Smoking remains a contentious global issue, frequently appearing in IELTS Writing Task 2. To excel in such essays, candidates must demonstrate strong argumentation, vocabulary, and coherence—skills transferable to broader English writing. This guide breaks down how to structure a high-band response while refining overall writing proficiency.

Understanding the Essay Question

IELTS topics often explore smoking’s health, economic, or societal effects. For example:

• "Governments should impose higher taxes on cigarettes to reduce smoking. Do you agree?"
• "Smoking in public places must be banned. Discuss both views."

Key Tip: Identify keywords (taxes, ban, public health) and instruction verbs (discuss, agree/disagree). Misinterpreting these leads to off-topic responses.

Structuring Your Essay

A clear framework ensures logical flow—a hallmark of Band 7+ essays. Use this four-paragraph model:

Introduction (50–60 words)

• Paraphrase the question.
• State your position (for opinion essays) or outline both sides (discussion essays).
  Example:
  "While some argue that cigarette taxes infringe on personal freedom, others believe they curb smoking rates. This essay agrees that higher taxes are justified, given their proven impact on public health."

Body Paragraph 1 (100 words)

• Present a central argument with explanation and examples.
• Link ideas cohesively.
  Example:
  "Firstly, increased cigarette prices deter younger populations from adopting the habit. Research by the World Health Organization shows a 10% price hike reduces consumption by 4% in low-income groups. Since teens often have limited disposable income, taxing tobacco products makes them less accessible, preventing lifelong addiction."

Body Paragraph 2 (100 words)

• Introduce a counterargument or secondary point.
• Refute or balance it with evidence.
  Example:
  "Opponents claim such taxes unfairly target low-income smokers. However, governments can reinvest tobacco revenue into healthcare programs, offsetting inequity. Australia’s Medicare system, funded partly by cigarette taxes, exemplifies this approach."

Conclusion (40–50 words)

• Restate your stance succinctly.
• Avoid new information.
  Example:
  "In conclusion, higher tobacco taxes effectively reduce smoking rates without exacerbating inequality, making them a pragmatic policy tool."

Elevating Language and Style

A. Vocabulary Precision
Replace basic terms with academic equivalents:

• Bad → Detrimental
• Good → Beneficial
• Money → Revenue

B. Grammar for Clarity

• Use complex sentences (e.g., "Although smoking is a personal choice, its secondhand effects necessitate regulation.").
• Passive voice for objectivity ("Tax revenues are allocated to public health campaigns.").

C. Cohesive Devices

• Sequence: Furthermore, Consequently
• Contrast: Nevertheless, Conversely

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

• Overgeneralization: "Everyone knows smoking kills." → "Clinical studies confirm smoking causes 8 million annual deaths globally (WHO, 2023)."
• Informal Tone: "I think taxes are great." → "Fiscal policies represent an effective intervention."
• Repetition: Vary synonyms (regulation, legislation, policy).

Practicing Critical Thinking

IELTS rewards nuanced analysis. For smoking-related topics, consider:

• Ethics: Personal freedom vs. collective health.
• Economics: Healthcare cost savings vs. tobacco industry lobbying.
• Culture: Regional smoking norms (e.g., higher rates in Southeast Asia).

Resources for Improvement

• Official IELTS Materials: Cambridge practice tests.
• Academic Journals: The Lancet for health-related statistics.
• Writing Tools: Grammarly for syntax checks; Hemingway Editor for readability.

Mastering IELTS essays on smoking—or any topic—requires methodical preparation. By dissecting questions, structuring arguments logically, and polishing language, writers can achieve Band 8+ while honing skills applicable to academic and professional English. The same principles apply beyond exams: clarity, evidence, and coherence define persuasive writing.

Crafting compelling essays isn’t just about exam success; it’s about communicating ideas with impact. Whether discussing tobacco policies or climate change, the ability to argue persuasively in English opens doors to global opportunities.