drug related essay in ielts

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IELTS Writing Task 2 – Topic: DRUG

ielts writing topics 2019

1.  Some businesses now say that no one can smoke cigarettes in any of their offices. Some governments have banned smoking in all public places. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons.

Sample Answer

Most of the firms, organization and companies as well as Government make restrictions  to smoke in work places and public amenities respectively. It has become fashionable in  the world today to blame smoking. However, although I feel that smoking can be  harmful, but I don’t think it should be forbidden completely. I would also argue that  people should have the right whether they smoke or not.

Let me deal with the three positive sides of smoking. Firstly, smoking certainly helps  many people to relax. For some, it even improves concentration. If someone is upset  owing to debt or they have exam, like to smoke to reduce the pressure or tension. Most  of the people like to smoke when they are relaxing with friends. Secondly, governments  throughout the world make huge profits from taxes on cigarettes. The income obtained  from taxes provide funds which are used for building school, hospital and public places  such as parks, gardens, sports ground and foot paths. Thirdly, tobacco industry also  employs tens of thousands of people all over the world, particularly in poorer countries  like Zimbabwe or India. Without cigarettes, these people would have no jobs.

Despite these positive effects there are lots of negative effects of smoking too. Initially,  smoking has been proven to be too dangerous for health. As one cigarette contain more  then 4000 chemical substances, therefore, it causes for many injurious diseases like  heart attacks, asthma, bronchitis, lung cancer and cough. According to the current  report, in Britain about 3,500 people are killed each year in road accidents and 120,000  are killed by smoking. Furthermore, smoking costs government millions of dollars  because of the large number of people who need treatment in hospitals for smoking-related problems. Moreover, there is also concern today about passive smoking. Recent  research shows that non-smokers can suffer health problems if they spend long period  of time among people who do smoke. In UK children whose parents are smoke are  three times as likely to start smoking themselves.

In short, I think the world would be a better place without cigarettes. However, the  decision as to whether – smoke or not should be for each individual to make. I suggest  people should not smoke in a room or place where there are non smokers but surely  they should be free to smoke elsewhere.

 (386 words)

2. People in all modern societies use drugs, but today’s youth are experimenting with both legal and illegal drugs, and at an increasingly early age. Some sociologists claim that parents and other members of society often set a bad example. Discuss the causes and some effects of widespread drug use by young people in modern day society. Make any recommendations you feel are necessary to help fight youth drug abuse. 

Youth drug abuse is a serious problem nowadays in many cultures. Not only is illegal  drug use on the rise, but children as young as 10 years old are experimenting with  alcohol and tobacco. The reasons for this behaviour are unclear, but certain sociologists  blame the examples set by their elders.

Parents who drink and smoke to excess are, in effect, telling their children that it is  acceptable to abuse their bodies with drugs. Consequently, children may have a similar  view towards illegal drugs, even if their parents are against their use. In addition, drug  use shown on television and in films can only confuse children who are also taught at  school that drug abuse is wrong.

The pressure on young people to perform well at school in order to compete for jobs is a  possible cause of the problem. Many believe they cannot live up to their parents’ expectations, and feel a sense of hopelessness. Also, the widespread availability of  drugs means teenagers are faced with the temptation to experiment. Drugs are used as  a means of expressing dissatisfaction with the pressures they face in society.

The effects of drug abuse are well known. Many young people’s talents are wasted, and  addiction to hard drugs can cost a user his or her life. Furthermore, those who drink and  drive may be involved in fatal road accidents. The cost to society is great, and  enormous amounts of money are spent on convicting drug dealers and on education programmes.

To conclude, I recommend that the only sensible way to solve this problem is to educate  young people about the dangers of drug use, and to take steps to reduce the pressure  of competition placed upon them.

 (285 words)

3.  Drug abuse is becoming a problem in our society. What are the causes of this and what are some solutions?

Drug abuse is rife in many countries. Billions of dollars are spent internationally  preventing drug use, treating addicts, and fighting drug-related crime. Although drugs  threaten many societies, their effects can also be combated successfully. This essay  looks at some of the effects of drug use on society, and suggests some solutions to the  problem.

Drug abuse causes multiple problems for countries and communities. The medical and  psychological effects are very obvious. Addicts cannot function as normal members of  society. They neglect or abuse their families, and eventually require expensive  treatment or hospitalization. The second effect is on crime. Huge police resources are  needed to fight smuggling and dealing. Criminal gangs and mafia underworlds develop  with the money from drugs.

However, the menace of drugs can be fought. Education is the first battle. Children  need to be told at home and in school about drugs. People need to be aware of the  effects so that they can make avoid this problem. A second approach is to increase  police manpower and powers to stop dealers and to enforce the law. However the main  target should be the user. Families and counselors need to talk to children and people  at risk. Parents need to look at their children and help them to Jobs are needed to give  people a role in society.

In conclusion, although the problem of drugs may seem impossible to eliminate, there  are concrete steps that can be taken to weaken the hold of drugs on society. The  danger from drugs is too great to ignore.

 (256 words)

4.  Should Smoking be Banned?  

It has become fashionable in the world today to condemn smoking. However, although I  feel that smoking can be harmful, I do not think it should be banned completely.

Let me deal first with the positive side of smoking. First, smoking undoubtedly helps  many people to relax. For some, it even improves concentration. Many people like to  smoke before exams or when they are relaxing with friends.

A further point is that governments throughout the world make huge profits from levying  taxes on cigarettes. This provides funds which are used for building schools, hospitals  and other public amenities.

The tobacco industry also employs tens of thousands of people throughout the world,  particularly in poorer countries like Zimbabwe or India. Without cigarettes, these people  would have no jobs.

I would also argue that people should have the right to choose whether they smoke or  not. People should not smoke in a room where there are non-smokers but surely they  should be free to smoke elsewhere.

The arguments against smoking are well known. Smoking has been shown to be  dangerous to health. Heart disease, bronchitis and lung cancer have all been linked.

A further issue is that smoking costs governments millions of pounds because of the  large number of people who need treatment in hospitals for smoking related problems.

There is also concern today about passive smoking. Recent research has shown that  non-smokers can suffer health problems if they spend long periods of time among  people who do smoke.

In general, I think the world would be a better place without cigarettes. However, the  decision as to whether to smoke or not should be for each individual to make.

 (277 words)

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Essay 451 – Causes of widespread drug use by young people

Gt writing task 2 / essay sample # 451.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

People in all modern societies use drugs, but today’s youth are experimenting with both legal and illegal drugs at an increasingly early age.

Discuss the causes of widespread drug use by young people in modern society. Make any recommendations to help fight youth drug abuse.

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

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer:

Drug use among young people is a growing concern in modern societies, with both legal and illegal substances being experimented with at an alarmingly early age. This essay will delve into the causes behind the widespread drug use among youth in today’s society. Furthermore, recommendations will be provided to combat this issue effectively.

One of the primary causes of widespread drug use among young people is peer influence. Adolescents often seek acceptance and validation from their peers, leading them to engage in risky behaviours, including drug experimentation. The desire to fit in and be part of a social group can drive young individuals to succumb to peer pressure and engage in drug use, even if they are aware of the potential risks involved. Another significant factor contributing to youth drug abuse is the influence of media and popular culture. Movies, music, and social media platforms often glamorize drug use, creating an allure around these substances. For instance, many popular music videos depict celebrities engaging in drug-related behaviours, sending a message that such activities are not only acceptable but also glamorous and desirable.

To combat youth drug abuse effectively, a multi-faceted approach is required. Firstly, educational programmes should be implemented in schools to raise awareness about the dangers of drug use and equip young individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to make informed decisions. These programmes should include comprehensive information about the physical and psychological consequences of drug abuse.

Furthermore, the proactive involvement of parents and guardians is crucial. Open communication channels should be established to facilitate discussions about drugs, their associated risks, and the importance of making responsible choices. Parents should also serve as positive role models, demonstrating healthy lifestyle choices and providing support to their children.

The widespread drug use among young people in modern society is a complex issue with various underlying causes. By addressing the factors that cause this problem along with implementing educational programmes and involving parents, we can take significant steps towards combating youth drug abuse.

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IELTS Essay, topic: Some people believe that the problem of illegal drugs can be solved by legalising all drugs (agree/disagree)

• IELTS Essays - Band 9

This is a model response to a Writing Task 2 topic from High Scorer’s Choice IELTS Practice Tests book series (reprinted with permission). This answer is likely to score IELTS Band 9.

Set 3 General Training book, Practice Test 12

Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Some people believe that the problem of illegal drugs can be solved by legalising all drugs. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this?

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

You should write at least 250 words.

Illegal drugs have become a worldwide problem in modern day society. The trading of drugs is widespread in nearly all countries and the number of people consuming drugs worldwide is high. It has been suggested simply to legalise all recreational drugs to solve the problems associated with them. I personally agree partially with this proposal, because I can see many advantages, yet also many disadvantages.

One positive aspect of legalising these drugs would be that the number of criminal activities committed to obtain them would decrease. Fewer people would therefore be imprisoned and have a criminal history that prevents them from progressing in life. Additionally, essential police resources would be freed up and devoted to other areas. Finally, high taxes could be imposed on the legal product, allowing governments to have better resources to improve the infrastructure of their countries.

Although legalising all illegal drugs could result in several positive effects, there are many negative effects that could be possible. As a result of the legalisation, I personally believe that it would become acceptable to use drugs and people would no longer pay attention to the damage that drugs cause. Schools might no longer educate teenagers and adolescents about the negative effects drugs have on people, resulting in more teenagers experimenting with them, as they would believe that this is a normal aspect of life. This would result in a higher number of drug addicts and potentially in more deaths, because it would be easier to obtain a large amount of illegal drugs and therefore the chances of overdosing would also increase.

In conclusion, I partially agree with the proposed action. Nonetheless, I think that an age restriction should be placed on drug use, as teenagers and adolescents could easily become addicted if all illegal drugs are legalised. This group of people is highly at risk of becoming addicted and potentially dying as a result of drug use and therefore should only be allowed to consume drugs after reaching a certain age.

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Ielts writing task 2 sample 916 - tobacco and alcohol are drugs that cause addiction and health problems, ielts writing task 2/ ielts essay:, tobacco and alcohol are drugs that cause addiction and health problems. therefore they should be made illegal. .

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Drug Companies' Responsibility to Spend Money on Researching Medicines to Help Poorer Countries

Write about the following topic:

Some people say that drug companies have a responsibility to spend money on researching medicines that will help people in poorer countries. Others say the main responsibility of drug companies is to make money.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

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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Sample Essay 1

The debate surrounding pharmaceutical companies' responsibilities oscillates between their duty to research medicines for impoverished nations and their pursuit of profit maximization. This essay posits that while financial viability is crucial for innovation, prioritizing global health equity is both ethical and beneficial in the long run.

Proponents of prioritizing research for less affluent countries argue that pharmaceutical giants, with their substantial resources, have a moral obligation to address the health disparities that plague these regions. Diseases like malaria and tuberculosis, largely eradicated in the developed world, continue to ravage poorer countries, partly due to the lack of profitable markets for such drugs. This perspective underscores a vision of global health as a collective responsibility, where the advancements in medicine serve as a beacon of hope for all humanity, not just the affluent. For instance, the development and distribution of the river blindness drug, Ivermectin, by Merck & Co. demonstrated how pharmaceutical companies could significantly impact public health without direct financial gain, fostering goodwill and potentially opening new markets.

Conversely, critics maintain that drug companies, as businesses, primarily owe their allegiance to shareholders, not societal health. They argue that research and development (R&D) require colossal investments, and without the promise of return, there would be little incentive to innovate. This view holds that profit generation fuels further research, suggesting a cycle where financial success enables the pursuit of more ambitious projects, including those that might benefit low-income countries indirectly. This pragmatic approach emphasizes the importance of a stable and lucrative business model as the foundation of sustainable pharmaceutical innovation.

In conclusion, while the pharmaceutical industry's responsibility to generate profit is undeniable, leveraging their capabilities for the broader good can create a symbiotic relationship between profitability and global health improvement. Prioritizing medicines for poorer countries not only fulfills a moral obligation but can also pave the way for long-term sustainable development, ensuring that advancements in health and medicine benefit the entire global community.

Sample Essay 2

The debate over whether drug companies should prioritize financial gains or allocate resources for the development of medicines for impoverished nations is gaining increasing prominence. In navigating this complex issue, my thesis posits that while drug companies must prioritize profitability to sustain their business, they should also earmark a portion of their resources for the betterment of healthcare in underprivileged countries. This essay will elaborate on the humanitarian need for research aimed at poorer nations as well as the capitalist perspective that underscores the importance of profitability.

The notion that drug companies have a responsibility to spend money on researching medicines for impoverished nations stems from a humanitarian angle. For one, such an approach serves the greater good by ensuring that crucial medicines reach those who are most vulnerable and otherwise overlooked. For instance, the development of affordable antimalarial drugs has a direct and profound impact on African nations where malaria is endemic. In doing so, drug companies not only gain social capital but also expand their market reach, creating a win-win scenario for both parties.

On the flip side, the argument that the core responsibility of drug companies is to make money is based on capitalist principles. In a free-market economy, the primary duty of any company is towards its shareholders. Research and development (R&D) require enormous financial investment, and there is no guarantee of the commercial viability of a new drug. Therefore, focusing on diseases prevalent in wealthier nations, where consumers can afford expensive treatments, ensures a better return on investment. This enables companies to sustain their R&D pipelines, leading to the innovation of new medicines in the long run.

To sum up, the essay has explored the dual expectations placed upon drug companies: the humanitarian imperative to focus on healthcare needs in impoverished countries and the business necessity to generate profits. This intricate balance aligns closely with the question statement, affirming that drug companies can indeed harmonize their profit-making objectives with their social responsibilities.

Sample Essay 3

The debate over the responsibilities of pharmaceutical corporations often centers around a moral dilemma: should they prioritize profit or invest in the health needs of impoverished nations? In this essay, I will discuss both perspectives and argue that while pharmaceuticals are inherently profit-driven entities, they also have an ethical obligation to address the pressing health needs of less affluent countries.

On the one hand, it's undeniable that pharmaceutical companies operate within a commercial paradigm, where research, development, and marketing of medicines require significant capital. For instance, the creation of drugs for rare diseases often involves hefty investments due to the limited target market. Consequently, setting prices that reflect these costs becomes crucial for recuperating investments and funding future research. Furthermore, these corporations have a duty to their shareholders and employees to generate profits. This capitalistic framework is foundational to their operation, prompting them to set prices that ensure sustainability.

However, a purely profit-driven approach can inadvertently marginalize vulnerable populations. High drug prices often render essential medications inaccessible to those in developing nations, exacerbating global health inequalities. For instance, the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa during the late 20th century highlighted this disparity. While antiretroviral treatments were available, their exorbitant costs made them unreachable for many, leading to countless preventable deaths. Such scenarios underline the moral obligation pharmaceuticals have beyond their commercial interests. Collaborative efforts, like the COVAX initiative for COVID-19 vaccines, demonstrate how these corporations can play a pivotal role in global health equity. By offering tiered pricing or donating medicines, they can contribute to a more just distribution of health resources globally.

In conclusion, pharmaceutical companies, while profit-driven, must also consider the global health implications of their pricing. Balancing commercial goals with ethical duties can lead to a fairer global health landscape.

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Tobacco and Alcohol are Drugs that Cause Addiction and Health Problems – IELTS Writing Task 2

Updated On Dec 13, 2023

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Agree Disagree essays, like ‘Tobacco and Alcohol are Drugs that Cause Addiction and Health Problems’, are the most common type of questions in  IELTS Writing Task 2 .

In contrast to classic  Agree Disagree essays , ‘To what extent do you agree or disagree’ questions do not specifically ask you to declare your level of agreement or disagreement with the statement. You can either say for or against the notion or you can partly agree or disagree with it. Once you’ve made up your mind, come up with two or three arguments in favor of it.

Since Writing Task 2 can be challenging for many IELTS candidates, practising topics like The ‘Tobacco and Alcohol are Drugs that Cause Addiction and Health Problems’ will help you acquaint yourself with the format of structuring an IELTS Agree Disagree essays. Also, if you want to practise regularly, check out the  Writing Task 2 practice tests .

Let’s have a look at the Agree Disagree essay – Tobacco and Alcohol are Drugs that Cause Addiction and Health Problems – with three expert-curated sample answers for different IELTS band scores.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Tobacco and alcohol are drugs that cause addiction and health problems. therefore, they should be made illegal. to what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement, give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience., you should write at least 250 words..

Check Out –  IELTS Writing Task 2 Preparation Tips/Tricks 2024

Band 7 Sample Answer for Writing Task 2 Question – Tobacco and Alcohol are Drugs that Cause Addiction and Health Problems

A large percentage of individuals think that alcohol and tobacco should be banned since they are substances that can lead to addiction and health issues. In this essay, I will explain why I agree with this viewpoint.

In the first place, tobacco and alcohol are well-known contributors to multiple health problems, including lung cancer, liver cirrhosis, cardiovascular diseases, and addiction. One of my uncles passed away due to liver cirrhosis, as he used to drink alcohol regularly even when the doctor asked him not to. As a result, supporters of this ban argue that making these substances illegal would result in a significant reduction in the prevalence of such health issues.

Moreover, addictive substances, especially alcohol, are linked to poor judgment and an increased risk of accidents, including drunk driving incidents. Every year, a large number of people meet with deadly accidents due to intoxication. Due to this, a considerable burden on healthcare systems is created. So, people feel that making alcohol illegal could enhance public safety by minimizing alcohol-related accidents and violence.

In the end, even though it is true that alcohol and tobacco have a harmful effect on our health, I believe banning them will not stop the use of these substances. The government will need to check the black market, where the sale of these substances will increase once the ban is applied. Also, individuals should be conscious of the effects and be responsible for regulating their use. (240 words)

Vocabulary 

• Banned (Verb)

Meaning: officially or legally prevent (something) E.g.: He was banned from flying with this airline due to his misbehavior with the airhostess.

• Contributors (Noun)

Meaning: someone who takes part in something or makes a contribution E.g.: Kalika is a regular contributor to the editorial column of the magazine.

• Cirrhosis (Noun)

Meaning: a condition in which the liver is scarred and permanently damaged E.g.: After his father died with cirrhosis, he gave up drinking.

• Prevalence (Noun)

Meaning: the fact of something existing or happening often E.g.: We noticed a prevalence of inappropriate behavior among the new students.

• Addictive (Adjective)

Meaning: something that makes people unable to stop taking it E.g.: Dendrite has an addictive quality and should be kept away from children.

• Intoxication (Noun)

Meaning: the condition of having physical or mental control markedly diminished by the effects of alcohol or drugs E.g.: The police asked him to get down from the car as he was showing signs of intoxication.

• Regulating (Verb)

Meaning: to control or maintain the rate or speed of (a machine or process) so that it operates properly E.g.: The government should make laws for regulating the misuse of labour.

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Band 8 Sample Answer for Writing Task 2 Question – Tobacco and Alcohol are Drugs that Cause Addiction and Health Problems

Alcohol and cigarettes both have adverse impacts on health and can cause severe addiction. I truly believe that the use of alcohol and tobacco should be prohibited since they are addictive and cause other health issues.

To begin with, more than 25 distinct fatal diseases, such as emphysema, bronchitis, and lung cancer, are linked to smoking. Recent data indicates that tobacco-related diseases claim the lives of four million people worldwide each year, or one death every eight seconds. More people are dying from and getting disabled from tobacco use than from any other single factor. Additionally, smoking tobacco affects not just smokers but also those in the vicinity as they inhale the smoke emitted. Accordingly, smoking ought to be restricted to improve public health. A nation could treat more patients with the amount of money it spends annually on treating citizens with diseases linked to tobacco use.

Moreover, the use of alcohol has grown to be a significant issue during the past few centuries. An increasing number of individuals consume alcohol daily, which leads to severe issues like brain damage, divorce from one’s spouse, and dissolution of a family. In addition, consumption of alcohol reduces productivity, which affects the life of the individual as well as the people around him. Thus, alcohol ought to be banned everywhere.

In conclusion, I believe that the two biggest risks to society and our health are alcohol and cigarettes, as they cause several health and social issues. Therefore, the government should make the use of tobacco and alcohol illegal and individuals should behave more responsibly. (261 words)

• Adverse (Adjective)

Meaning: having a negative or harmful effect on something E.g.: Eating fast foods on a regular basis can have adverse effects on your health.

• Prohibited (Verb)

Meaning: not allowed E.g.: Women are prohibited to enter mosques.

• Emphysema (Noun)

Meaning: a lung condition that causes shortness of breath E.g.: Meena’s father is suffering from emphysema.

• Vicinity (Noun)

Meaning: the area near or surrounding a particular place E.g.: No one is allowed to go in the vicinity of that haunted palace.

• Emitted (Verb)

Meaning: produce and discharge (something, especially gas or radiation) E.g.: The government should penalize the factories that emitted harmful gasses.

• Dissolution (Noun)

Meaning: the act or process of ending an official organization or legal agreement E.g.: Everyone is unhappy to learn about the dissolution of the R&D department of the company.

• Productivity (Noun)

Meaning: the rate at which a person, company, or country does useful work E.g.: Productivity and creativity are two important factors that we are looking for in the new candidate.

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Band 9 Sample Answer for Writing Task 2 Question – Tobacco and Alcohol are Drugs that Cause Addiction and Health Problems

Unlock Answer

The idea of making tobacco and alcohol illegal is a controversial issue as people are divided in their opinion. In my opinion, although these substances do indeed pose significant health risks and can lead to addiction, banning them may not be the most effective solution. Therefore, I will discuss my viewpoint in the following paragraphs with relevant examples.

It is true that tobacco and alcohol consumption are major contributors to various health problems, including heart disease, liver damage, respiratory issues, and various cancers. Simultaneously, the use of tobacco and alcohol can impair judgment and coordination, leading to accidents and injuries. As a result, supporters argue that prohibiting the use of alcohol would protect individuals from the associated health risks and reduce mishaps. However, history has shown that outright prohibition can lead to black markets, smuggling, and increased criminal activity. The prohibition of alcohol in the United States during the 1920s, for example, led to the rise of organized crime.

Furthermore, supporters of the ban opine that the health consequences of tobacco and alcohol use place a considerable economic burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Likewise, the consumption of these harmful substances is often linked to social problems, including domestic violence, crime, and public disturbances. Nonetheless, some believe outlawing them will not be effective as it is a personal choice. Therefore, individuals must become responsible and consciously try to prevent the damaging effects.

• Controversial (Adjective)

Meaning: relating to or causing much discussion, disagreement, or argument : likely to produce controversy E.g.: Divorce in backward countries is a controversial topic.

• Impair (Verb)

Meaning: weaken or damage (something, especially a faculty or function) E.g.: The accident impaired his ability to play football.

• Coordination (Noun)

Meaning: the act of making all the people involved in a plan or activity work together in an organized way E.g.: The performance of the group was rated low due to lack of coordination among the dancers.

• Mishap (Noun)

Meaning: bad luck, or an unlucky event or accident E.g.: The burning of the Northern forest was a mishap no one could forget.

• Outright (Adjective)

Meaning: completely or immediately E.g.: Telling him that we have reached the destination is an outright lie.

• Smuggling (Noun)

Meaning: the illegal movement of goods into or out of a country E.g.: The detectives are looking for the group that is involved in smuggling of priceless artifacts.

• Outlawing (Verb)

Meaning: to make something illegal or unacceptable E.g.: People want the government outlawing child labour in the country.

• Detrimental (Adjective)

Meaning: obviously harmful; damaging E.g.: Overconsumption of soft drinks can be detrimental to children.

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Connectors for Extra Points in the Sample Answers for Tobacco and Alcohol are Drugs that Cause Addiction and Health Problems

Connectors or Linking words helps to bring coherence to your writing and increase your chances of scoring a high band. So, check out the list of  connectors/linking words   used in the sample responses for the IELTS Writing Task 2 – ‘Tobacco and Alcohol are Drugs that Cause Addiction and Health Problems’ given below.

• In the first place/To begin with
• As a result/Due to this/Accordingly
• Moreover/Also/Additionally/In addition/Furthermore
• So/Thus/Therefore
• In the end/In conclusion/To conclude
• In my opinion
• It is true that
• Simultaneously
• However/Nonetheless

It’s time for you to start writing on your own now that you have read through the sample responses on the subject of ‘Tobacco and Alcohol are Drugs that Cause Addiction and Health Problems’. You can use  our FREE evaluation service  or submit your replies in a comment below for that.

Additional Resources

• People all in Modern Societies Use Drugs- IELTS Writing Task 2 
• Some people think that there should be some strict controls about noise – IELTS Writing Task 2 Discursive Essays
• How to Plan IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay?
• Millions of Tons of Food are Wasted all over the World – IELTS Writing Task 2
• The use of mobile phone is as antisocial as smoking – IELTS Writing Task 2 Argumentative Essay
• Free IELTS Online Tests 2024 | Practice IELTS Mock Test Online
• A Person’s Worth Nowadays Seems To Be Judged According To Social Status And Material Possessions- IELTS Writing Task 2 British Council
• Can you use Quotes or Idioms in your IELTS Essay? 
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic 03: Despite health warnings a large number of people continue to smoke

Practice IELTS Writing Task 2 based on Essay types

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IELTS Writing & Speaking: 5 mind maps / brainstorming ideas on traffic accidents, drug addiction, global warming, brain drain & culture shock; for task 2 essays, speaking part 2 & 3

This post on mind maps or brainstorming is for candidates who find it difficult to arrange / find out ideas for IELTS Writing Task 2 and Speaking part 2 / cue card and part 3 questions. Hopefully, these 5 mind-maps on drug addiction, traffic accidents, global warming, brain drain & culture shock will help you gather ideas quickly to write essays or speak on a topic card or more complex questions for sometime.

It is quite common that IELTS candidates often find it difficult to put together some ideas on different topics and it becomes fairly difficult for them to write an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay or speak on a topic/cue/task card in IELTS Speaking part 2.

Keeping this in mind, here I’ve arranged 5 mind-maps or brainstorming ideas on 5 basic IELTS topics. You will find these topics in almost all the IELTS books, hand-notes, blogs etc. Let’s have a look.

1. Drug Addiction

Here is a mind map on drug addiction.

You can use this mind-map to generate your ideas for the following IELTS Writing Task 2 essays.

• Clear evidence on the use of drugs prevails in modern societies. However, today’s teenagers and youths are doing both legal and illegal researches on drugs. Some social experts maintain that parents and other legal guardians of society can barely do anything to control them. Discuss the reasons and effects of this extensive drug abuse by young generation. Propose any suggestions that you believe are necessary to help combat drug abuse among youths.
• Teenagers are progressively becoming drug addicts in nearly every country of the world. What are the outcomes of this social problem? Suggest some preventive measures to fight this hazard.
• Some experts consider that the trouble of illegal drugs can be solved by just making all drugs legal. Others, however, feel that this issue can only be solved by educating everyone in the society about it. Discuss both the views and offer your own opinions on the matter.
• Drug addiction in the society spreads only because of careless guardians. How far do you agree or disagree?

You can also use the mind-map to generate your ideas for the following IELTS Speaking part 2- cue cards.

Describe a time when you had to help someone in danger.

You should say:

• When it happened
• Who you helped
• Why you helped him/her
• And how you felt after helping him/her

Describe a social problem that is affecting your locality seriously.

• What the problem is
• How it is affecting your locality
• What the present condition is
• And how this problem can be solved

You can also use the mind-map to generate your ideas for the following IELTS Speaking part 3 questions.

• Do you think addiction should be considered as a disease?
• Why do you think youths are so interested in drugs?
• Do you think the government can solve the problem?
• How was the situation of drug abuse 20 years ago?
• Why is this problem spreading so rapidly?

2. Traffic accidents

Here is a mind map on traffic accidents.

• A big number of deaths are caused by road accidents every year. Why do so many accidents occur? Make recommendations which may help reduce the number of road accidents.
• The best way to decrease the number of traffic accidents is to raise the age limit for younger drivers and to lower the age limit for aged drivers. Do you agree or disagree?
• Some experts claim that the best way to reduce traffic accidents is individual awareness. Others are of the opinion that only tougher rules and regulations can only solve this problem. What is your opinion about this?
• Lately there has been a rapid boost in the number of public deaths on the highways. Traffic designers blame drivers for driving aggressively while drivers articulate that the roads are terrible for traffic use. Who, in your opinion, is to be blamed for the mishaps that are responsible for tragic deaths caused on roads?

Describe a tragic road accident you saw.

• Where the accident occurred
• Where you were at that time
• How the accident affected you
• And give details about the accident.
• Do you think traffic accidents can be avoided by installing technology?
• How should be the law against road accidents?
• How do you think traffic accidents can be solved immediately?
• Who are to blame for the problem?

3. Global warming

• Global warming is now one of the hot topics around the world now. It is affecting both the environment and the biodiversity. Discuss the reasons behind this problem and suggest some preventive measures to tackle this problem.
• Many experts are worried about global warming as latest researches show that the worldwide boost in temperature is becoming worse. In addition, research suggests that global warming the levels of pollution in the atmosphere degenerate the overall temperature of the earth. Discuss the effects of global warming and probable solutions to the problem.
• Global warming is the ultimate result of human activities the negatively affect our environment. How far do you agree or disagree? Is there a way to slow down the effects of global warming?
• Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The only way to reduce the effects of global warming quickly is planting more and more trees.

Describe a great problem that is affecting the whole world.

• Since when it has come to our attention
• How big the damage is
• And suggest some solutions for this problem.
• Discuss how global warming can be solved.
• What kind of affects of global warming have you observed in your country?
• In what ways global warming damage the ecosystem?
• Is global warming preventable? If so, how?

4. Brain drain

• A rising number of experts, such as doctors, engineers and teachers, are leaving their native countries to give their labour in first-world countries. What are the reasons behind this tendency? What recommendations can you provide to deal with this situation?
• The main reason behind the rapid migration of professionals in developed nations is job and financial insecurity. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
• Some experts claim that brain drain can only be solved if government comes forward to support the professionals. Others say that individual love and responsibility for native country is important to stop this trend. What is your opinion about it?
• What is a brain drain? Do you think it is helpful for maintaining good relation between nations?
• In what ways can the rich nations help poor nations?
• What are the social and cultural effects of brain drain?
• Can brain drain be beneficial for a country?
• When do you think brain drain occurs?

5. Culture Shock

• Settling into new customs and cultures can be extremely difficult. Although some ‘culture shock’ is unavoidable, there are numerous ways to make living abroad much easier. Do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
• Going overseas for university study is an exciting experience for many students. However, it may offer some advantages but it is almost certainly better to stay home because of the complexities a student inescapably faces living and studying in a different society. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?  Offer your personal opinion.
• It is often believed by many people that the best way to understand a culture is by learning the language used in that particular culture. Do you agree or disagree?

Describe a foreign culture that you like.

• What culture it is and how you know about it
• What differences there are between that culture and your own
• Why you like that foreign culture
• And explain if you faced any problem understanding that culture
• Why do you think being away from home is worrying for a lot of people?
• What are the downsides of moving to another country for work or study?
• Why do some people feel it stressful when they face a new culture?
• How can a person adapt to a culture quickly?
• When and how does culture shock occur?
• Do you think age plays any role in affecting people of different ages?

Click here to learn more about mind-mapping in IELTS Writing Task 2 

Click here to get mind-maps/brainstorming ideas for 14 writing task 2 topics 

Click here to learn more about mind-mapping in IELTS Speaking Part 2

Click here for mind maps/brainstorming ideas for 5 more topics (unemployment, violence, animal testing, natural disasters, stress)

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IELTS Speaking Part 1: General questions on Changes in life, Extra-curricular activities, Social issues; with model answers

This is the fourth set of general questions of IELTS Speaking Part 1 with example answers. If you wish to earn a good band score in the speaking module, you have to start with a great impression on the examiner’s mind and part 1 is the best place to do it. Practicing the general questions over […]

IELTS Writing Task 2: Agree disagree topic on using forensics to solve old cases; with 3 model answers

This IELTS Writing Task 2 post offers some sample answers to an agree-disagree topic. This agree-disagree topic asks the candidates to provide arguments as to whether new science related to criminal forensics should be used to look at old cases or not. In this post, you will find three great model answers which may help […]

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• Band 9 IELTS Essays

In Recent Years, There Has Been A Rise In The Use Of Performance Enhancing Drugs In Sports

by Manjusha Nambiar · Published November 24, 2023 · Updated March 19, 2024

In recent years, there has been a rise in the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports. What are the consequences of doping for athletes? What measures should be taken to combat this issue?

Here is a band 9 IELTS essay on this topic. Need help with IELTS writing? Get your IELTS essays, letters and reports corrected by me.

Band 9 IELTS essay sample

Sports have become a multi-billion dollar business. Successful sportspersons are earning huge amounts of money and enjoying fan following throughout the world. Needless to say, some athletes are resorting to unfair means to increase their performance. They take performance enhancing drugs.

When some athletes take drugs to boost their performance, they have an unfair advantage over others who are playing by the rules. This is quite demoralizing for honest and skilled players. They deserve to win and yet they lose to someone who is acting dishonestly. Cases of doping are particular rampant among international sportspersons who compete in prestigious events like Olympics or World Cup. Very often, the culprits are not caught and this also acts as an inspiration for other athletes to use drugs.  

Doping has negative consequences for both the athletes who do it and those who do not do it. Of course, those who do not take the drugs are likely to lose. That is the main consequence for them. Years of training and hard work fail to come to fruition when the competitor is on performance boosting drugs. Doping is also bad for athletes who do it. They have considerably higher chances of suffering from cardiac arrest. In fact, athletes who regularly consume performance enhancing drugs are more likely to die young from various health complications arising out of the consumption of these substances.

Testing is the most effective way to discourage the consumption of performance enhancing drugs. Athletes should be randomly tested before and after each game. Frequent testing increases the risk of getting caught and thus will act as a deterrent. Those who are caught should be banned for life. If there are stringent punishments, athletes who are serious about their career will automatically say no to drugs.

To conclude, while performance enhancing drugs may boost performance in the short term, these substances increase the risk of cardiac arrest in athletes who consume them. At the same time, they cause honest and deserving players to lose to dishonest players. Regular screening is the most effective way to discourage doping.

Do you have an essay on this topic? Submit it below in the comments for a free band score estimate.

More Task 2 IELTS essay samples

• The demand for coaching services has grown significantly in the digital era
• Some people think that manufacturers and shopping malls should sell fewer packaged goods
• In recent years, there has been a rise in the use of performance enhancing drugs in sports
• In recent years, private companies rather the government pay for and conduct scientific research
• Advantages and disadvantages of the internet
• Financial education should be included as a mandatory subject in schools
• Some people think that dangerous extreme sport such as rock climbing should be banned
• The rise of social media platforms has made it easier for people to vent their frustrations publicly
• In today’s digital era anyone with a smart phone can capture and share photographs
• Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign language at primary schools

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Manjusha Nambiar

Hi, I'm Manjusha. This is my blog where I give IELTS preparation tips.

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