Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-19

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, an increasing number of individuals have chosen to restrict their air travel or forgo flying entirely in response to rising ecological concerns. While curbing aviation yields significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, it also imposes practical limitations on individual mobility and global business operations. Nevertheless, I firmly believe that the environmental advantages of reduced air travel far outweigh the temporary economic and personal drawbacks.

On the one hand, restricting air travel presents noticeable challenges for individuals and commercial entities. For international enterprises, long-distance flights remain essential for establishing personal trust, attending trade exhibitions, and managing overseas operations. An abrupt decline in business travel can delay critical negotiations and slow down transnational trade. On an individual level, relying less on flights restricts opportunities for cultural exploration, long-distance tourism, and visiting family members residing abroad. Alternative modes of transport, such as high-speed rail or maritime travel, are often either unavailable across oceans or far too time-consuming for standard leave periods.

On the other hand, the environmental benefits of lowering flight frequencies are profound and immediate. Aviation is one of the most carbon-intensive human activities, releasing massive amounts of carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides directly into the upper atmosphere. Unlike ground transport, which can be progressively electrified using renewable energy, commercial aviation remains almost entirely dependent on fossil fuels due to the current technological limits of battery weight and density. Consequently, individual actions, such as substituting short-haul flights with rail journeys or opting for local tourism, substantially lower an individual's personal carbon footprint.

Furthermore, the operational disruptions faced by businesses can be effectively mitigated through technology. The rapid adoption of high-definition video conferencing, virtual collaboration platforms, and remote working tools has demonstrated that physical presence is no longer mandatory for many commercial interactions. Replacing routine corporate travel with digital solutions reduces overhead costs for firms while simultaneously curtailing corporate emissions.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly stated your position in the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The arguments regarding both the disadvantages (business and personal mobility) and the environmental benefits are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of carbon-intensive aviation and the role of video conferencing. The ideas are logically extended, and the conclusion follows naturally from the points raised. The response is balanced, providing a comprehensive view of the topic while clearly justifying why the environmental benefits are more significant.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the discussion of disadvantages and advantages is smooth, facilitated by effective cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Furthermore'. Referencing is clear, and the paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct themes. The flow of the argument is natural, and the use of linking words is neither mechanical nor excessive, contributing to a professional and academic tone throughout the piece.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary, which is used with precision and natural control. Phrases such as 'forgo flying entirely', 'carbon-intensive', 'transnational trade', and 'mitigated through technology' show a high level of lexical proficiency. The word choices are consistently appropriate for an academic context, and there are no noticeable errors in collocation or spelling. The vocabulary is not only accurate but also contributes to the clarity and impact of your arguments, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and varied clause types, used with high accuracy. You have successfully employed passive voice, conditional-like structures, and participial phrases (e.g., 'releasing massive amounts of carbon dioxide') without error. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is handled correctly throughout. The control over grammar is consistent, and there are no slips that impede communication or detract from the overall quality of the writing. The structure is sophisticated and demonstrates a strong command of English syntax.

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