Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Barron's Writing · 2026-09-09
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 5.5)
It is widely believed that the way to stop smoking is to ban it in public ares, on the other hand some individuals say that this is not enough for stoping it . They believe in to add some more measures regarding stop smoking in public areas. I am going to add my own perspectives regarding smoking in forthcoming paragraphs.
In additions, smoking is becoming very positive trend in new generation. People believe that are living hero's lifestyle after bringing smoke out from mouth. The are smoking anywhere they want for example, on bus stops, parks, in public washrooms and many more areas. By this some people suffering from very bad health issues due to tobacco smell. Daily smokers also fighting with unwanted diseases they have caught in. Due to these ongoing smoking habitat some individuals plan that this is only way to stop it by prohibition in public place, but this is not only solution to erase it.
On The other hand, some people want to add more measures because according to my own experience am also agree with second statement somehow. However, we can also give them knowledge about cons of smoking and how it will harm us slowly slowly. Moreover, we have to write slogans on walls, advertising smoking harmful effects on body through posters. For instance, addicted people more attract by watching posters, instead of someone give lesson to them. Thus, by adding these type of measures we will make smoke free environment.
In contrast, smoking is not only thing by which our environment is becoming full of diseases, there are also many more habits of ours that are making us unfit day by day. So we have to make us body fit by avoiding these all shitty things which are useless in our life.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response addresses both views and provides a personal opinion, meeting the basic requirements of the prompt. However, the development of ideas is limited. For example, the argument regarding 'hero's lifestyle' is unclear and lacks logical connection to the topic of smoking. The discussion of alternative measures is somewhat superficial, relying on general suggestions like 'slogans' and 'posters' without deep analysis. The final paragraph introduces irrelevant information about general health habits, which detracts from the focus on smoking. To improve, ensure each paragraph directly supports the prompt and provides more detailed, logical explanations for your arguments.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate, such as 'In additions' (should be 'In addition') and 'slowly slowly' (which is not a standard cohesive phrase). The progression of ideas is sometimes disjointed, particularly in the transition between the second and third paragraphs. Referencing is occasionally unclear, making it difficult to follow the flow of the argument. Improving the variety and accuracy of linking words and ensuring a smoother transition between sentences would significantly enhance the coherence of the writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary range is limited and often inappropriate for an academic essay. There are several instances of non-standard phrasing, such as 'bringing smoke out from mouth', 'ongoing smoking habitat', and 'shitty things'. While the meaning is generally conveyed, the lack of precision and the use of informal or incorrect collocations hinder the overall quality. To reach a higher band, focus on learning topic-specific vocabulary related to public health and policy, and avoid informal or colloquial language. Using more precise terms would help convey your ideas with greater clarity and sophistication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The essay contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede readability. Issues include subject-verb agreement ('People believe that are living'), incorrect verb forms ('for stoping it'), and awkward sentence structures ('addicted people more attract by watching'). While there is an attempt to use complex sentences, they are often marred by errors. Punctuation is also inconsistent, with some run-on sentences and misuse of commas. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring correct verb tenses, and proofreading for common errors like missing articles or incorrect prepositions.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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