Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
In recent years , some people have chosen to fly less or not fly at all. While this has some disadvantage for people and business , I believe the environmental benefits are more important.
The main advantage of flying less id for the environment . Planes burn a huge amount of fuel and produce CO2 , which causes climate changes . If fewer people fly , air pollution will be reduce. For example, one flight spread pollution more than one person produce when he/she travel in car for one year .
On the other hand , there are some disadvantages on this topic . For some individuals , flying is fastest way to meet their family , go to abroad for meeting or for study . If we reduce flying then we can't use these opportunities . Some companies provide jobs to other country's people this can loss from peoples if we reduce flying .
But we have some ideas to maintain the disadvantages . Firstly we can use video calls to do our meeting and also use video calls to talk with our family . Secondly , some companies set up their jobs to local tourism .
In conclusion , based on the arguments mentioned above , it can be conclude that the benefits of reducing flying are too great to ignore . Because if we reduce flying then we can reduce pollution and we all stay healthy . So , this is good way to reduce pollution .
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response addresses all parts of the prompt, taking a clear position that the environmental benefits outweigh the disadvantages. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited. For instance, the argument regarding the economic impact on businesses is vague, mentioning 'jobs to other country's people' without clear explanation. The examples provided, such as the comparison of flight pollution to car travel, are relevant but lack sufficient detail to fully support the argument. To reach a higher band, you should expand on your points with more specific examples or deeper analysis of the consequences for both individuals and the global economy.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, each with a clear focus. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', and 'In conclusion', which help guide the reader. However, some transitions are mechanical, and the referencing is occasionally unclear, such as in the sentence 'Some companies provide jobs to other country's people this can loss from peoples'. The flow between sentences is sometimes interrupted by grammatical errors, which makes the progression of ideas feel slightly disjointed at times. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring smoother transitions between sentences would enhance the overall coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task but lacks the range and precision required for a higher band. You rely on basic terms like 'good way', 'huge amount', and 'some ideas'. There are also some awkward collocations and word choices, such as 'this can loss from peoples' and 'go to abroad'. While the meaning is clear, the lack of more sophisticated or topic-specific vocabulary (e.g., 'carbon footprint', 'economic repercussions', 'mitigate') limits the score. To improve, focus on learning collocations and using more precise academic terminology.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The essay contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'air pollution will be reduce' (passive voice error), 'one flight spread pollution' (subject-verb agreement), and 'it can be conclude' (passive voice error). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with unnecessary spaces before commas. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar and sentence construction prevents the essay from reaching a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and consistent verb tense usage is essential.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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