Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-14
IELTS Writing Task 2 question
In the future, more people will choose to go on holiday in their own country and not travel abroad on holiday. Do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Student answer (Band 8.0)
In the future, an increasing number of people may choose to spend their holidays within their own countries rather than travelling abroad. This shift could be influenced by rising travel costs, environmental concerns, and the convenience of domestic tourism. I largely agree with this prediction because local holidays can be more affordable and environmentally sustainable.
Firstly, domestic tourism is often considerably cheaper and more convenient than international travel. Travelling abroad usually involves expensive flights, visas, travel insurance, and currency exchange, whereas domestic trips generally require fewer preparations and lower transportation costs. Moreover, people can avoid lengthy flights and complicated immigration procedures, making their holidays less stressful. For example, a family living in Canada might choose to explore national parks or coastal destinations within the country instead of spending thousands of dollars on international flights and accommodation. Therefore, financial and practical considerations may encourage more people to holiday domestically in the future.
Secondly, growing environmental awareness could further increase the popularity of domestic holidays. International air travel produces substantial carbon emissions, while travelling shorter distances by train, bus, or car can reduce the environmental impact of tourism. In addition, visiting local destinations allows people to discover their country's natural landscapes, historical sites, and cultural attractions. For instance, residents can support local hotels, restaurants, and tour operators when they visit nearby tourist destinations, thereby contributing to the national economy. In my opinion, these environmental and economic benefits make domestic tourism an increasingly attractive choice.
In conclusion, more people may choose domestic holidays because they are generally more affordable, convenient, and environmentally friendly than international travel. This trend can also strengthen local economies by supporting tourism-related businesses. I strongly agree that domestic tourism will become more popular in the future, although international travel will continue to appeal to those seeking unfamiliar cultures and experiences.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 8.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.0 |
| Overall | 8.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0
The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. Each paragraph is well-developed with relevant supporting arguments, such as the mention of financial costs, environmental impact, and economic benefits. The ideas are extended logically, and the inclusion of a counter-argument in the conclusion demonstrates a balanced perspective, which is a hallmark of a high-scoring response. You have successfully met all requirements of the prompt.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0
The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, introduced by effective transition signals like 'Firstly', 'Moreover', and 'In conclusion'. The use of cohesive devices is natural and unobtrusive, which helps the reader follow your argument without effort. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points. The flow between sentences is smooth, and referencing is clear throughout the text, meeting the criteria for a high band score.
Lexical Resource — Band 8.0
You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which allows for precise expression of your ideas. Phrases such as 'environmental sustainability', 'carbon emissions', and 'tourism-related businesses' are used accurately and in the correct context. There is a good command of collocation, and the vocabulary is sophisticated enough to convey your points effectively. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling, and the language used is appropriate for a formal essay.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0
The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and conditional forms. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and syntax is excellent. You use a variety of sentence types, such as 'Travelling abroad usually involves..., whereas domestic trips generally require...', which shows flexibility. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the overall accuracy is very high, consistent with the requirements for a band 8.0.
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