Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-02

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 8.5)

Here is a well-structured band 7.5+ model essay response for this IELTS Writing Task 2 prompt, crafted to match academic standards with clear paragraphing, advanced vocabulary, and strong coherence:

Model Answer:

In recent years, an increasing number of individuals and corporate entities have chosen to curb their air travel or abandon it entirely in an effort to combat climate change. While reducing aviation undoubtedly yields crucial environmental advantages, I believe these benefits are ultimately outweighed by the profound socio-economic disadvantages it creates for individuals and global commerce.

On the one hand, the environmental arguments for curtailing flights are compelling. Aviation is a notoriously carbon-intensive sector, releasing millions of tons of greenhouse gases annually that directly accelerate global warming and degrade air quality. By cutting back on flights, individuals significantly shrink their personal carbon footprints. Furthermore, fewer flights reduce high-altitude contrail formation and lower noise pollution around major metropolitan airports. Proponents argue that these localized and global ecological reliefs are necessary steps to preserve fragile ecosystems for future generations.

On the other hand, the individual and economic repercussions of eliminating or severely restricting air travel are far-reaching. For businesses, international travel is not merely a luxury but a fundamental necessity for establishing partnerships, securing contracts, and managing global supply chains. While video conferencing has evolved, it cannot fully replace the trust and nuance built through face-to-face negotiations. Restricting flights would therefore stifle economic growth and hurt industries heavily dependent on international mobility, such as tourism and hospitality, which support millions of livelihoods worldwide.

From an individual perspective, flying bridges geographical divides, enabling cultural exchange, family reunions, and educational expansion that virtual communication cannot replicate. For families spread across different continents, air travel is the only viable way to maintain meaningful bonds. Imposing severe restrictions on aviation would disproportionately penalize ordinary citizens, restricting their personal freedom to explore the world and connect with others.

In conclusion, while the ecological benefits of flying less are undeniable, they do not outweigh the severe economic disruption and the restriction of personal freedom that such a shift entails. Rather than abandoning air travel altogether, a more balanced approach—such as investing in sustainable aviation fuels and technological efficiency—would be a more pragmatic solution than sacrificing global connectivity.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it consistently throughout the essay. The arguments are well-developed, particularly the distinction between environmental benefits and socio-economic drawbacks. You provide relevant examples, such as the role of video conferencing versus face-to-face negotiations and the importance of family reunions, which effectively support your central argument. The conclusion provides a balanced summary and offers a pragmatic alternative, demonstrating a sophisticated approach to the task. The ideas are extended and supported well, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the transition between the environmental arguments and the socio-economic counter-arguments is seamless. You use a wide range of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'On the one hand', 'Furthermore', and 'From an individual perspective', which guide the reader through your argument without being mechanical. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each section focusing on a distinct aspect of the topic. The overall structure is coherent and professional, making the essay very easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary, using precise collocations and academic terminology. Phrases such as 'curb their air travel', 'carbon-intensive sector', 'high-altitude contrail formation', and 'disproportionately penalize' show a high level of lexical control. The vocabulary is not only accurate but also contextually appropriate, contributing to the formal tone of the essay. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling, and the language used is natural and fluent throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of complex grammatical structures, including conditional sentences, relative clauses, and sophisticated participial phrases. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over punctuation and syntax is excellent. For instance, the use of the em-dash in the conclusion for emphasis is handled correctly. The grammatical accuracy is very high, with no slips that impede communication or detract from the professional quality of the writing. The variety of sentence structures keeps the reader engaged and demonstrates a high level of linguistic competence.

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