Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-09-26

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 widely recognised as a major cause of serious health problems, including heart disease and lung cancer. Some people therefore argue that smoking should be made illegal. Although banning cigarettes could reduce smoking-related harm, I disagree with a complete prohibition because it would be difficult to enforce and could create other social and economic problems.

The main reason I oppose an outright ban is that it would be extremely difficult to implement effectively. Millions of people are already addicted to nicotine, and completely removing cigarettes from the legal market could encourage the growth of illegal trade. Smokers might simply purchase cigarettes from unregulated suppliers, where products could be more dangerous and governments would have little control over their sale. In addition, criminalising smoking could place an unnecessary burden on law-enforcement agencies.

A more practical approach would be to impose strict regulations while helping people quit. Governments can increase taxes on tobacco products, prohibit smoking in public places and restrict advertising and sales to young people. At the same time, smokers could be offered affordable access to counselling and nicotine-replacement treatments. These measures could reduce smoking rates without making the possession or consumption of cigarettes a criminal offence. For example, higher prices can discourage young people from starting the habit, while cessation programmes can help existing smokers overcome their addiction.

In conclusion, although smoking causes serious illness and should be strongly discouraged, I do not believe that making it completely illegal is the most practical solution. Strict regulation, public education and effective support for smokers would be more appropriate ways of reducing its harmful effects.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by clearly stating a position and defending it with relevant arguments. The introduction successfully presents the writer's stance ('I disagree with a complete prohibition'). Body paragraph one explores the drawbacks of an outright ban, such as the rise of black markets and increased burdens on law enforcement. Body paragraph two offers a well-developed alternative approach involving taxation, public restrictions, and cessation support. The ideas are extended and supported with relevant explanations and examples, fulfilling the Band 7 and leaning towards Band 8 descriptors for Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The response demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, starting with an introduction, followed by well-sequenced body paragraphs addressing enforcement and practical alternatives, and ending with a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used naturally and appropriately, such as 'Although banning cigarettes', 'In addition', 'A more practical approach', and 'In conclusion'. Paragraphing is used logically to separate different aspects of the argument, ensuring that the reader can easily follow the progression of ideas.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with good flexibility and precision, fitting for an academic essay. Phrases such as 'outright ban', 'unregulated suppliers', 'nicotine-replacement treatments', and 'criminal offence' demonstrate an awareness of style and collocation. Word choices are accurate throughout, and spelling is flawless. While the vocabulary is appropriate and effectively conveys the intended meaning without impeding communication, it occasionally stops short of the fully fluent, flexible range of uncommon items required for Band 8.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

The essay displays a very good mix of complex and simple sentence forms. The writer successfully employs subordinate clauses and conditional concepts, as seen in sentences like 'Although banning cigarettes could reduce smoking-related harm, I disagree with a complete prohibition because it would be difficult to enforce...' The majority of sentences are error-free, and control of grammar and punctuation is consistently strong. Grammatical structures are handled with confidence, supporting a smooth and accurate flow of information throughout the response.

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