Band 4.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 4.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-27
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 4.5)
Most of the people decided to reduce the number of times they fly every year or to stop flying altogether in my opinion the environmental benefits of this development outweigh the disadvantages for people and businesses because when a small number of people travel in air for going to other countries this reduce the air pollution.
At the start the plane and the number of people who travel toward other countries many time in a year this is the main cause of air pollution and if those people reduce the numbers of time they fly every year the air pollution is reduced
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 4.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 4.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 4.5 |
| Overall | 4.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response is significantly under the 250-word minimum requirement, which severely limits the development of ideas. While you state a position, the arguments are repetitive and lack the depth required for an Academic Task 2 essay. You mention environmental benefits but fail to discuss the disadvantages for individuals and businesses, meaning the task is only partially addressed. To improve, you must expand on each side of the argument with specific examples and ensure you meet the length requirement to allow for a full exploration of the prompt.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 4.0
The essay lacks a clear structure. There is no introduction, body, or conclusion, and the flow of ideas is disjointed. The use of cohesive devices is minimal, making the text feel like a series of fragmented thoughts rather than a cohesive argument. The paragraphing is insufficient, and the transition between ideas is abrupt. To achieve a higher score, you should organize your essay into clear paragraphs, each focusing on a specific point, and use linking words (e.g., 'furthermore', 'consequently', 'however') to connect your ideas logically.
Lexical Resource — Band 4.5
The vocabulary is very basic and repetitive. You use the same phrases ('reduce the number of times they fly', 'air pollution') multiple times, which limits the range of your expression. There is no attempt to use less common or academic vocabulary. To improve, try to use synonyms and more precise terminology related to environmental issues and economic impacts. For example, instead of repeating 'air pollution', you could use terms like 'carbon emissions' or 'environmental degradation'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 4.5
The grammar is characterized by frequent errors that occasionally impede communication. There are issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'Most of the people decided' instead of 'have decided'), sentence structure, and punctuation. The sentences are mostly simple, and there is a lack of complex structures. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, such as ensuring correct verb tenses and proper use of articles. Once you have a solid foundation, practice incorporating complex sentences using relative clauses or conditional structures.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.