Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Barron's Writing · 2026-09-20

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 7.5)

There are different opinions about the most effective way to discourage people from smoking. Some people believe that smoking should be made illegal in public places, while others argue that additional measures are necessary. In my opinion, banning smoking in public areas is useful, but it should be combined with other methods.

On the one hand, making smoking illegal in public places can discourage people from smoking. Firstly, it protects non-smokers from second-hand smoke, which can be harmful to their health. For example, if smoking is prohibited in restaurants, parks and public transportation areas, people are less likely to be exposed to cigarette smoke. Secondly, such laws can make smoking less socially acceptable, especially among young people. As a result, fewer teenagers may be encouraged to start smoking.

On the other hand, banning smoking in public places alone may not be enough. Governments can introduce higher taxes on cigarettes to make them more expensive and therefore less attractive, particularly to young people. In addition, health education can explain the long-term effects of smoking and encourage smokers to quit. For instance, schools can teach students about the health risks of smoking, while governments can provide free or affordable programs to help smokers stop the habit.

In conclusion, prohibiting smoking in public places is an effective way to protect the public and discourage smoking. However, I believe that it should be supported by measures such as higher cigarette taxes, public education and smoking-cessation programs. A combination of these approaches is more likely to reduce smoking in the long term.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views: making smoking illegal in public places versus implementing additional measures like taxation and education. The student maintains a clear and consistent position throughout, stating in the introduction and conclusion that a combination of banning smoking in public and other methods is necessary. Ideas are well developed and supported with relevant examples, such as protecting non-smokers in restaurants and parks, and teaching students about health risks in schools. The response meets all the requirements of Task Achievement at a high level.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

Ideas are logically sequenced and easy to follow, providing a clear progression throughout the essay. The essay is divided into appropriate paragraphs, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs representing each side of the argument, and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and naturally, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Firstly', 'Secondly', and 'In addition'. Referencing is clear, and the overall arrangement of the text ensures smooth reading, meeting the criteria for a well-managed structure.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The student demonstrates an adequate and natural range of vocabulary suitable for the task. Words and phrases such as 'second-hand smoke', 'socially acceptable', 'long-term effects', and 'smoking-cessation programs' are used accurately and appropriately. While the vocabulary is not overly sophisticated, it is precise and allows the student to convey their ideas fluently. There are no noticeable spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication, demonstrating a solid command of lexical resource.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response features a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, showing good control over grammar and punctuation. Examples of complex structures include conditional clauses such as 'if smoking is prohibited in restaurants, parks and public transportation areas, people are less likely to be exposed to cigarette smoke.' The majority of sentences are error-free, and any minor errors are non-systematic. Punctuation is used correctly to separate clauses and list items, reflecting a strong command of grammatical accuracy appropriate for this level.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.