Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-18

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 7.5)

In recent years, many people have chosen to fly less frequently or avoid air travel altogether due to growing environmental concerns. Although this trend may create certain challenges for individuals and businesses, I believe the environmental advantages are significantly greater than the disadvantages.

The most important advantage of reduced air travel is its positive impact on the environment. Aviation is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute significantly to global warming. As fewer people choose to fly, carbon emissions from aircraft decrease, helping to slow the pace of climate change. Moreover, fewer flights also reduce noise pollution around airports and improve local air quality. This shift may also encourage governments and transport providers to invest more heavily in sustainable alternatives, such as high-speed rail networks and electric public transport, further reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Admittedly, reducing air travel can create several difficulties. Businesses that rely on international travel may find it harder to conduct face-to-face meetings, negotiate contracts, or attend global conferences, potentially affecting productivity and growth. Likewise, countries whose economies depend heavily on tourism may experience a decline in visitor numbers, resulting in lower revenues and fewer employment opportunities. Individuals may also find it more difficult to visit family members living overseas, making it harder to maintain close personal relationships. Nevertheless, many of these challenges can be mitigated through technological advancements such as video conferencing, remote collaboration tools, and hybrid working arrangements. Furthermore, for domestic and short-distance journeys, trains and other forms of public transport often provide practical and environmentally friendly alternatives.

In conclusion, while flying less may create some inconvenience for travellers and financial losses for certain industries, these drawbacks are outweighed by the substantial environmental benefits. Reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, and promoting sustainable transport are essential steps towards protecting the planet for future generations. Therefore, I firmly believe that the environmental advantages of this development greatly exceed its disadvantages.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly stated your position in the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The environmental benefits are well-developed, with specific mention of greenhouse gases and noise pollution. The disadvantages for businesses and individuals are also clearly identified and balanced against the benefits. The ideas are extended logically, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the argument. The response is well-structured and directly answers the prompt's requirement to weigh the environmental benefits against the disadvantages.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the environmental benefits and the disadvantages is smooth, using effective linking phrases such as 'Admittedly' and 'Nevertheless'. Cohesive devices are used naturally throughout the text, such as 'Moreover', 'Likewise', and 'Furthermore'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different aspects of the argument, ensuring the reader can follow the logic without difficulty. The flow of information is coherent and professional.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary, using terms like 'mitigated', 'sustainable alternatives', and 'hybrid working arrangements' appropriately. The language is precise and fits the academic context well. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation. While the vocabulary is accurate and effective, it could be pushed further towards a more sophisticated, 'less common' range to reach the highest band, but it is certainly sufficient for a high-level score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and conditional-like logic. The control over punctuation and sentence structure is excellent, with no noticeable errors. You use a variety of sentence types, such as 'Although this trend may create...', which shows flexibility. The grammar is consistently accurate, and there are no slips that impede communication. The writing is polished and demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence.

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