IELTS HUBIELTS Agree Disagree Essay on Health & Government & Society
Full IELTS Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Smoking is a major cause of serious illness and death throughout the world today. In the interest of the public health, governments should ban cigarettes and other tobacco products.
To what extent Do you agree or disagree?
Write at least 250 words.
Introduction
Paraphrase topic (smoking harms, ban proposal). State strong agreement with the idea.
Body Paragraph 1 View 1
Smoking is harmful to health. Point: Long-term health issues (cancer, heart, COPD). Example: WHO statistics on deaths.
Body Paragraph 2 View 2
Huge financial impact on healthcare systems. Point: Cost of treating smoking-related diseases. Example: U.S. CDC estimates ($300 billion).
Body Paragraph 3 Opinion (Optional If Integrated)
Banning discourages potential smokers, especially youth. Point: Reduced temptation due to unavailability. Example: Bhutan's ban and low smoking rate.
Conclusion
Summarize main points (health effects, financial burden, discouraging new smokers). Reiterate strong support for the ban.
Band 9 Sample Answer:
The widespread problem of smoking, a major cause of global sickness and death, has led some to propose that governments should ban cigarettes and other tobacco products. I strongly agree with this idea, as it would greatly benefit public health.
Firstly, it's undeniable that smoking is harmful to health. Long-term tobacco use is associated with many diseases, like lung cancer, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. For example, the World Health Organization states that tobacco kills over 8 million people annually, with more than 7 million of these deaths directly caused by tobacco use.
Secondly, the financial impact of smoking on healthcare systems is enormous. The cost of treating smoking-related diseases takes away resources that could be used more effectively elsewhere. In the U.S., for instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the annual cost of smoking-related illnesses exceeds $300 billion, including both medical expenses and lost productivity.
Thirdly, banning tobacco products could discourage potential smokers, especially young people. If tobacco products were not available for purchase, the temptation to start smoking could be reduced, helping to prevent this harmful habit. A good example is Bhutan, where a countrywide ban on selling and producing tobacco has led to one of the lowest smoking rates in the world.
In conclusion, I firmly support the ban on cigarettes and other tobacco products, considering their harmful health effects, the financial burden they place on healthcare systems, and their ability to attract new smokers. I believe this action would greatly improve public health and well-being.
Band 7 Sample Answer:
The pervasive issue of smoking, a significant contributor to global morbidity and mortality, has prompted some to suggest that governments should outlaw cigarettes and other tobacco products. I wholeheartedly concur with this viewpoint, as it is in the best interest of public health.
Firstly, the detrimental health effects of smoking are incontrovertible. Prolonged tobacco use has been linked to a plethora of diseases, including lung cancer, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. For instance, according to the World Health Organization, tobacco kills more than 8 million people each year, with more than 7 million of those deaths resulting from direct tobacco use.
Secondly, the economic burden of smoking on healthcare systems is staggering. Treating smoking-related illnesses drains substantial resources that could be better utilized elsewhere. In the United States, for example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that smoking-related illnesses cost more than $300 billion each year, a figure that includes both medical costs and lost productivity.
Thirdly, the prohibition of tobacco products could serve as a deterrent for potential smokers, particularly among impressionable youth. The absence of tobacco products in the marketplace could reduce the allure of smoking, thus preventing the initiation of this harmful habit. A case in point is the city of Bhutan, where a nationwide ban on the sale and production of tobacco has resulted in one of the lowest smoking rates globally.
In conclusion, I staunchly advocate for the ban on cigarettes and other tobacco products, given their deleterious health effects, the economic strain they impose on healthcare systems, and their potential to attract new smokers. This measure, I believe, would significantly enhance public health and well-being.