Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-12

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)

A segment of the population has opted to decrease their annual air travel frequency or to cease flying entirely. Although reducing air travel may have some environmental benefits, I disagree with that for individuals and businesses.

One major disadvantage of avoiding air travel is

that it can increase traffic congestion on the road. When important people like the prime minister or government officials travel by road instead of flying, their security vehicles and other cars occupy a large part of the road. As a result, traffic may be extremely heavy, causing delays for thousands of people. It also creates difficulties for patients and job holders. For example, when the prime minister travels by road, roads may be blocked for security reasons, which can cause heavy traffic jams. This can waste fuel and also increase air pollution.

Air travel is convenient and fast. Many companies send their staff to other countries for training. If they choose another source of travel, like car or train, this takes more time and money. On the other hand, if they prefer aircraft, they can reach easily and return the same day.

For instance, a businessperson who needs to attend an important meeting in another country may not be able to arrive on time if they travel by road.

On the other hand, flying less can reduce pollution because aircraft produce carbon emissions. However, I believe that people should avoid unnecessary flights instead of giving them up permanently.

In conclusion, reducing air travel can help to protect the environment, but it can also cause traffic congestion and create difficulties for businesses. Therefore, I believe that the disadvantages can outweigh the environmental benefits if people completely stop flying.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, expressing a clear position that the environmental benefits do not outweigh the disadvantages for individuals and businesses. The ideas presented are generally relevant, though some arguments, such as the focus on traffic congestion caused by prime ministers, are somewhat tangential and under-developed compared to broader business impacts. The main position is supported, but the development leans towards specific scenarios rather than broad societal and economic impacts. For a Band 6, the task is addressed adequately with relevant ideas, though the depth of extension varies across paragraphs.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay displays a coherent overall arrangement with logical sequencing of ideas. Paragraphing is utilised, although some paragraphs are quite brief or broken up awkwardly, such as splitting the business argument across sections. Cohesive devices are used to connect ideas, for instance, 'For example' and 'On the other hand', but referencing and linking can sometimes feel mechanical or slightly disjointed. Overall, the organizational structure is clear enough to guide the reader through the argument without significant confusion, fitting the criteria for Band 6.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully using common terms related to travel and the environment, such as 'carbon emissions', 'traffic congestion', and 'convenient and fast'. There are attempts at less common lexical items, but word choice and collocation are occasionally awkward, such as 'job holders' instead of 'employees' or 'commuters'. Spelling and word formation are generally accurate, and vocabulary errors do not impede communication, placing the response solidly at Band 6.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The essay employs a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, featuring structures such as 'Although reducing air travel may have some environmental benefits, I disagree with that for individuals and businesses.' There are several error-free sentences, but also notable grammatical inaccuracies and awkward phrasings, such as 'reach easily' missing an object. Punctuation is generally acceptable, and while grammatical errors occur, they rarely impede the reader's understanding, which aligns with the descriptor requirements for Band 6.

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

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