Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-08-02

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 8.5)

Smoking is one of the most significant public health concerns worldwide, as it is responsible for numerous life-threatening diseases. Some people argue that cigarettes should be made illegal because of the harm they cause. Although I agree that smoking should be heavily restricted, I do not believe a complete ban is the most effective solution.

On the one hand, there are strong reasons to support strict laws against smoking. First, tobacco consumption is directly linked to serious illnesses such as lung cancer, heart disease, and chronic respiratory disorders. These diseases not only reduce life expectancy but also place enormous pressure on healthcare systems. Furthermore, smoking affects not only smokers but also those around them. Passive smoking exposes non-smokers to harmful chemicals, increasing their risk of developing similar health conditions. For example, children who grow up in households where adults smoke are more likely to suffer from asthma and other respiratory diseases. Therefore, governments have a responsibility to protect public health by limiting smoking in public spaces.

On the other hand, making smoking completely illegal may not be practical. Adults should have the right to make personal lifestyle choices, even if those choices involve certain health risks. Rather than banning cigarettes, governments should educate people about the dangers of smoking and encourage them to quit. In addition, a complete prohibition could lead to the growth of illegal tobacco markets, making it more difficult for authorities to regulate sales and collect taxes. History has shown that banning popular products often creates black markets instead of eliminating demand.

In conclusion, while smoking is undoubtedly harmful and should be subject to strict regulations, I do not support a total ban. I believe that banning smoking in public places, increasing tobacco taxes, and investing in public health campaigns would be far more effective in reducing smoking rates while respecting individual freedom.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly stated your position in the introduction and maintained it consistently throughout the essay. The arguments are well-developed, providing logical reasons for both sides of the debate—the health risks of smoking and the practical limitations of a total ban. You have supported your points with relevant examples, such as the impact on children and the historical precedent of black markets. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your position, offering a balanced alternative to a complete ban. The ideas are well-extended and demonstrate a clear understanding of the complexity of the prompt.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the arguments is smooth. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'On the one hand', 'Furthermore', 'In addition', and 'In conclusion', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The referencing is clear, and the flow of information is natural and easy to follow throughout the entire response.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic task. You use precise terms such as 'life-threatening diseases', 'life expectancy', 'prohibition', and 'illegal tobacco markets' with ease. Your word choice is natural and sophisticated, contributing to the clarity and impact of your arguments. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is varied enough to avoid repetition. The language used is consistently formal and well-suited to the task requirements.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You successfully use complex sentence forms, such as conditional structures ('even if those choices involve...') and concessive clauses ('Although I agree that...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is excellent. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The use of modal verbs and passive voice is handled correctly, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence and flexibility in your writing.

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