Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-03
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 7.0)
In recent years, growing awareness of climate change has encouraged many people to reduce air travel or avoid flying altogether. Although this trend may create certain challenges for individuals and businesses, I believe that its environmental benefits are far more significant.
One of the greatest advantages of reducing air travel is the positive impact on the environment. The aviation industry is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to global warming and climate change. Fewer flights mean lower carbon emissions, improved air quality, and reduced noise pollution around airports. Moreover, decreasing demand for air travel encourages governments and transport companies to invest in more sustainable alternatives, such as high-speed rail networks and cleaner technologies. These long-term environmental improvements benefit society as a whole.
Admittedly, flying less can have negative consequences for both individuals and businesses. People who live far from their families may find it more difficult and expensive to maintain personal relationships. Similarly, industries that rely heavily on air travel, including tourism, aviation, and international trade, may experience financial losses and reduced customer demand. Business travellers may also face longer journey times if they choose alternative forms of transport.
However, these disadvantages are relatively limited when compared with the long-term environmental gains. Many business meetings can now be conducted online through video conferencing, reducing the need for frequent flights. In addition, domestic tourism and environmentally friendly transport systems can help offset some of the economic impact on travel-related industries.
In conclusion, although reducing air travel may inconvenience some individuals and affect certain businesses, I believe that the environmental benefits, particularly the reduction in carbon emissions and the promotion of sustainable transport, clearly outweigh these drawbacks.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The response addresses all parts of the prompt, providing a clear position that the environmental benefits outweigh the disadvantages. The arguments are well-developed, covering both the positive environmental impacts and the negative consequences for individuals and businesses. The essay maintains a consistent focus throughout, and the conclusion effectively synthesises the main points. To reach a higher band, you could provide more specific examples or data to support your claims, such as mentioning a specific country's shift toward rail travel or a particular industry's successful transition to remote work, which would add further depth to your analysis.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0
The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the benefits and the drawbacks is smooth, facilitated by effective cohesive devices such as 'Moreover,' 'Admittedly,' and 'In addition.' The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the argument. The referencing is precise, and the flow of ideas is natural. The structure is highly effective, ensuring that the reader can easily follow the development of your argument from the introduction to the conclusion.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic essay. Phrases such as 'greenhouse gas emissions,' 'sustainable alternatives,' and 'environmentally friendly transport systems' are used accurately and in the correct context. The language is precise and conveys your meaning clearly. While the vocabulary is sufficient and natural, incorporating a few more sophisticated or less common collocations could elevate the response further. Overall, the lexical control is strong, and there are no errors in word choice that impede communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and conditional forms. The majority of sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and syntax is excellent. You use a variety of sentence lengths and types, which keeps the writing engaging. There are no significant grammatical errors that distract the reader or cause confusion. The accuracy is high throughout the text, reflecting a strong command of English grammar suitable for this level.
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