but they will not quit smoking. Hoarding of cigarettes will begin. Smoking is harmful to smokers as well as non smokers as fumes of cigarette will affect the lungs of both smokers and non-smoker. For example, in married couple, husband is smoker and wife is non-smoker but due to smoking of husband wife's lungs is also affected. Now a days young people, future of our country are also consuming unfavorable products which damage their health.
On the other hand, some people believe that some other measures should also be taken, according to me, this belief is effective. My opinion is that government should organize campaign regarding, to leave smoking through various ways like meditation and much more. And should arrange workshops, motivational seminars which inspire smokers to leave smoking.
Both beliefs are completely correct, smoking should make illegal in public place and take other measures which are needed. Not only smoking but all the products which are harmful to people health like tobbaco, drugs should be band.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response addresses both views and provides an opinion, but the development is limited. The essay is under the 250-word minimum, which negatively impacts the depth of the argument. While you mention that smoking should be banned in public and that other measures are needed, the supporting ideas—such as the example of a married couple—are somewhat simplistic and lack the necessary academic expansion required for a higher band. To improve, ensure you fully explore the implications of each viewpoint and provide more substantial, well-reasoned arguments to meet the length requirement and demonstrate a more thorough engagement with the prompt.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'Firstly', 'On the other hand'). There are also issues with referencing; for instance, the transition between the discussion of public bans and the need for other measures is abrupt. To improve, try to use a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph flows logically into the next, creating a more cohesive argument rather than a list of points.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is generally adequate for basic communication but lacks the precision and range expected at higher levels. There are several errors in word choice and form, such as 'demoralized' instead of 'discourage' or 'deter', and 'tobbaco' (spelling error). Phrases like 'unfavorable products' are vague. To improve, focus on using more precise academic vocabulary and ensure correct spelling. Avoid repeating simple words and try to incorporate collocations related to public health and policy to demonstrate a more sophisticated command of the language.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The essay contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'other thinks that much is not enough' (subject-verb agreement), 'smoking should make illegal' (passive voice error), and 'in married couple' (missing article). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma usage. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, specifically subject-verb agreement and the correct use of passive voice, before attempting more complex structures. Proofreading for basic errors will significantly improve your score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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