Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

Nowadays, many people are choosing to reduce the number of times they travel by air each year, while some have decided to stop flying altogether. Although this decision may create certain difficulties for individuals and businesses, I believe that the environmental benefits are greater than the disadvantages.

One major advantage of reducing air travel is that it can help protect the environment. Aeroplanes consume a significant amount of fossil fuel and release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Frequent flights therefore contribute to air pollution and global warming. If people reduce unnecessary air journeys, the demand for aviation fuel will decrease, which can help lower carbon emissions. For example, people could choose trains or other forms of public transport for shorter journeys instead of taking a flight.

However, reducing or completely avoiding air travel can create some disadvantages. For individuals, travelling abroad may become less convenient and considerably more time-consuming. Similarly, businesses often depend on air travel for international meetings, conferences and face-to-face communication with clients. Avoiding flights could therefore limit business opportunities and make international cooperation more difficult. Nevertheless, many of these activities can now be conducted through video conferencing, while alternative forms of transport can be used for some journeys.

In conclusion, although reducing air travel may cause inconvenience to individuals and businesses, I believe that the environmental advantages are more significant. Therefore, people should avoid unnecessary flights and consider alternative means of transportation whenever possible.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses all parts of the task by discussing both the environmental benefits and the disadvantages for individuals and businesses, ultimately taking a clear position that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. The ideas are relevant and supported with explanations, such as mentioning greenhouse gases and video conferencing. However, the response falls short of the word count requirement, containing only 237 words against the 250-word minimum. This under-length issue prevents the full development of ideas that would be expected at a higher band level. Therefore, while the content itself is sound and directly on topic, the length penalty must be applied, placing this criterion at a Band 6.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The text is logically organised with a clear overall progression. It begins with an introduction stating the writer's position, followed by body paragraphs dedicated to the advantages and disadvantages respectively, and ends with a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively to guide the reader through the arguments, such as 'Although this decision', 'One major advantage', 'However', and 'In conclusion'. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the prompt. Referencing and substitution are clear throughout, ensuring the text is easy to follow. This performance meets the criteria for Band 7.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully using terms such as 'greenhouse gases', 'carbon emissions', 'international cooperation', and 'video conferencing'. There are attempts to use less common lexical items, and word choice is generally appropriate and precise enough to convey the intended meaning clearly ('significant amount', 'considerably more time-consuming'). Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout the essay. While it lacks the wider, more sophisticated flexibility and idiom usage seen at Band 8, the vocabulary used is more than sufficient for a Band 7 score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writer exhibits good control of grammar and sentence structure, successfully employing a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. Examples of complex structures include concessive clauses ('Although this decision may create...') and conditional clauses ('If people reduce unnecessary air journeys...'). There are frequent error-free sentences, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout the essay. Grammatical errors are practically absent, meaning communication is never impeded. Although the range of structures could be slightly broader to reach the highest tiers, the accuracy and control displayed are robustly aligned with a Band 7.5 descriptor, though rounded to Band 7.0 or assessed firmly as a strong 7.0.

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

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