PTE Academic Offline Practice Test
PTE Academic Writing Test 3
Write an essay.
You will have 20 minutes to plan, write and revise an essay about the topic below. Your response will be judged on how well you develop a position, organize your ideas, present supporting details, and control the elements of standard written English. You should write 200-300 words.
Tobacco, mainly in the form of cigarettes, is one of the most widely-used drugs in the world. Over a billion adults legally smoke tobacco every day. The long term health costs are high _ for smokers themselves, and for the wider community in terms of health care costs and lost productivity.
Do governments have a legitimate role to legislate to protect citizens from the harmful effects of their own decisions to smoke, or are such decisions up to the individual?
Sample Answer:
Tobacco consumption, mainly in the form of cigarettes, remains a global concern due to its widespread usage and adverse health impacts. With over a billion adults engaging in daily tobacco use, the associated health costs for individuals and society at large are significant. This essay delves into the debate surrounding the role of governments in legislating to safeguard citizens from the harmful effects of smoking.
Governments have a legitimate role in prioritizing public health. The unequivocal link between smoking and various diseases, including lung cancer and heart ailments, underscores the need for proactive measures. By regulating tobacco, governments can alleviate the burden on healthcare systems, curtail healthcare costs, and ultimately save lives.
However, individual autonomy must also be considered. Advocates for personal freedom argue that adults should be entitled to make decisions regarding their own bodies, including the choice to smoke. Respecting this autonomy is essential in upholding democratic values and safeguarding citizens’ rights to make informed choices.
Striking a balance is crucial. Governments can implement a range of measures, such as educational campaigns, higher taxes on tobacco products, and smoke-free areas, which serve to inform individuals about the risks while preserving their right to choose.
Moreover, government intervention becomes even more critical in deterring youth initiation into smoking. Imposing age restrictions and enforcing stringent advertising regulations can counter the influence of tobacco marketing on impressionable young minds.
In conclusion, the dilemma of whether governments should regulate smoking to protect public health or leave it to individual discretion is intricate. While personal autonomy is vital, the public health consequences cannot be disregarded. By employing a multifaceted approach that educates, regulates, and shields vulnerable populations, governments can fulfill their obligation to ensure both personal choice and the collective well-being.