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Although It Takes Away Some Freedom, Smoking Should be Banned in Public Places - Task 2 Band 9 Essay

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.


Write about the following topic:


Although some people say it takes away some of our freedom, smoking should be banned in all public places.

Do you agree or disagree?


Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experiences.


You should write at least 250 words.


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IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essay - The question prompt is "Although some people say it takes away some of our freedom, smoking should be banned in all public places. Do you agree or disagree?"

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IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essay (1)

Despite the known risks and dangers of smoking, it continues to persist in society. While some people argue that smoking bans infringe on personal freedom, I strongly agree that smoking should be prohibited in all public places due to its negative impact on both health and the environment.


To commence with, smoking exerts an extremely harmful influence on human health, posing a serious threat to the lungs and causing various types of cancer, as well as reducing the quality of life. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that the use of tobacco results in the premature deaths of a staggering 8 million people each year. This is due to the profound impact that smoking has on public health, causing a range of illnesses that can ultimately lead to early death. Not only does smoking cause damage to the smoker's health, but it also affects those around them, as second-hand smoke is equally as harmful. Additionally, smoking decreases the overall quality of life for both smokers and non-smokers alike, with smokers experiencing reduced lung function, which can make it difficult for them to engage in physical activities or enjoy daily life.


Moreover, smoking does not solely affect human health, but it also has adverse effects on the environment. Smoking releases numerous dangerous chemicals, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), which increases the greenhouse effect and contributes to climate change. This, in turn, can cause global temperatures to rise, leading to significant harm to ecosystems and causing the extinction of many species as their habitats are destroyed. Furthermore, cigarette ashes can combine with other particles in the air to form particulate matter, which is a type of air pollution that can be almost impossible to reverse.


In conclusion, the preceding arguments demonstrate the destructive impact of smoking on the environment and human health. Therefore, tobacco should be considered a hazardous substance to both individuals and the planet, and strict actions should be taken to forbid active or passive inhalation of tobacco in public facilities.


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IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essay (2)

Smoking is a contentious issue that has been debated for decades, and while some individuals believe that it is their right to smoke in public places, others argue that it infringes on the rights of non-smokers. This essay will argue that smoking should be banned in all public places as it not only causes harm to the smoker but also poses a significant health risk to non-smokers.


Firstly, smoking is a well-known cause of various diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems. This is because cigarettes contain harmful chemicals such as tar and nicotine, which when inhaled, can lead to serious health complications. In public places, individuals who do not smoke are also at risk of inhaling second-hand smoke, which has been proven to be just as harmful as smoking itself. This not only violates their right to clean air but also puts their health at risk.


Secondly, smoking in public places can also contribute to environmental pollution. Cigarette butts are often discarded carelessly, and they can take years to degrade, polluting the environment and harming wildlife. This is an unacceptable behaviour that infringes on the rights of others to enjoy a clean and healthy environment. Moreover, smoking in public places can be a nuisance to others. The smell of cigarette smoke can be unpleasant and irritating, making it difficult for non-smokers to enjoy their surroundings. In addition, smoking in public places such as parks, beaches, and playgrounds can be harmful to children who are more vulnerable to the effects of second-hand smoke.


In conclusion, I firmly believe that smoking should be banned in all public areas to protect people's health and reduce the negative impact of passive smoking on non-smokers. The ban on smoking in public areas can reduce health hazards, environmental pollution, and protect individual freedom, making it a beneficial decision for the overall welfare of society.


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