Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-07-27

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some people have decided to reduce the number of times they fly every year or to stop flying altogether.

Do you think the environmental benefits of this development outweigh the disadvantages for individuals and businesses?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 8.0)

In recent years, some people have chosen to fly less often or avoid air travel completely in order to protect the environment. Although this decision can create some difficulties for individuals and businesses, I believe that the environmental benefits are greater than the disadvantages.

The main advantage of reducing air travel is that it can help to decrease carbon emissions. Airplanes produce a large amount of greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change. If fewer people travel by plane, the demand for flights may fall, leading to lower pollution levels. For example, choosing trains for shorter journeys instead of flights can significantly reduce a person’s carbon footprint. In addition, this change may encourage airlines to develop more environmentally friendly technologies.

However, there are some negative effects on individuals and businesses. For many people, flying is the fastest and most convenient way to travel, especially for international holidays or visiting family abroad. Businesses may also suffer because flights are important for international meetings, tourism, and trade. For instance, countries that depend heavily on tourism could lose income if fewer visitors arrive by air.

Despite these disadvantages, I believe reducing air travel has more positive effects overall. While it may cause inconvenience and economic challenges in the short term, protecting the environment is essential for future generations. Governments and companies can also reduce the negative impacts by improving alternative transport systems and supporting sustainable tourism.

In conclusion, although stopping or reducing flights can create problems for people and businesses, I believe the environmental advantages outweigh the drawbacks because they help to fight climate change and create a more sustainable future.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, clearly stating a position that the environmental benefits outweigh the disadvantages. The ideas are relevant and logically developed. The first body paragraph focuses on the environmental gains, such as reduced carbon emissions and technological innovation, while the second body paragraph acknowledges the economic and personal inconveniences. The conclusion reinforces the initial stance. To reach a higher band, the student could provide more specific examples or deeper analysis of the 'businesses' aspect, as the current discussion on tourism is somewhat brief. However, the response is well-balanced and fully addresses the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the environmental benefits and the disadvantages is smooth, using appropriate linking words such as 'However' and 'Despite these disadvantages'. Cohesive devices are used effectively, such as 'In addition' and 'For instance', which help guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas. The flow is natural, and the relationship between sentences is clear throughout the text, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for the task. The student uses topic-specific terms such as 'carbon emissions', 'greenhouse gases', 'carbon footprint', and 'sustainable tourism' correctly. While the range is adequate, it lacks some of the more sophisticated or idiomatic expressions that would characterize a Band 8 or 9 response. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is precise enough to convey the intended meaning clearly. The student demonstrates a good command of academic vocabulary suitable for this type of essay.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. The grammar is generally accurate, with very few errors. Complex structures, such as conditional sentences ('If fewer people travel...') and concessive clauses ('Although this decision can create...'), are used correctly. Punctuation is handled well, and the sentence construction is clear. While the range of structures is solid, it does not consistently show the high level of flexibility or the sophisticated variety of complex forms required for a Band 8 or 9. Nevertheless, the writing is error-free for the most part, ensuring clear communication.

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