Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-10

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)

The conscious decision by global citizens to reduce or completely eliminate air travel has sparked intense discussion. While this shift introduces clear economic and personal limitations, I firmly believe that the immense environmental benefits far outweigh these disadvantages due to the urgent need to combat climate change.

Consequently, curbing aviation creates undeniable challenges for individuals and global businesses alike. For individuals, relying less on planes restricts personal freedom, making it difficult to visit far-flung family members or experience international travel. For businesses, especially in sectors like tourism and international trade, a reduction in flights can disrupt global supply chains and lead to severe financial losses. For example, multinational corporations heavily rely on face-to-face international meetings to secure contracts, and a sudden halt in business travel could stall economic growth. Additionally, remote communities dependent on tourism revenue risk economic devastation if flight numbers decline significantly.

On the other hand, the environmental dividends of reducing air travel are unparalleled and critical for planetary survival. The aviation industry is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, releasing vast amounts of carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides directly into the upper atmosphere, where they cause maximum warming. Since viable green alternatives like electric commercial aircraft are still decades away, reducing flight volume is the most immediate way to lower carbon footprints. For instance, when individuals choose high-speed rail instead of short-haul domestic flights, energy consumption and emissions plummet by up to eighty percent per passenger, directly easing the strain on our climate.

In conclusion, although minimizing air travel imposes real economic burdens on corporations and restricts personal mobility, these are manageable hurdles. The catastrophic long-term costs of climate change mean that the environmental preservation achieved by flying less is vastly more important than corporate convenience, making this trend a deeply positive step for our collective future.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly identified the two sides of the argument—the economic/personal disadvantages and the environmental benefits—and maintained a consistent, well-supported position throughout. The ideas are logically developed, particularly the distinction between individual mobility and corporate reliance on travel. The use of specific examples, such as the comparison between short-haul flights and high-speed rail, adds depth to your argument. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your position, reinforcing why the environmental benefits outweigh the drawbacks. The response is well-balanced and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the task requirements.

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 disadvantages and the environmental benefits is smooth, signaled by the phrase 'On the other hand'. Cohesive devices are used effectively and naturally, such as 'Consequently', 'For instance', and 'Additionally', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the piece. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words; rather, they are integrated seamlessly into the flow of the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and precise range of vocabulary. Phrases like 'environmental dividends', 'catastrophic long-term costs', 'far-flung family members', and 'economic devastation' show a high level of lexical control and an ability to use less common items with precision. Collocations are generally natural and accurate. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling. The language is sophisticated and appropriate for an academic context, effectively conveying complex ideas without any ambiguity. This level of vocabulary usage is indicative of a high-band performance.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and varied sentence beginnings. The control over grammar is excellent, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used accurately to manage the flow of information. You successfully employ a mix of simple and complex forms, such as 'While this shift introduces clear economic and personal limitations, I firmly believe...', which demonstrates flexibility. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the overall accuracy is very high throughout the response.

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