Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-25

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 7.0)

Some individuals have chosen to reduce the number of flights they take every year or completely stop travelling in order to reduce pollution caused by airplanes and contribute towards sustainability. Although reducing air travel impacts the companies and individuals, I believe that the benefits of this movement outweigh these disadvantages.

Aircraft are one of the major sources of air and noise pollution. The smoke produced by airplanes releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere which traps heat and warms our planet. For example, in the winter season, when fog gets mixed with the smoke produced by the airplanes, it creates smog which is the major problem in the subcontinent countries like Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh these days. The smog affects the lungs of the people which leads to long term respiratory diseases. Airplanes consume large amounts of fuel and produce noise in areas near airports which affect the communities and wildlife in the surroundings. Reduced air traffic will result in the reduction of these aviation-related issues. Lower fuel consumption will consequently result in fewer carbon emissions each year and a substantial amount of energy will be conserved.

However, reducing air travel will have consequences for the businesses and the people who frequently travel internationally and domestically. Airlines may reduce the number of flights they operate due to the declining number of passengers. This would create problems for the frequent travellers, companies who operate at several locations, and tourism companies. Nevertheless, some of these difficulties can be mitigated through alternative forms of transport and digital communication. For example, video conferencing can replace some business trips, while rail services can provide an alternative to domestic flights.

In conclusion, although the reduced air travel will have negative consequences on certain sectors, the movement will encourage airlines to adopt greener technologies and become more sustainable in the future.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, clearly stating a position that the environmental benefits outweigh the disadvantages. The arguments are relevant and well-supported, particularly the discussion on smog and respiratory health. The counter-argument regarding businesses and frequent travelers is also acknowledged and addressed with logical alternatives like video conferencing. The ideas are extended sufficiently to meet the requirements of the task. To reach a higher band, the student could provide more specific examples of how businesses might adapt or further elaborate on the long-term economic implications of reduced air travel.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow. Cohesive devices such as 'Although', 'For example', 'However', and 'Nevertheless' are used effectively to link sentences and ideas. The paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to the overall clarity of the argument. The transition between the environmental benefits and the economic disadvantages is smooth, demonstrating a good command of discourse markers.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary is generally appropriate and precise, with terms like 'sustainability', 'mitigated', 'aviation-related', and 'carbon emissions' used correctly. The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with some flexibility. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation that impede communication. To improve, the student could incorporate more sophisticated collocations or idiomatic expressions to demonstrate a wider range of lexical control, moving beyond standard academic vocabulary.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and the grammar is generally accurate throughout. There is good control over punctuation and sentence construction. For instance, the use of conditional structures and complex sentences with subordinate clauses is handled well. While the grammar is strong, there are very occasional minor slips, such as the phrasing 'subcontinent countries', which could be more naturally expressed. Overall, the grammatical control is consistent and supports clear communication.

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

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