Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

Nowadays, some people decide to fly less often or stop flying completely. They believe that this can help the environment. I think the environmental benefits are greater than the disadvantages for people and businesses.

First, flying less can help reduce air pollution. Airplanes produce a large amount of carbon dioxide, which is harmful to the environment. If fewer people travel by plane, there will be fewer flights and less pollution. This can help reduce climate change. For example, people can use trains or buses for short trips instead of airplanes. This is also a good way to make cities cleaner and healthier for everyone.

However, there are some disadvantages for individuals. People may need more time to travel if they use trains or buses. They may also find it difficult to visit family and friends who live in other countries. For businesses, fewer flights can also cause problems. Business people may not be able to meet international customers easily. This can make some business activities slower and may reduce new business opportunities.

In my opinion, these disadvantages are not as important as protecting the environment. People can use video calls for business meetings and choose trains for shorter journeys. For long journeys, they can reduce the number of flights they take each year. In this way, people can still travel when necessary while helping the environment.

In conclusion, flying less can cause some problems for individuals and businesses, but I believe the environmental benefits are much greater. It can reduce pollution and help protect our planet for the future.

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 structured, with a clear progression from the environmental benefits to the disadvantages for individuals and businesses, followed by a balanced conclusion. However, the development of ideas is somewhat basic. For instance, the discussion on business impacts is brief and could be further extended with more specific examples or deeper analysis of the economic implications. To reach a higher band, you should aim to provide more nuanced arguments and elaborate on the consequences of these changes in greater detail.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow. Cohesive devices such as 'First', 'However', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to link ideas. However, the range of cohesive devices is somewhat limited and occasionally mechanical. To improve, try to incorporate a wider variety of linking words and phrases, and ensure that referencing (e.g., using pronouns or synonyms to refer back to previous concepts) is used more fluidly to avoid repetitive sentence structures.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is sufficient for the task and allows for clear communication. You demonstrate an ability to use topic-specific terms like 'carbon dioxide', 'climate change', and 'environmental benefits'. However, the range of vocabulary is somewhat narrow, and there is a reliance on common, everyday words. There is little evidence of less common lexical items or idiomatic expressions. To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate more sophisticated vocabulary related to the topic, such as 'sustainability', 'mitigate', 'economic repercussions', or 'carbon footprint', to demonstrate a more flexible and precise command of the language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The essay displays a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are grammatically accurate, and errors are rare and do not impede communication. You use modal verbs like 'can' and 'may' appropriately to express possibility. However, the range of complex structures is limited; the essay relies heavily on straightforward subject-verb-object constructions. To improve, try to incorporate a wider variety of complex grammatical forms, such as conditional sentences (e.g., 'If governments were to implement stricter regulations, the transition would be smoother') or passive voice constructions to add variety and sophistication to your writing.

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

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