Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Barron's Writing · 2026-10-14

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 6.0)

In recent times, smoking has become a societal menace. While some individuals say that the best way to discourage smoking is prohibiting it in public spaces, others argue that other measures need to be taken into consideration. Although public ban can deter smokers to an extent, I believe that it cannot totally discourage smoking, therefore other countermeasures need to be taken into consideration.

Those in support of making public smoking illegal argue that it is an effective way to discourage smokers from the act. Their reason for that is that when smoking is banned in a public spaces such as parks, buses and roadsides, smokers gradually drop the habit of smoking. However, this reason alone cannot deter smokers totally because they can always smoke in their apartments or at night when it dark for them not to be spotted.

On the other hand, I stand with those that support other steps should be taken. A public ban of smoking may not always be the most effective way to discouraging smoking. One primary approach is governments educating citizens on smoking can be another approach. If smokers are taught about the dangers of smoking such as having cancer and other related sicknesses. This approach can also be vital. In addition, not just banning public smoking, but also in private, and ensuring adequate punishments to those who fail to comply. Therefore, this could not only discourage smoking but be a firm solution.

In conclusion, even though public ban could discourage smokers to an extent, I believe other measures can also be provided. Authorities creating awareness on the negative effect of smoking and also a total prohibition could be a more viable option.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You address both views and state a clear position: a public-place ban may help, but additional measures are needed. The discussion of the ban is relevant, and you explain that smokers could continue at home or when unobserved. You also propose education and stronger restrictions. However, some ideas are less fully developed than others: the claim that public bans make smokers “gradually drop the habit” is not supported, while the suggestion of banning smoking in private places and punishing non-compliance needs explanation of how this would work. Develop each measure with a specific reason or example, and clarify your final position on whether a total prohibition is practical. The response meets the task’s length requirement; nine words copied from the prompt were excluded from the count.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response has a clear overall arrangement: an introduction, separate paragraphs for the two views, and a conclusion. Linking phrases such as “On the other hand,” “In addition,” and “In conclusion” help signal the direction of the argument, and the reader can follow your position. To strengthen progression further, make the relationship between ideas more explicit within paragraphs. For example, the education proposal is followed by “This approach can also be vital,” which repeats the point rather than extending it with a consequence or example. Some transitions feel mechanical, and “Therefore” introduces a conclusion without fully showing how the preceding measures lead to it. Use clearer referencing and connect each supporting detail directly to the claim it supports.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use an adequate range of topic vocabulary, including “societal menace,” “deter,” “countermeasures,” “prohibition,” and “awareness.” These choices show an attempt to use less common language, and the meaning is generally clear. Some expressions are inaccurate or unnatural, however, such as “a public ban of smoking,” “other measures can also be provided,” and “negative effect of smoking.” Repetition of “approach” and “taken into consideration” also limits flexibility. Choose more natural collocations and vary repeated terms; for instance, refer to “a ban on smoking in public places” and “additional measures.” More precise vocabulary would also help distinguish public restrictions, education campaigns, and enforcement rather than grouping them under broad phrases.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mix of simple and complex forms, including a concession in “Although public ban can deter smokers…” and a conditional sentence beginning “If smokers are taught…”. The main argument remains understandable, but some grammatical errors occur in articles, agreement, verb patterns, and sentence construction. Examples include “in a public spaces,” “when it dark,” and “a public ban … way to discouraging smoking.” The sentence beginning “If smokers are taught…” is incomplete, and “One primary approach is governments educating citizens on smoking can be another approach” combines competing structures. Practise building complete sentences around one main clause, checking articles and subject–verb agreement, and using consistent verb patterns. This will make your complex sentences more controlled and accurate.

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