Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Barron's Writing · 2026-09-15

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)

There is considerable debate about how best to discourage people from smoking. While some argue that prohibiting smoking in public places is the most effective approach, others believe that this measure alone is insufficient and should be accompanied by additional policies. In my view, banning smoking in public areas is an important first step, but a combination of education, taxation and cessation support is more likely to produce lasting results.

On the one hand, making smoking illegal in public places can significantly reduce the prevalence of smoking. The most immediate benefit is that it protects non-smokers from second-hand smoke, which can be particularly harmful to children, pregnant women and people with respiratory conditions. Furthermore, restrictions on smoking in restaurants, workplaces and other shared spaces make smoking less socially acceptable. When smokers are required to go outside or to designated areas, the habit becomes less convenient and visible, which may encourage some people to reduce their consumption or quit altogether. For example, smoke-free workplace policies can make it considerably more difficult for employees to take frequent smoking breaks during the working day.

On the other hand, simply prohibiting smoking in public places does not address the underlying causes of nicotine addiction. People can still smoke in private homes or other permitted areas, meaning that a ban does not necessarily persuade addicted smokers to stop. For this reason, governments should introduce complementary measures. Higher taxes on tobacco products, for instance, can discourage consumption by making cigarettes less affordable, particularly for younger people. At the same time, public education campaigns can explain the long-term consequences of smoking and discourage adolescents from taking up the habit in the first place. In addition, readily available cessation programmes, nicotine-replacement therapies and counselling can help existing smokers overcome their dependence.

In conclusion, banning smoking in public places is an effective way to protect the public and reduce the social acceptability of smoking, but it cannot eliminate the problem on its own. I believe that smoke-free laws should therefore be combined with higher tobacco taxes, effective education and accessible support for people who want to quit. A comprehensive strategy is more likely to reduce smoking rates while addressing both public exposure and individual addiction.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—that public smoking bans are sufficient and that additional measures are necessary—while maintaining a clear, well-developed personal position throughout. In the introduction, the writer outlines both perspectives and clearly states their view. Body paragraph one explores the advantages of making smoking illegal in public, citing protection from second-hand smoke and reduced social acceptability. Body paragraph two examines the counter-view that bans alone do not tackle nicotine addiction, effectively extending the argument by introducing complementary measures such as taxation, public education, and cessation programmes. The conclusion neatly ties these ideas together. Ideas are fully developed with relevant explanations and examples, easily meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The response exhibits a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information and ideas are coherently structured, with each paragraph having a distinct central topic. The introduction sets the stage, body paragraph one and two logically contrast the two perspectives, and the conclusion summarises the main points effectively. Cohesive devices are used naturally and flexibly, including phrases such as 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' 'Furthermore,' and 'For this reason.' Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring the essay flows smoothly from one idea to the next without any noticeable mechanical errors in referencing or transitional phrasing.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

The writer demonstrates a wide and flexible lexical resource that is well-suited to a formal discursive essay. Less common vocabulary items and collocations are used skillfully throughout the text, such as 'prevalence of smoking,' 'social acceptability,' 'underlying causes of nicotine addiction,' and 'complementary measures.' Word choice is generally precise, and collocation is natural, as seen in expressions like 'reduce their consumption' and 'overcome their dependence.' There are no noticeable spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication, reflecting a strong command of vocabulary appropriate for an upper-tier band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, successfully incorporating both complex and compound sentences with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free. For instance, the writer adeptly employs conditional and participial clauses, such as 'When smokers are required to go outside or to designated areas, the habit becomes less convenient...' and 'making cigarettes less affordable, particularly for younger people.' Punctuation is handled securely, and complex structures are manipulated with ease and control, with only very occasional, non-systematic slips that do not interfere with the overall clarity of the communication.

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