Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-12

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 individuals have chosen to minimize the number of times they travel by air in each year, while to stop flying completely. This phenomenon comes with both benefits and drawbacks. However, I firmly believe that the advantages of this situation surpass the disadvantages. My stance will be discussed in the upcoming paragraphs with valid reason and appropriate examples.

To begin with, there are several benefits for environment by reducing air travel. The primary and most significant merit is that it reduces air pollution in atmosphere. Because of that less amount of heath illness ratio was declined. Citizens take fresh air and stay healthy. Airports has developed in large place in forest but if they reduce air travel, they will protect deforestation. Additionally, another contributing factor is that it saves finance. Air fight traveled very expensive compare to other transportation system. Sometime air travel has been risky due to bad weather and other climate changes. Therefore, people can reduce the frequency of traveling.

On the other hand, as opposed to the merits, there are several demerits that cannot be ignored. One major drawbacks is that many export organizations decrease their revenue, because they can not generate sufficient income without travelling as well as their families can suffer from poverty.

To sum up, while this situation presents certain pitfalls such as several export companies has decline their financial income, it also offers numerous advantages, including it reduces air pollution and saves finance. Upon carefully analysis, it is evident that the boons outweigh the pitfalls, making this a favorable scenario overall.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses the prompt by discussing both the environmental benefits and the disadvantages for businesses. However, the development of ideas is limited. For example, the argument regarding deforestation is vague and lacks a clear logical link to air travel reduction. The point about 'export organizations' is mentioned but not sufficiently explained or supported with concrete examples. While a position is stated, the supporting arguments are somewhat superficial and lack the depth required for a higher band. The response covers all parts of the task, but the ideas remain under-developed throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. Phrases like 'Because of that less amount of heath illness ratio was declined' are disjointed and hinder the flow of ideas. The transition between the environmental benefits and the economic drawbacks is abrupt. While there is an overall progression, the lack of sophisticated linking words and the repetitive nature of some sentence structures make the cohesion feel somewhat basic and occasionally confusing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is limited and often imprecise. There are several instances of awkward word choices and incorrect collocations, such as 'Air fight traveled very expensive' instead of 'Air travel is very expensive' and 'boons' used in a context that feels slightly unnatural. The student attempts to use some academic vocabulary, but the lack of accuracy in word formation and usage prevents a higher score. Basic errors in spelling and word choice are frequent enough to occasionally impede the reader's understanding of the intended meaning.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The essay relies heavily on simple sentence structures. While there are attempts at complex sentences, they are frequently marred by grammatical errors, such as 'many export organizations... has decline their financial income' (subject-verb agreement) and 'Upon carefully analysis' (incorrect word form). Punctuation is generally functional, but errors in verb tense and article usage are pervasive. The frequency of these errors means that the majority of sentences contain at least one grammatical mistake, which limits the clarity and professional tone of the writing.

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

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