Argumentative Essay: "Smoking in Public Places" - Sample Paper with 5 Factors to Consider

Smoking has become a significant problem, especially in those areas that are densely populated. Some people are addicted to smoking, and they cannot be isolated from non-smokers. The problem is the conflict that arises between smokers enjoying their cigarettes in areas where non-smokers live.

In order to prepare an argumentative essay on smoking in public places, the writer must consider several factors:

1. One of these factors is related to the laws and regulations that govern any country. The writer needs to read extensively relevant materials that explain what the law of the land says regarding smoking. Some countries allow smokers and nonsmokers to mix without any problem, regardless of whether one is smoking in congested areas or not. In such countries, smokers are expected to make ethical decisions and think about the effect of their smoke on the people who do not smoke.
2. Another point the argumentative essay should explain is whether there is any law that forbids smokers from using cigarettes in public. In such countries, the law explains where smoking zones are located, if any, and the punishment that smokers should face if they break the law by smoking in non-smoking zones.
3. In any argumentative essay, the writer should be able to show the contradicting views of people. For instance, in the argumentative essay on smoking in public places, the writer should explain what the consequences are for not setting up smoking zones. The reason is that some people may argue that smoking in public places has no negative effects that warrant its ban, while others may argue out that smoking in public places is so bad and dangerous that governments should ban it completely in towns.
4. The writer should not present just the legislation or desired future legislation. This does not get to the root of the argument; it rather illustrates that there is an argument. Clear roots of the argument to be exposed and debated should be mentioned in the paper. These roots are primarily based on health concerns. The claims that second-hand smoke leads to serious health problems must be a strong focus. Voices for and against this position must be clearly presented. In addition, you must back up legal arguments using the legal framework in existence in good detail. Generalizations of the laws and their background will not be strong enough. The essay should not consider only one side of the debate, as this is a major clash between millions of people and governments worldwide. It is emotive and controversial.
5. One can also add the major economic consequences of smoking and not smoking. Governments raise enormous amounts of tax on cigarette sales; hundreds of thousands of people work in the cigarette industry directly and indirectly. This versus the cost to the economy of smoking-related diseases will add an interesting dimension to the argument.

Argumentative Essay Sample

More and more countries and cities ban smoking here and there, in public places. According to various medical studies, smoking not only causes various health problems for a person, but also for every non-smoker close by. Even though people continue debating the pros and cons of the smoking issue, the reality is that a ban is the most appropriate and logical decision in case of smoking in public areas. Although there are some arguments on both sides, here are the solid reasons why the smoking ban is a must.

First of all, smoking, even outdoors, can cause various health problems, such as bronchial infections and asthmatic attacks even in non-smokers. This point is particularly crucial for nearly one million US people who suffer from chronic sinusitis, asthma, bronchial infections, and other conditions that have something to do with breathing.

Smoking hurts our environment. That’s a fact. In addition to the fact that smoking is harmful to you and your family members, it actually hurts our ecosystem with all of its inhabitants. All the plastic filters, cigarette butts, and other elements of smoked cigarettes tend to pollute waterways, soil, and beaches. The most recent lab studies prove that such toxic compounds of cigarettes as pesticide residues and nicotine are harmful to fish and microorganisms.

In addition to some apparent damage being done by smoking, it is important to mention the cost of this dubious pleasure. The point is that smoking is like a financial trap for every person addicted to nicotine. As reported by the CDC, the financial burden that smoking puts on people keeps on rising, with nearly $193 billion spent yearly in the US.

One of the things that many young women are concerned about is aging. Ladies tend to check their mirrors in order to see if they got new wrinkles and feel terrified when their doubts are confirmed. And this is the case when smoking should be mentioned as well. The reality is that one of the most significant causes of premature aging is nicotine. People who smoke on a regular basis are more likely to face early skin changes. As reported by the scientists of the American Academy of Dermatology, regular smoking causes a range of biochemical changes that push the process of aging. For instance, if you’re a regular smoker, you contribute to depriving the living skin tissue of precious oxygen. As a result, blood can’t reach your organs fast and easily.

In conclusion, it is clear from everything discussed above that smoking should be labeled illegal in all public places all over the globe. As a result, this would improve the state of health of every person or animal, and that is more than enough.