Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-25

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)

Domestic Holidays vs. Travelling Abroad

It is often argued that, in the future, more people will choose to spend their holidays in their own country rather than travel abroad. I agree with this view to a large extent because domestic tourism is becoming more convenient and affordable, while people are also becoming more conscious of environmental issues.

One major reason why people may prefer domestic holidays is the lower cost and convenience. Travelling abroad usually involves expensive flights, accommodation, travel insurance, and sometimes visa fees. In contrast, travelling within one's own country can be considerably cheaper, particularly when people drive or take public transportation. Domestic travel also eliminates the need to deal with foreign currencies, language barriers, and complicated airport procedures. For example, a family in Canada can take a road trip to places such as Banff or Quebec City without the expense and stress associated with international air travel.

Another important factor is environmental awareness. Air travel produces a significant amount of carbon emissions, and more people are becoming concerned about climate change. As environmental education increases, some travellers may deliberately choose destinations that can be reached by car or train. In addition, governments may encourage domestic tourism by improving local transportation and promoting attractions within their own countries.

However, international travel will certainly remain popular because it offers experiences that cannot always be found at home. People may want to experience different cultures, taste unfamiliar foods, learn new languages, or visit world-famous historical sites. For instance, someone living in Canada may still want to visit Europe or Asia because these regions provide unique cultural and historical experiences.

In conclusion, I believe that domestic tourism will become more popular in the future because it is generally cheaper, easier, and more environmentally friendly. Nevertheless, international holidays will continue to attract many people who are seeking new cultural experiences and opportunities to explore the wider world.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

You have fully addressed all parts of the prompt. Your position is clear from the introduction and is maintained consistently throughout the essay. You provide relevant reasons for the shift toward domestic tourism, such as cost-effectiveness and environmental concerns, and support these with clear examples like the Canadian road trip scenario. You also provide a balanced view by acknowledging the enduring appeal of international travel, which adds depth to your argument. The ideas are well-developed and logically extended, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the arguments for domestic travel and the counter-argument for international travel is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In contrast', 'In addition', and 'Nevertheless', which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the topic. The structure is coherent and easy to follow throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the task. You use topic-specific terms such as 'carbon emissions', 'environmental awareness', and 'cultural experiences' accurately. The language is natural and precise, allowing you to convey your points clearly. While the vocabulary is sufficient and effective, incorporating a few more sophisticated or less common collocations could elevate the response further. However, the current range is more than adequate to express your ideas with precision and style.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

Your grammar is highly accurate, with the majority of your sentences being error-free. You use a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as the conditional-like structure in 'If environmental education increases...' and the use of relative clauses. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. The control over complex structures is consistent, and the overall quality of your writing is very high, reflecting a strong command of English grammar.

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