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.

Get your personalised IELTS Essay Feedback from a former examiner

Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score

Sample Essay 1

The notion that banning smoking in public places encroaches upon individual freedom ignites fervent debate. However, prioritizing public health and societal well-being necessitates such measures. This essay advocates for a total prohibition, highlighting its critical role in safeguarding health and cultivating a respectful communal environment.

Primarily, the health implications of passive smoking furnish compelling justification for a blanket ban. Non-smokers, through involuntary inhalation of secondhand smoke, are subjected to similar health risks as active smokers, including an elevated risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory infections. A study published in the Journal of Public Health delineates how non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke in public venues exhibit a 25-30% increased risk of heart disease. Implementing a comprehensive ban not only mitigates these health hazards but also underscores a societal commitment to prioritizing well-being over individual liberties in public spaces. This decisive action serves as a public declaration of the importance of health and safety over personal choice in areas shared by the community.

Furthermore, prohibiting smoking in public areas fosters a culture of respect and consideration. Smoke-free environments ensure that public spaces remain accessible and enjoyable for everyone, including children, the elderly, and those with health conditions exacerbated by smoke exposure. This policy also indirectly promotes healthier lifestyle choices by removing the social normalization of smoking, potentially reducing smoking rates overall. Cities like New York and Tokyo, which have enacted such bans, report not only improvements in public health metrics but also a positive shift in public attitudes towards smoking and health consciousness. This transition towards smoke-free spaces reflects a growing societal preference for public health and the collective well-being of all citizens, enhancing the quality of life in urban environments.

In conclusion, the benefits of banning smoking in all public places far outweigh the perceived infringement on personal freedom. By protecting the health of the populace and promoting a culture of mutual respect, such measures prove indispensable. The arguments presented underscore the necessity of prioritizing collective well-being and environmental respect, affirming the stance that a comprehensive smoking ban is both justified and beneficial.

Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score

Sample Essay 2

The debate surrounding the prohibition of smoking in public arenas often juxtaposes individual freedom against collective health benefits. This essay contends that the ban is essential, emphasizing its pivotal role in enhancing public health and fostering social etiquette. We will explore the critical importance of public health preservation and the promotion of courteous public behavior.

Firstly, public health is significantly compromised by the pernicious effects of secondhand smoke, which contains over 7,000 chemicals, hundreds of which are toxic and about 70 that can cause cancer. Research indicates that exposure to secondhand smoke is not merely a nuisance but a serious public health hazard, linked to an increase in the incidence of heart disease, stroke, and asthma attacks among bystanders. The imposition of a smoking ban in public places can serve as a deterrent against these health risks, acting as a preventive measure that benefits the broader population, including vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, who are disproportionately affected by air quality.

Secondly, the introduction of smoking bans in public spaces fosters an environment of respect and civility. It ensures that public spaces are inclusive, safe, and welcoming to all, regardless of one's sensitivity or aversion to smoke. Such policies inadvertently encourage smokers to reconsider their habits, potentially leading to a decrease in smoking prevalence. The success stories of smoke-free zones in major cities across the globe underscore the positive impact of such bans on community health standards and social norms, signaling a shift towards more health-conscious and inclusive public environments.

In conclusion, the argument for banning smoking in public places extends beyond the dichotomy of individual freedom versus collective health. It is a testament to our societal evolution towards prioritizing health, respect, and inclusivity in shared spaces. This stance is not only beneficial for public health but also cultivates a culture of consideration and mutual respect, underscoring the collective responsibility we hold towards each other's well-being.

Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score

Sample Essay 3

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.

Sample Essay 4

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.

Get your personalised IELTS Essay Feedback from a former examiner

Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score