Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-14

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 reduce the number of times they fly each year or to stop flying completely. Although this development can create some problems for individuals and businesses, I believe that its environmental benefits are greater than the disadvantages.

One major advantage of reducing air travel is that it can help protect the environment. Airplanes produce a large amount of carbon emissions, which contribute to climate change. If fewer people travel by air, these emissions can be reduced. People can choose other forms of transport, such as trains or buses, for shorter journeys. This can help improve air quality and reduce the harmful effects of pollution.

However, reducing air travel can have some disadvantages for individuals. Flying is often the fastest way to travel long distances, so people who fly less may spend more time travelling. It can also make it more difficult for people to visit family members or friends who live in other countries. For example, someone with relatives abroad may not be able to see them as often if they decide to stop flying.

Businesses can also be affected by this development. Companies often need to travel to meet international clients, attend conferences or develop business relationships. If employees stop flying, some business activities may become more difficult. However, online meetings can be used instead of some business trips, which can reduce the need for travel.

In conclusion, reducing air travel may limit people's ability to travel and create difficulties for some businesses. However, it can significantly reduce pollution and help protect the environment. Therefore, I believe that the advantages of this development are greater than its disadvantages.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response clearly 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 introduction explicitly states the writer's stance, and each body paragraph contributes logically to the argument. For instance, the second paragraph outlines carbon emissions and transport alternatives, while the third and fourth paragraphs address personal and business inconveniences, respectively. The ideas are adequately supported with relevant examples, such as visiting relatives abroad and attending international conferences. While some of the arguments could be explored in greater depth to reach the higher bands, the task is fully addressed with a consistent and well-developed position throughout, satisfying the requirements for a solid Band 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organization and overall progression from start to finish. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, beginning with the environmental advantages, moving on to personal and business disadvantages, and concluding with a balanced summary. Cohesive devices are used effectively to connect ideas, as seen in transition markers like 'Although this development', 'One major advantage', 'However', and 'In conclusion'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, separating distinct aspects of the prompt cleanly. Although referencing and substitution could be slightly more varied to achieve a more natural flow characteristic of Band 8, the structural progression is entirely clear and logical throughout, warranting a Band 7.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student uses an adequate and generally precise range of vocabulary for the task. Words and phrases such as 'carbon emissions', 'climate change', 'international clients', and 'business relationships' demonstrate a sufficient range to discuss the topic with some flexibility. There are successful attempts to use less common vocabulary, and word choice is generally appropriate. Spelling and word formation are entirely accurate throughout the text. While the vocabulary is functional and clear, it lacks the more sophisticated, idiomatic, or highly nuanced uncommon lexical items required to break into the Band 7 range, making a Band 6.5 a fair and accurate assessment of the student's lexical control.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing structures such as concessive clauses ('Although this development can create...'), conditional ideas ('If fewer people travel...'), and relative clauses ('people who fly less'). Grammar and punctuation are handled with a good level of control; the majority of sentences are grammatically accurate, and minor errors are virtually absent. Punctuation is used correctly to demarcate clauses and sentences. While the variety of complex structures is somewhat standard rather than exceptionally wide or sophisticated—keeping it shy of the frequent complex error-free sentences needed for Band 8—the high level of accuracy across the sentences supports a solid Band 7.0 score.

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