Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · IELTS General Essentials · 2026-09-27

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 8.0)

Smoking is a major cause of serious health problems, including cancer, heart disease and respiratory illnesses. Although I strongly agree that smoking should be strictly controlled, I do not believe that making it completely illegal would be the most effective solution.

There are several reasons why governments should take stronger action against smoking. Firstly, tobacco consumption places a considerable burden on healthcare systems because smokers are more likely to require treatment for chronic diseases. Secondly, passive smoking can seriously affect non-smokers, particularly children who are exposed to cigarette smoke at home. For these reasons, governments should continue to prohibit smoking in public places and restrict tobacco advertising.

However, an outright ban could have unintended consequences. If cigarettes were completely prohibited, some smokers might turn to the black market to obtain tobacco products. This could make the industry more difficult to regulate and potentially increase illegal trade. Moreover, adults should generally have the freedom to make their own decisions about activities that carry health risks, provided that they do not harm others.

Instead of a total ban, governments could increase tobacco taxes, introduce prominent health warnings and provide accessible programmes to help smokers quit. Schools could also educate young people about the long-term consequences of smoking, which may prevent them from developing the habit in the first place.

In conclusion, smoking causes significant harm and should be subject to strict regulation. Nevertheless, I believe that taxation, education and smoking restrictions would be more practical and effective than making tobacco completely illegal.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0

The student presents a very clear and well-developed position on the prompt. They directly address both sides of the issue by acknowledging the severe health risks and societal burdens of smoking while arguing against a complete ban. The arguments are extended and supported effectively, citing healthcare costs, passive smoking risks, black market concerns, and the importance of personal freedom. Alternative solutions such as taxation, education, and cessation programs are proposed, showing thorough engagement with the prompt. The response fully satisfies the task requirements with clear, logical developments throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

Ideas are logically sequenced, guiding the reader smoothly from the introduction through to the conclusion. Paragraphing is used effectively and appropriately, with each body paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the argument (reasons to restrict, dangers of an outright ban, and alternative solutions). Cohesive devices are managed well, using appropriate transition phrases such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'However', and 'In conclusion' to signal shifts in thought and maintain clear logical progression throughout the text.

Lexical Resource: Band 8.0

The student demonstrates a wide and flexible lexical range suitable for a General Training essay. Less common and precise vocabulary items are used effectively throughout the text, including phrases such as 'tobacco consumption', 'considerable burden', 'chronic diseases', 'unintended consequences', and 'outright ban'. Word choice and collocations are accurate, and spelling is flawless. The vocabulary enables the writer to convey precise meanings naturally and appropriately.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences featuring conditional clauses ('If cigarettes were completely prohibited...') and relative clauses ('...children who are exposed...'). The majority of sentences are completely error-free, demonstrating excellent control of grammar, tense consistency, and punctuation. Any complex structures used are handled with a high degree of accuracy, and there are no noticeable errors that impede communication or affect readability.

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