IELTS Writing Task 2 – Mobile Phones vs Smoking: Agree or Disagree Essays with Samples

In today’s world, mobile phones have become an inseparable part of our lives. However, with their widespread use, many people believe that using mobile phones in public spaces is just as antisocial as smoking. Since smoking is banned in many areas to protect people’s well-being, the debate arises: should mobile phones also be banned in certain places?

This IELTS Writing Task 2 essay question is a classic “To what extent do you agree or disagree?” prompt. In this blog, we will break down the question, explore three planning approaches (agree, disagree, balanced), and present high-band sample essays. You will also find useful vocabulary and final tips to maximise your IELTS score.

Question Breakdown

Essay Question:
“The use of mobile phones is as antisocial as smoking. Smoking is banned in certain places and so mobile phones should also be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

Key Elements to Notice:

• Topic: Mobile phones compared to smoking
• Claim: Both are antisocial behaviours
• Suggested Solution: Ban mobile phones in certain places (like smoking)
• Task: State whether you agree, disagree, or take a balanced approach

This question tests your ability to analyse social issues, evaluate consequences, and propose logical arguments.

Essay Planning

Plan 1: Agree

Introduction: Mobile phones disturb social interaction and public peace, much like smoking harms health and environment.
Body 1: Mobile phone use in public spaces (restaurants, cinemas, meetings) disturbs others.
Body 2: Addiction and overuse make people antisocial, ignoring real-life communication.
Body 3 (optional): A ban in certain sensitive areas (schools, hospitals) is necessary.
Conclusion: Strongly agree mobile phones should be restricted, similar to smoking.

Plan 2: Disagree

Introduction: While smoking poses physical harm, mobile phones do not have the same consequences.
Body 1: Phones are essential communication tools; banning them is impractical.
Body 2: Unlike smoking, mobile phones can be managed by etiquette (silent mode, restricted use in theatres).
Body 3 (optional): Education, not a ban, is the solution.
Conclusion: Disagree that phones should be treated like smoking; regulation, not restriction, is better.

Plan 3: Balanced Approach

Introduction: Both arguments hold weight; mobile phones can be disruptive, but not as harmful as smoking.
Body 1: Agree – phones disturb concentration in classrooms, workplaces, and cinemas.
Body 2: Disagree – phones are essential tools for emergencies and connectivity.
Body 3: Middle path – regulate phone use in sensitive zones instead of banning outright.
Conclusion: A balanced policy is needed; regulation ensures responsible use without complete restriction.

High Band Sample Essays

Sample Essay 1 – Agree

It is argued that mobile phone usage is just as antisocial as smoking and should therefore be banned in certain places. I completely agree with this view because constant mobile use not only disrupts social interaction but also invades the peace of public environments.

Firstly, mobile phones often damage real-life communication. For instance, in restaurants and family gatherings, individuals are frequently seen staring at their screens instead of engaging with the people around them. This habit is undoubtedly antisocial as it undermines personal relationships and discourages meaningful conversation.

Secondly, loud ringtones and unnecessary phone calls in public places such as libraries, cinemas, or hospitals create significant disturbance. Just as passive smoking negatively affects non-smokers, unnecessary phone use disrupts the comfort of others. Hence, banning mobile phones in such sensitive areas would be a logical step to maintain social harmony.

In conclusion, I firmly agree that mobile phones should be restricted in certain places, as they are as antisocial and disruptive as smoking. Such measures would encourage healthier, more respectful social interactions.

Sample Essay 2 – Disagree

Some believe that mobile phone usage should be banned in the same way smoking is restricted. However, I strongly disagree with this viewpoint because mobile phones serve vital purposes and do not have harmful consequences comparable to smoking.

Unlike smoking, which directly affects both smokers and non-smokers by causing severe health risks, mobile phones do not physically harm others. While their overuse can be distracting, this issue can be solved by encouraging responsible behaviour rather than enforcing a ban.

Moreover, phones are essential tools for safety and communication. In emergencies, having immediate access to mobile devices can save lives. For example, contacting medical services, reporting accidents, or staying connected with family members would be impossible if mobile phones were banned in many areas.

In conclusion, although mobile phones may sometimes cause disturbance, they cannot be equated with smoking. Promoting etiquette and awareness is a more practical solution than imposing bans.

Sample Essay 3 – Balanced

The comparison between mobile phone usage and smoking is a controversial one. While it is true that excessive use of phones can be antisocial, I believe they should not be completely banned but rather regulated in certain environments.

On one hand, there is merit in banning mobile phones in particular places. In classrooms, theatres, or hospitals, their use can be distracting or disrespectful. For example, phone calls during lectures or medical treatments disturb both staff and participants, which supports the idea of restrictions.

On the other hand, phones play a critical role in communication and emergencies. Unlike smoking, which has proven health risks, mobile phones do not endanger people’s physical well-being. Thus, imposing a complete ban would be impractical and unnecessary.

In my view, the most effective solution is a balanced approach: restrict phone use in sensitive zones while allowing freedom elsewhere. This would maintain social order without compromising communication needs.

Key Vocabulary for this Essay

• Antisocial – unfriendly, disruptive, inconsiderate
• Restriction – limitation, control, regulation
• Etiquette – manners, behaviour, social conduct
• Invade peace – disturb, interrupt, disrupt calm
• Disruptive – disturbing, troublesome, interfering
• Harmful consequences – damaging effects, negative outcomes
• Practical solution – feasible approach, workable alternative
• Sensitive zones – critical areas, important places
• Social harmony – peaceful interaction, mutual respect

Final Tips for IELTS Candidates

1. Analyse the comparison carefully – explain why mobile phones are or are not like smoking.
2. Provide clear examples – restaurants, classrooms, cinemas, and hospitals work well.
3. Use strong academic vocabulary – terms like restriction, disruption, etiquette, regulation will boost your Lexical Resource score.
4. Stay consistent with your position – unless writing a balanced essay, avoid mixing opinions.
5. Practice time management – spend 5 minutes planning, 30 minutes writing, 5 minutes checking grammar and vocabulary.

With these essay plans, sample answers, and key vocabulary, you can confidently tackle agree/disagree IELTS Task 2 essays on controversial social issues like mobile phones vs smoking.

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