Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-22

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 6.0

The candidate addresses all parts of the prompt, clearly stating a position that the environmental benefits outweigh the disadvantages. Ideas are introduced and supported, though the development leans somewhat on generalities rather than deeply explored examples. For instance, the example provided about Spain discusses general industrial pollution rather than specifically tying acid rain directly to aviation emissions. Similarly, the reference to China having a limited number of airports due to environmental awareness is factually questionable and slightly unconvincing as support. Nonetheless, the task is answered appropriately with a clear stance maintained throughout, aligning well with the Band 6.5 to 7.0 profile. We award a Band 6.5 here because the supporting examples lack precise relevance to the specific topic of reducing air travel.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response demonstrates clear overall progression and logical organization. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: an introduction, a body paragraph on carbon emissions and air quality, a second body paragraph on airport infrastructure, and a summarizing conclusion. Cohesive devices are utilized adequately, such as 'Furthermore,' 'This, in turn,' and 'In conclusion.' However, some of the referencing and transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the logical link between fewer flights and desertification is a bit strained. Paragraphing is used appropriately to structure the essay logically. Overall, the organizational framework is easy to follow, supporting a solid Band 7.0 score for coherence and cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student employs an adequate and generally appropriate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully using terms like 'environmental degradation,' 'curtailed,' 'desertification,' and 'propensity.' There are occasional awkward word choices and collocation slips, such as 'a densely populated nation with a limited number of airports' which does not accurately fit China, or 'greater propensity for forest expansion.' Spelling and word formation are generally accurate, and vocabulary does not impede communication. The use of less common lexical items shows an attempt at stylistic flexibility, justifying a Band 6.5 rating.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including relative clauses ('that are emitted by aircraft') and conditional/participial structures ('With fewer airports required, the environmental degradation...'). There are frequent error-free sentences, and control of grammar and punctuation is generally sound. Minor lapses occur, such as the passive construction 'greenhouse gases that are emitted by aircraft' which borders on tautology, but these errors do not impede communication. The control over complex syntax is strong enough to meet the criteria for Band 7.0.

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