IELTS Essay: Banning Smoking in Public Places

Essay Intro :

IELTS Essay: Banning Smoking in Public Places

Smoking in public places affects everyone. Many countries have banned it to protect health. Supporters say it reduces harm. Secondhand smoke causes serious illnesses. Banning it keeps people safe, especially children.

Others argue it limits personal freedom. Smokers say they have the right to choose. Businesses fear losing customers. However, public health often outweighs these concerns.

This essay will examine both sides. It will discuss why bans help society. It will also look at opposing views. The goal is to weigh the benefits against the drawbacks. Health risks make this a key issue today.

Essay Statement :

Some people say that the best way to discourage smoking is to make smoking illegal in public places. Other people say that this is not enough and that other measures are needed.

Discuss both these views, and give your opinion.

Give reasons for your answer, and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Outline:

Thesis Statement:

While banning smoking in public places helps reduce smoking rates, additional measures are necessary to fully discourage this harmful habit.

Paragraph 1: Benefits of Banning Smoking in Public Places

Main Idea: Reduces secondhand smoke exposure and discourages public smoking
Supporting Details:
– Protects non-smokers from harmful smoke
– Makes smoking less convenient and socially acceptable
– Example: Many restaurants and parks now smoke-free

Paragraph 2: Why Other Measures Are Also Needed

Main Idea: A public ban alone does not stop people from smoking
Supporting Details:
– Some smokers will still smoke at home or private places
– Stronger addiction requires education and support
– Example: High taxes on cigarettes reducing affordability

Paragraph 3: Best Solution (Opinion)

Main Idea: Combine public bans with education and higher taxes
Supporting Details:
– Public bans reduce visibility of smoking
– Education helps people understand health risks
– Example: Warning images on cigarette packs

Conclusion:

A public smoking ban is helpful, but other steps are needed for real change.

Complete Essay:

Some people believe that banning smoking in public places is the best way to reduce smoking, while others argue that more actions are needed. Both views have merit, but I believe a combination of approaches works best.

Banning smoking in public places has clear benefits. It protects non-smokers from breathing harmful secondhand smoke, especially in crowded areas like restaurants and parks. When people cannot smoke openly, smoking becomes less convenient and socially acceptable. For example, since my city banned smoking in indoor public spaces, fewer people smoke while dining or shopping, making these places healthier for everyone.

However, a public ban alone is not enough to stop smoking completely. Many smokers will simply smoke at home or in private areas instead. To truly discourage smoking, we need additional measures. Higher taxes on cigarettes make them too expensive for some people, especially young smokers. Education about the dangers of smoking, like showing health warnings on cigarette packs, can also change minds. I once saw a friend quit after seeing graphic images of smoking-related diseases on a cigarette box.

In my opinion, the best solution is to ban public smoking while also using education and higher taxes. Public bans reduce how often people see others smoking, making it seem less normal. At the same time, education and taxes target smokers directly, giving them reasons and incentives to quit.

To conclude, banning smoking in public places helps, but we need multiple strategies to truly reduce smoking rates. A mix of laws, education, and financial disincentives can create a bigger impact than any single measure alone.

 

This essay meets Band 9 criteria by presenting a balanced argument in simple yet effective language. The examples are relatable, the structure is logical, and the mix of sentence types shows strong writing skills. The opinion is clearly stated and supported with reasons, making the response persuasive and well-rounded.

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