Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-04

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 6.0)

Nowadays, many people choose to fly less or stop flying because they are worried about the environment. Although this can cause some problems for individuals and businesses, I believe that the environmental benefits are greater than the disadvantages.

One important advantage is that fewer flights reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emission. Airplanes produce a large amount of carbon dioxide, which contributes to climate change. If more people travel by train, bus, or other form of transportation instead of flying, the amount of pollution will decrease. This can help protect the environment and improve the quality of life for future generation.

Another benefit is that reducing flights can encourage people to travel locally. Instead of taking international holidays, people may visit places within their own country. This can support local tourism and reduce the environmental damage caused by long-distance travel.

On the other hand, flying less can have some disadvantages for individuals and businesses. Many people need to travel by air for work, education, or to visit their families in other countries. In addition, airlines, hotels, and tourism companies may lose customers if fewer people fly. However, I believe these problems are less serious than the environmental benefits because protecting the planet is important for everyone.

In my opinion, these disadvantages are temporary and can be reduced if governments invest in cleaner technology and more environmentally friendly transport systems. Businesses can also adapt by improving their services and using more fuel-efficient aircraft.

In conclusion, although flying less may create some difficulties for people and businesses, I believe that the environmental benefits are more important. Reducing air travel can help lower pollution and protect the environment , so this is a positive development overall.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

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, such as the discussion on air pollution and the shift toward local tourism. However, the development is somewhat predictable and could be strengthened by providing more specific examples or deeper analysis of the economic impact on businesses. While the position is consistent, the arguments remain at a general level. To reach a higher band, you should aim to expand on your points with more detailed evidence or nuanced reasoning regarding the trade-offs between environmental sustainability and economic growth.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is well-organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the progression of ideas is logical. You use cohesive devices effectively, such as 'One important advantage,' 'Another benefit,' and 'On the other hand,' which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to the overall clarity of the text. To improve further, ensure that the transition between paragraphs is even smoother and try to vary your cohesive devices to avoid a slightly mechanical feel in the way you link your points.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'greenhouse gas emission,' 'environmentally friendly,' and 'fuel-efficient.' The meaning is consistently clear, and the vocabulary is appropriate for the academic context. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there is a lack of more sophisticated or 'less common' lexical items that would elevate the response. To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate more precise collocations and topic-specific vocabulary, such as 'carbon footprint,' 'mitigation strategies,' or 'economic repercussions,' rather than relying on more common phrases.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You show control over grammar, and the majority of your sentences are error-free. There are a few minor slips, such as 'future generation' (should be plural: 'future generations') and a spacing error before a comma in the conclusion. These errors are infrequent and do not impede communication. To move to a higher band, focus on increasing the variety of complex structures, such as using more conditional sentences or passive voice constructions to discuss the environmental impacts, while maintaining your current level of accuracy.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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