Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-09-02

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 8.0)

Smoking is widely regarded as one of the leading preventable causes of serious illness and premature death. As a result, some people argue that smoking should be made illegal. Although I strongly support strict measures to reduce tobacco consumption, I do not believe that a complete ban would be the most effective or practical solution.

There are compelling reasons for governments to impose severe restrictions on smoking. Cigarettes contain numerous harmful chemicals and are strongly associated with diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease and chronic respiratory disorders. More importantly, the consequences are not limited to smokers themselves. Second-hand smoke can seriously affect non-smokers, particularly children who are repeatedly exposed to it at home. Smoking also places a substantial financial burden on healthcare systems, as governments must devote considerable resources to treating illnesses that are largely preventable. Therefore, restricting smoking is justified not only to protect individuals but also to safeguard public health.

However, making cigarettes completely illegal could create significant unintended consequences. Nicotine is highly addictive, and many smokers would continue seeking tobacco even if it were prohibited. This could lead to a thriving black market in cigarettes, making tobacco products harder to regulate and potentially exposing consumers to products of unknown quality. Furthermore, criminalising smokers may punish people struggling with addiction without addressing the underlying problem. A more effective approach would be to combine strict regulation with support for quitting. Governments could impose higher tobacco taxes, ban tobacco advertising, prohibit smoking in public areas and provide accessible cessation programmes. Public education could also discourage young people from developing the habit in the first place.

In conclusion, the serious health consequences of smoking clearly justify strong government intervention. Nevertheless, I disagree that smoking should be made entirely illegal. A comprehensive strategy involving taxation, regulation, education and effective support for smokers who wish to quit would be more realistic and ultimately more successful in reducing tobacco consumption and protecting public health.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position from the introduction, arguing against a total ban while supporting strict regulation. The ideas are well-developed and logically extended; for instance, you provide a balanced view by acknowledging the health risks of smoking while simultaneously explaining the practical drawbacks of prohibition, such as the emergence of a black market. The arguments are supported by relevant examples and reasoning, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of the topic. The conclusion effectively synthesises your main points, maintaining a consistent stance throughout the essay.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the argument for regulation and the counter-argument regarding prohibition is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'However', 'Furthermore', and 'As a result', which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct stages of the discussion. The flow of information is natural, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive usage of linking words, which contributes to a very coherent piece of writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision and natural control. Phrases such as 'preventable causes', 'substantial financial burden', 'unintended consequences', and 'comprehensive strategy' show a high level of lexical sophistication. You successfully use less common items and collocations that are appropriate for an academic context. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling, and your vocabulary effectively conveys complex ideas without any ambiguity. The language is consistently academic and precise throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You effectively use complex sentence forms, such as conditional structures ('even if it were prohibited') and subordinate clauses ('Although I strongly support...'), with excellent control. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication or distract the reader. The control over tense, aspect, and modal verbs is consistent with a high level of proficiency, demonstrating a strong command of English grammar.

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