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IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Tobacco and alcohol are drugs that cause addiction and health problems. Therefore they should be made illegal. To what extent do you agree or disagree 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:

Tobacco and alcohol are drugs that cause addiction and health problems. Therefore they should be made illegal. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Tobacco and alcohol are widely known to be addictive substances that can lead to serious health issues. Some people argue that they should be made illegal to prevent these problems. However, I disagree with this viewpoint due to various reasons.

Firstly, making tobacco and alcohol illegal could lead to an increase in black market activities and organized crime. History has shown that prohibiting substances often results in the emergence of underground markets, which can have even more negative consequences for society. For example, during the Prohibition era in the United States, the illegal production and distribution of alcohol gave rise to criminal gangs and violence. Therefore, it is important to consider the potential unintended consequences of banning these substances.

Moreover, implementing a blanket ban on tobacco and alcohol may infringe on personal freedoms and individual choices. While it is crucial to raise awareness about the harmful effects of these substances and regulate their consumption, outright prohibition may not be the most effective approach. Instead, efforts should be focused on education, public health campaigns, and providing support for those struggling with addiction.

Furthermore, the government can generate significant revenue from taxing tobacco and alcohol sales, which can then be used to fund healthcare and addiction treatment programs. By regulating these substances and imposing taxes, the government can both discourage excessive consumption and allocate resources to address the health issues associated with their use.

In conclusion, while it is undeniable that tobacco and alcohol pose serious health risks and can lead to addiction, I believe that making them illegal is not the most practical solution. Instead, a combination of regulation, education, and support services can be more effective in addressing the issues associated with these substances.

Model Essay #2:

Tobacco and alcohol are drugs that cause addiction and health problems. Therefore they should be made illegal. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Tobacco and alcohol are substances that are widely known to cause addiction and have detrimental effects on health. I firmly believe that these substances should be made illegal due to the severe impact they have on individuals and society as a whole.

Firstly, the addictive nature of tobacco and alcohol often leads to long-term health problems, putting a strain on healthcare systems and resources. By making these substances illegal, the government can mitigate the burden on healthcare services and reduce the incidence of diseases such as lung cancer, liver cirrhosis, and heart disease, which are directly linked to their consumption.

Furthermore, the illegal status of tobacco and alcohol would serve as a strong deterrent, particularly for young people. It is well-documented that early exposure to these substances can lead to lifelong addiction and health issues. Making them illegal would send a clear message about the dangers they pose and discourage experimentation, especially among vulnerable populations.

Additionally, the societal costs of tobacco and alcohol use, including lost productivity, accidents, and crime, are substantial. By making these substances illegal, the government can reduce these negative externalities and create a safer and healthier environment for all members of society.

In conclusion, the potential benefits of making tobacco and alcohol illegal, such as reducing healthcare costs, preventing addiction, and minimizing societal harm, outweigh any potential drawbacks. It is imperative for governments to take a strong stance on these issues and prioritize the well-being of their citizens.

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