Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

Many individuals have taken a decision to lessen their frequency of flying each year, while some people have completely stopped flying. In my opinion, it has certain drawbacks for many businessmen; however, the environmental advantages, such as lower carbon emissions and time savings, outweigh its disadvantages.

Airplanes burn large amounts of fossil fuel and release high levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. These emissions damage the outer layer of the greenhouse and pollute the environment. This poses serious environmental risks for the future generations to come. Airplanes also produce enormous amounts of noise pollution, damaging the hearing ability of people. Fewer flights mean less noise pollution and better air quality near cities. For instance, people preferring to travel by road are happier because they generate suppressed sounds.

Traveling by plane is an efficient and convenient means of transport, as it saves a significant amount of time for individuals that are busy with their schedules. However, it creates problems like trust issues due to people not meeting face-to-face. The tourism industry and airlines lose money when people travel less. People miss fast travel for long-distance family visits or vacations. For example, many businesses are unable to grow and lose their clients when they take the important decisions in the online meetings.

In conclusion, although not taking flights can have a crucial impact on the environment, like lowered noise pollution and cleaner air quality, the negative impacts like failure of multiple businesses and the inconvenience in travel should also be considered for the betterment of the environment as well as for the welfare of people.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both the environmental benefits and the disadvantages for individuals and businesses, thereby establishing a clear position. In the introduction, the writer clearly states their view: 'the environmental advantages... outweigh its disadvantages.' Main ideas are presented and supported with explanations and examples, such as reference to carbon emissions, noise pollution, and business challenges. However, some arguments lack deep extension; for instance, the point about businesses losing clients in online meetings is slightly underdeveloped and shifts focus into the mechanism of meetings rather than the direct impact of reduced travel. Additionally, some statements lean towards over-generalisation, such as 'failure of multiple businesses.' Despite these minor limitations, the task is adequately fulfilled, earning a solid Band 6.5 to 7.0 range. We award a Band 6.5 here because while the prompt is addressed, the development of ideas lacks the depth and fully supported nuance typical of a Band 7 response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay presents a clear overall progression and logical arrangement of ideas. It is divided into four distinct paragraphs, including an introduction, two body paragraphs examining contrasting aspects, and a conclusion. Cohesive devices are used to connect ideas, such as 'Many individuals,' 'However,' 'For instance,' and 'In conclusion.' However, some cohesion is slightly mechanical or awkward, as seen in the sentence 'when they take the important decisions in the online meetings,' where referencing and logical flow could be smoother. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the environmental benefits from the drawbacks for individuals and businesses. The overall structure allows the reader to follow the writer's line of thought easily, fitting the Band 6.5 descriptors well, bordering on Band 7.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate and generally appropriate range of vocabulary for the task. Words and phrases such as 'lessen their frequency,' 'carbon emissions,' 'fossil fuel,' and 'convenient means of transport' show an attempt to use subject-specific and less common vocabulary. However, there are occasional inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'damage the outer layer of the greenhouse' (which is scientifically inaccurate and unnatural) and 'generate suppressed sounds' in place of describing reduced noise levels. Spelling and word formation are generally accurate, and vocabulary errors do not impede communication. This performance aligns comfortably with the criteria for Band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The writer uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures throughout the essay, including conditional and transitional clauses such as 'although not taking flights can have a crucial impact... the negative impacts... should also be considered.' There are several error-free sentences, demonstrating a reasonable level of control over basic and some complex grammar. Nevertheless, a number of grammatical errors and awkward phrasings persist, such as 'have taken a decision' (instead of 'decided'), 'in the atmosphere' (instead of 'into the atmosphere'), and 'due to people not meeting' (which sounds clunky). Punctuation is generally handled well, and the errors do not prevent the reader from understanding the core message, placing this text securely at Band 6.0.

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