Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-17

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)

In recent years, a growing number of individuals have opted to reduce their air travel or cease flying altogether. In my view, this trend presents significant environmental advantages that far outweigh any potential disadvantages for individuals and businesses. The primary benefits include a substantial reduction in carbon emissions and a corresponding increase in green spaces.

When individuals opt for alternatives to air travel, the frequency of flights diminishes markedly. This, in turn, results in a significant decrease in the emission of harmful greenhouse gases that are emitted by aircraft. A direct outcome of this decline is improved air quality, which subsequently reduces the likelihood of environmental phenomena such as acid rain. For instance, there have been notable instances in Spain where industrial activities have contributed to air pollution, leading to acid rain that devastated vast forested areas. This illustrates the pressing need for reduced air travel to mitigate such environmental damage.

Furthermore, the declining demand for flights is likely to facilitate the expansion of tree-covered areas. With fewer airports required, the environmental degradation associated with airport construction can be curtailed, thereby alleviating issues like desertification that often arise from such developments. A compelling example is China, a densely populated nation with a limited number of airports. This scarcity is largely due to the public's awareness of the environmental impact that constructing new airports could have on their natural landscapes, leading to deforestation.

In conclusion, the decision of many individuals to curtail their air travel or eliminate it altogether represents a pivotal shift towards environmental conservation. I firmly believe that the benefits of such actions far exceed any drawbacks for individuals and businesses, as they lead to enhanced air quality and a greater propensity for forest expansion.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully addresses all parts of the task prompt, discussing both the environmental benefits and weighing them against disadvantages for individuals and businesses, with a clear position maintained throughout. The introduction outlines the writer's view clearly, and the body paragraphs introduce relevant supporting ideas, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions and the preservation of natural landscapes. However, the development of the disadvantages for individuals and businesses is somewhat limited and generalized, focusing primarily on environmental aspects rather than exploring deep economic or personal inconvenience implications. Despite this minor imbalance, the main tenets of the task are adequately covered, earning a solid Band 7.0 for addressing all parts with a clear, supported position.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a clear overall progression and logical organization. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with carbon emissions and moving towards the expansion of tree-covered areas. Cohesive devices are employed reasonably well to guide the reader through the argument, using transition phrases such as 'Furthermore' and 'In conclusion'. Referencing is generally clear, as seen with 'This, in turn, results in' and 'This scarcity is largely due to'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points. While the progression is coherent, some of the cohesive links feel slightly mechanical rather than entirely natural, which keeps the response at a Band 7.0 level rather than higher.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The writer demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary that allows for flexibility and precision in discussing environmental topics. Phrases such as 'substantial reduction in carbon emissions', 'environmental degradation', and 'desertification' show an ability to use less common lexical items with an awareness of style and collocation. There are occasional slight inaccuracies in word choice, such as mentioning Spain and industrial activities in the context of acid rain being primarily linked to air travel, but overall the vocabulary is adequate and allows the message to be communicated clearly. Spelling and word formation are generally accurate, fully supporting a Band 7.0 rating.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response features a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as 'When individuals opt for alternatives to air travel, the frequency of flights diminishes markedly' and 'With fewer airports required, the environmental degradation associated with airport construction can be curtailed'. There are frequent error-free sentences, and the writer demonstrates good control of grammar and punctuation throughout the text. Minor slips or slightly awkward phrasings do occur, but they never impede communication or strain the reader. This strong mix of complex structures and general accuracy aligns well with the descriptors for Band 7.0.

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