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IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Smokers can cause themselves serious health problems. The choice to smoke is made freely and with knowledge of dangers. Smokers should, therefore, expect to pay more for medical treatment than non-smokers. To what extent do you agree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

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🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

Smokers can cause themselves serious health problems. The choice to smoke is made freely and with knowledge of dangers. Smokers should, therefore, expect to pay more for medical treatment than non-smokers. To what extent do you agree with this statement?

In my opinion, I agree with the statement that smokers should expect to pay more for medical treatment than non-smokers. This is because smoking is a known cause of serious health issues, and individuals who choose to smoke should take responsibility for the consequences of their actions.

Firstly, smoking is directly linked to various health problems such as lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory issues. These conditions often require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, medications, and ongoing care. Since smokers knowingly engage in a habit that significantly increases their risk of developing these health issues, it is reasonable for them to bear the financial burden of their medical care.

Secondly, non-smokers should not be expected to subsidize the healthcare costs of smokers through shared insurance premiums or public healthcare funding. It is unfair for individuals who make healthy lifestyle choices to bear the financial burden of those who willingly engage in behaviors that lead to costly health problems. Therefore, smokers should be prepared to pay higher premiums or taxes to offset the increased healthcare costs associated with their habit.

For example, in many countries, there are initiatives to increase taxes on tobacco products, with the aim of using the additional revenue to fund healthcare services. This approach reflects the principle that smokers should contribute more towards the healthcare system due to the higher costs associated with treating smoking-related illnesses.

In conclusion, smokers should expect to pay more for medical treatment than non-smokers as they have made a conscious decision to engage in a habit that poses serious health risks. This is fair both to non-smokers and to the healthcare system as a whole.

Model Essay #2:

Smokers can cause themselves serious health problems. The choice to smoke is made freely and with knowledge of dangers. Smokers should, therefore, expect to pay more for medical treatment than non-smokers. To what extent do you agree with this statement?

I disagree with the statement that smokers should expect to pay more for medical treatment than non-smokers. While it is true that smoking can lead to serious health problems, it is important to consider the underlying factors that contribute to smoking behavior and the broader societal implications.

To begin with, smoking is often a result of complex factors such as social and environmental influences, stress, and addiction. Many individuals start smoking at a young age due to peer pressure or to cope with stress and anxiety. These factors can make it challenging for individuals to quit smoking, and it may not be fair to penalize them with higher medical costs when they are already facing difficulties in overcoming their addiction.

Additionally, it is important to recognize that healthcare should be based on principles of equality and non-discrimination. Charging smokers more for medical treatment could create a disparity in access to healthcare, especially for those with lower incomes. This could lead to a situation where individuals who are already facing health challenges due to smoking are further marginalized from receiving the care they need.

For example, in some countries, there are public health campaigns and support services aimed at helping smokers quit and improve their health. These initiatives recognize the need for compassionate and supportive approaches to address smoking-related health issues, rather than punitive measures that could exacerbate social inequalities.

In conclusion, while smoking does pose health risks, it is important to approach the issue with empathy and understanding. Instead of expecting smokers to pay more for medical treatment, efforts should focus on addressing the root causes of smoking and providing support for individuals to quit. This approach aligns with the principles of fairness and equity in healthcare.

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