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IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

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.

Write at least 250 words.

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🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

Smoking can cause serious illnesses and should be made illegal. To what extent do you agree?

In today's society, smoking is a major concern due to its detrimental health effects. Some argue that smoking should be made illegal to prevent serious illnesses. I strongly agree with this view, and in this essay, I will discuss the reasons behind my stance.

Firstly, smoking is a leading cause of various life-threatening illnesses such as lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory disorders. These illnesses not only affect the smokers themselves but also pose a significant burden on healthcare systems. By making smoking illegal, the number of people affected by these illnesses could be reduced, ultimately lessening the strain on healthcare resources.

Moreover, smoking not only harms the individual but also those around them through secondhand smoke. Non-smokers, including children and elderly individuals, are at risk of developing health issues due to exposure to secondhand smoke. Therefore, banning smoking would not only protect smokers from the harmful effects of tobacco but also safeguard the health of non-smokers.

Furthermore, making smoking illegal could lead to a decrease in the number of new smokers, particularly among the younger population. By implementing strict laws and regulations, the accessibility and attractiveness of smoking could be diminished, thus preventing future generations from falling into the trap of this addictive habit.

In conclusion, the detrimental health effects of smoking and its impact on individuals and society as a whole make a compelling case for it to be made illegal. By taking this step, the prevalence of smoking-related illnesses could be reduced, protecting both smokers and non-smokers from the harmful effects of tobacco.

Model Essay #2:

Smoking can cause serious illnesses and should be made illegal. To what extent do you agree?

In today's society, the issue of smoking and its impact on health continues to be a topic of debate. While some argue for making smoking illegal due to its serious health consequences, I have a different perspective on this matter.

While it is undeniable that smoking can lead to serious illnesses, I believe that making it illegal may not be the most effective approach to addressing this issue. Prohibition has historically shown that it does not necessarily eradicate the problem but may drive it underground, leading to illegal trade and black markets for tobacco products. This could potentially create more societal problems than it solves.

Furthermore, individuals have the right to make their own choices, even if they may be detrimental to their health. By making smoking illegal, it could be seen as infringing upon personal freedoms. Instead, efforts should focus on education and awareness programs to inform people about the risks of smoking and provide support for those who wish to quit.

Additionally, the government could implement strict regulations on the tobacco industry, such as increasing taxes on tobacco products, restricting advertising, and enforcing smoke-free public spaces. These measures have been shown to be effective in reducing smoking rates without resorting to making it illegal.

In conclusion, while the health risks associated with smoking are undeniable, I do not believe that making it illegal is the most practical solution. By focusing on education, regulation, and support for smoking cessation, we can work towards reducing the prevalence of smoking and its associated health burdens without resorting to prohibition.

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