Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-13

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)

Some people have decided to fly less often each year, or to stop flying altogether. I believe that the environmental benefits of this development outweigh the disadvantages for individuals and businesses. This is because flying less reduces oil consumption and air pollution, although it may affect people's work and daily lives.

Reducing the number of flights can help lower oil consumption and air pollution. This is because air travel releases large amounts of carbon emissions, which damage the ecosystem and contribute to climate change. For instance, as international travel increases, it contributes to unusual weather patterns in many parts of the world, such as extreme heat or flooding. This suggests that reducing air travel can be beneficial for the environment. Additionally, lower oil consumption also has a positive impact on the planet, as crude oil is a limited resource.

On the other hand, individuals and businesses that depend on international travel may face negative consequences. This is because employees who cannot attend meetings in person may struggle to perform their roles effectively. For instance, people working for multinational companies may risk losing their jobs if they are absent from important meetings. Similarly, businesses that rely on face-to-face contact with clients may lose customers and revenue. This suggests that reducing air travel can harm the growth of individuals and businesses.

In conclusion, I believe that the environmental benefits of reducing air travel outweigh the disadvantages for individuals and businesses. A healthy environment is essential for every living creature on Earth, and this makes reduced air travel a positive development overall.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the task and presents a clear position throughout. The writer takes a definitive stance that environmental benefits outweigh the disadvantages, supporting this with relevant arguments regarding oil consumption, air pollution, and the socio-economic impacts on jobs and businesses. For example, the student notes that reducing air travel helps mitigate climate change while acknowledging that missing in-person meetings can jeopardise employment in multinational companies. However, the ideas remain somewhat straightforward and could be further extended with more sophisticated examples or nuance to reach the highest band levels. Nevertheless, the position is well-maintained and all prompt requirements are successfully fulfilled, aligning comfortably with the Band 7 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay presents a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: an introduction outlining the thesis, a body paragraph dedicated to environmental benefits, another to economic disadvantages, and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used reasonably well, such as 'Additionally,' 'On the other hand,' and 'For instance,' which help guide the reader smoothly through the arguments. Paragraphing is used appropriately and effectively to separate different trains of thought. While referencing is generally clear and cohesive links are functional, they occasionally feel slightly formulaic rather than entirely natural and flexible, which places this performance solidly at Band 7.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate to sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating terms such as 'oil consumption,' 'carbon emissions,' 'ecosystem,' 'multinational companies,' and 'face-to-face contact.' There are attempts to use less common expressions like 'stop flying altogether' and 'unusual weather patterns.' Word choice is generally appropriate, and spelling is accurate throughout the text. Although the vocabulary is clear and effectively communicates the writer's ideas, it lacks the broader flexibility, precision, and sophistication in uncommon lexical items required to achieve a Band 7. The range is sufficient for the task and execution is accurate, justifying a Band 6.5.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writer demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, utilising subordinate clauses effectively, such as in the sentence 'This is because air travel releases large amounts of carbon emissions, which damage the ecosystem and contribute to climate change.' Grammar and punctuation are handled with a high degree of control, and there are frequent error-free sentences throughout the text. While complex structures are attempted and often successfully executed, the range of grammatical patterns is somewhat standard rather than truly wide. Minor slips are virtually absent, and communication is never impeded. The overall accuracy and structural variety place this response comfortably at Band 7.

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.