Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · IELTS General Essentials · 2026-09-25

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Smoking can cause serious illnesses and should be made illegal.

To what extent do you agree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 7.5)

Smoking is well-documented as a leading cause of severe health conditions, including lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory disorders. Consequently, many argue that governments should institute a complete ban on tobacco products. While I strongly agree that prohibiting smoking is desirable for public health, I believe an abrupt blanket ban may be difficult to enforce immediately, making a progressive phase-out a more pragmatic approach.

On the one hand, there are compelling public health arguments for criminalizing smoking. Tobacco smoke contains thousands of toxic chemicals that harm not only active smokers but also non-smokers through passive inhalation. By making smoking illegal, governments would significantly reduce healthcare burdens, lowering the costs associated with treating chronic smoke-related illnesses. Furthermore, outlawing cigarettes would protect vulnerable groups, particularly children and non-smoking adults, from involuntary secondhand exposure in public spaces and homes.

On the other hand, implementing an immediate total ban poses significant practical and economic hurdles. Tobacco addiction is deeply rooted; banning cigarettes overnight could drive the trade underground, spawning a lucrative black market controlled by illicit networks. Moreover, tobacco production and retail contribute substantially to national revenue through taxes and provide livelihoods for millions worldwide. Therefore, an effective transition requires gradual legislative measures—such as raising taxes, increasing the legal purchasing age, and banning smoking in all public places—rather than an overnight criminalization.

In conclusion, while I fully support the ultimate goal of making smoking illegal due to its devastating health consequences, a strict, sudden ban might yield unintended legal and economic complications. A phased strategy combining strict regulations with public health education remains the most effective path toward a smoke-free society.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by taking a clear and well-developed position on whether smoking should be made illegal. The introduction clearly states the writer's stance that while a total ban is desirable, a progressive phase-out is more pragmatic. Body paragraph one explores compelling public health arguments for criminalization, mentioning toxic chemicals and secondhand smoke. Body paragraph two provides a well-balanced counter-argument discussing the practical and economic hurdles, such as black markets and tax revenue. The ideas are thoroughly extended and supported with relevant examples and logical reasoning, meeting the Band 8 descriptor.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

Ideas are logically sequenced and progress naturally throughout the response. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to public health arguments, practical counter-arguments, and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'Consequently', 'On the one hand', 'Furthermore', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively and flexibly without being intrusive. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately to separate the contrasting viewpoints.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary suited to an essay on public policy and health. Less common lexical items are used skilfully and naturally, such as 'cardiovascular diseases', 'involuntary secondhand exposure', 'lucrative black market', and 'pragmatic approach'. Word choice and collocations are generally accurate throughout, showing a high level of control that fits the Band 8 criteria.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The response features a wide range of complex sentence structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the writer demonstrates excellent command of punctuation and subordination, as seen in complex constructions like 'While I strongly agree that prohibiting smoking is desirable for public health, I believe an abrupt blanket ban may be difficult to enforce immediately'. Grammatical control is exceptionally strong with only rare, minor slips, aligning comfortably with Band 8 standards.

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