Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-29

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 6.0)

People are becoming more concerned about the preservation of environment. They are being considerably mindful about what they do and its subsequent impact. Consequently, to reduce carbon footprints and adverse environmental effects, individuals are taking necessary measures to minimize the negative impact. One of the major initiatives taken by them is- the decision to reduce or totally avoid travelling through aeroplanes.

Though this step may bring about several benefits for the environment, individuals and businesses are likely to suffer more than it could be imagined. So, in my opinion the disadvantages outweigh the benefits.

Aircraft requires considerable amount of fuel for its operation. Which means, a sustantial amount of green house gasses are emitted into the air. This not only degrades the air quality, but also affects the Ozone layer. Apart from that, the reserves of fossil fuels will continue to decline, if used extensively. Therefore, a reduction in air tarvel will reduce enviromental damage.

However, individuals and businesses will face numerous challenges. For instance, if people want to travel a longer distance, they will have to choose other forms of vehicles, which as a result will cost them time and money. Another important fact is that, choosing other modes of vehicles will also eventually cause pollution. Though it might seem the amount of damage is marginal, if taken together, it may cause even more adverse results. Moreover, the produce or other things that require less travel time to maintain their qualities, will get hampered. The aftermath of which is increase in product prices and loss in businesses. Furthermore, the airlines industry will suffer extensively, if the scenario happens. It will face loss and will eventually shut down. Not only this hospitality industry will also suffer, since people will travel less.

Based on the discussion, it can be said that, though environmental benefits can be ensured, the sufferings of this decision are many.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, providing a clear position that the disadvantages of reducing air travel outweigh the benefits. The ideas are relevant, covering environmental concerns, economic impacts on the airline and hospitality industries, and the limitations of alternative transport. However, some arguments, such as the claim that alternative transport causes 'even more adverse results' than air travel, are somewhat under-developed and could benefit from more specific evidence or logical explanation. The essay maintains a consistent position throughout, which is a strength.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the environmental benefits from the economic disadvantages. Cohesive devices such as 'Consequently', 'However', 'For instance', and 'Furthermore' are used to guide the reader through the argument. While the flow is generally smooth, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the connection between the final point about the hospitality industry and the preceding sentence could be more fluid. Overall, the progression of ideas is clear and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate and allows for the expression of ideas clearly. There is an attempt to use less common items like 'subsequent impact', 'adverse', and 'hampered'. However, there are some minor inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'the produce or other things... will get hampered' and 'the sufferings of this decision'. Additionally, there are a few spelling errors, such as 'sustantial' and 'tarvel'. To reach a higher band, the student should focus on more precise collocations and ensure consistent accuracy in spelling.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There is a good attempt at using complex sentences, although some contain minor errors, such as 'Which means, a sustantial amount...' (a sentence fragment). Punctuation is generally functional, though there is an unnecessary hyphen in 'is- the decision'. While there are some grammatical slips, such as 'Aircraft requires' (should be 'Aircraft require' or 'An aircraft requires') and 'not only this hospitality industry will also suffer' (which requires a more formal structure), these errors do not impede communication. The control of grammar is sufficient for a 6.0 band.

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.