Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-09
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 5.5)
Many people nowadays have decided to stop flying or to limit the amount of times they use this form of transport. This will undoubtedly have great benefits for the environment, but it may mean that for individuals or businesses this can translate to higher expenses. I believe the disadvantages for individuals and businesses would be greater than the effects on the environment.
This essay will discuss advantages and disadvantages of this environmental benefits of reduced air travel would have a direct effect in the amount of pollution in the air, which would mean a greener planet. However, this would also mean a rise in the use of other types of transportation. For example, if the amount of cars, buses or trucks on the road increases this also means greenhouse gas emissions increase too.
On the other hand, for individuals or businesses this could mean higher travelling costs, as well as lengthy trips and possible delays in reaching their destinations. All of this can affect the companies resources and even possibly cause them to lose business deals, or not even commence them due to restricted trading times. Higher costs for companies can cause job cuts which can have devastating effects for families.
In conclusion, I believe the disadvantages on individuals and businesses caused by a reduction in air travel are far greater. The potential implications for companies of higher travel and shipping costs, could reflect losses that can eventuate, in job cuts. The effects on the environment would not be enough to merit such a drastic culture change and possibly pollution levels could rise as a result of the increase on other contaminants.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response addresses the prompt and maintains a clear position throughout. You have identified both the environmental benefits and the disadvantages for individuals and businesses. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited. For instance, the argument regarding the increase in other forms of transport (cars/trucks) is a relevant point, but it could have been expanded with more specific examples or data to strengthen the analysis. The conclusion effectively summarizes your stance, but the essay would benefit from a more nuanced exploration of how businesses might adapt to these changes, rather than focusing primarily on the negative economic impacts.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the other hand' and 'In conclusion' are used to guide the reader. However, there are instances where the flow is slightly disjointed. For example, the second paragraph begins with a sentence fragment ('This essay will discuss...') that is not properly integrated into the following argument. Additionally, some transitions between sentences feel a bit mechanical. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence would enhance the overall coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'undoubtedly', 'greenhouse gas emissions', and 'devastating effects'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation. For example, 'eventuate, in job cuts' is an awkward construction, and 'increase on other contaminants' should be 'increase in'. While your vocabulary is sufficient to convey your meaning clearly, it lacks the precision and flexibility required for a higher band score. Attempting to incorporate more sophisticated collocations and topic-specific terminology would help elevate your lexical range.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as 'effect in the amount of pollution' (should be 'effect on') and 'companies resources' (missing possessive apostrophe). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma usage, such as the unnecessary comma in 'could reflect losses that can eventuate, in job cuts'. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and correct preposition usage will improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.