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)

Many people have decided to reduce the number of times they fly each year or to stop flying altogether for environmental reasons. In my opinion, although this development can provide significant environmental benefits, these advantages do not outweigh the disadvantages for individuals and businesses, particularly in terms of reduced travel opportunities and access to international markets.

The primary benefit of reducing air travel is its positive impact on the environment. Aviation is one of the major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change. Therefore, when fewer people travel by air, less fuel is consumed and fewer carbon emissions are released into the atmosphere, which can help protect the environment over time. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, many countries experienced improved air quality and reduced traffic congestion as a result of lockdowns and restrictions on travel. However, as economic and social activities resumed, environmental conditions largely returned to their previous state.

There are, nevertheless, significant disadvantages for individuals and businesses. Every year, thousands of people travel to different destinations for purposes such as education, employment, holidays and visiting family members. If air travel were significantly reduced, these people would have fewer opportunities to travel abroad, pursue international education or employment, and maintain relationships with family members living overseas. Such restrictions could also have a negative impact on the tourism industry, which depends heavily on international visitors. Similarly, businesses in today's globalized economy often rely on international travel to develop relationships with clients and expand into foreign markets. Face-to-face meetings can be more effective than virtual communication when establishing business partnerships, negotiating contracts and developing trust. For instance, Bangladesh's ready-made garment industry exports millions of dollars' worth of products every year, and foreign buyers often visit factories to inspect facilities, ensure product quality and conduct business negotiations. A substantial reduction in international air travel could therefore discourage such visits and negatively affect Bangladesh's export revenue and economic growth.

In conclusion, reducing or eliminating air travel would undoubtedly provide environmental benefits by lowering greenhouse gas emissions. However, I believe that these benefits are outweighed by the disadvantages for individuals and businesses, particularly the loss of international travel opportunities, tourism revenue and potential commercial growth.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The arguments regarding environmental benefits are balanced against the socio-economic disadvantages, such as the impact on tourism and international business. The use of the Bangladesh garment industry as a specific example is excellent, as it provides concrete evidence to support your claim. The ideas are well-developed and logically extended, meeting the requirements for a high band score by providing a balanced and thoughtful analysis of the complex issue presented in the task.

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 economic disadvantages is smooth. You make effective use of cohesive devices such as 'The primary benefit', 'However', 'Similarly', and 'In conclusion', which guide the reader through your argument without being repetitive or mechanical. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points, and referencing is clear throughout the text. The structure is coherent and supports the overall argument effectively.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which allows for precise expression of your ideas. Phrases such as 'greenhouse gas emissions', 'international markets', 'globalized economy', and 'negotiating contracts' are used accurately and in the correct context. There is a good awareness of collocation and style, and the language is natural throughout. While the vocabulary is sophisticated, it remains accessible and serves the purpose of the argument well. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling that would impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Although this development can provide...', 'If air travel were significantly reduced...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and verb tenses is excellent. You successfully use conditional structures and passive voice where appropriate to maintain a formal, academic tone. There are no significant grammatical errors, and the few minor slips that might exist do not affect the clarity or flow of your writing.

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