Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-23

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)

Air travel has become a major part of modern life, but some people have started reducing the number of times they fly or have stopped flying completely due to environmental concerns. Although this trend may create some difficulties for individuals and businesses, I believe that the environmental benefits are much more significant.

One of the main advantages of reducing air travel is that it can help protect the environment. Aircraft produce a large amount of carbon emissions because they burn huge quantities of fuel. If fewer people travel by plane, the demand for flights will decrease, which can reduce greenhouse gases and slow down climate change. In addition, lower air pollution can lead to better air quality and a healthier planet for future generations.

However, this development can also have some negative effects on individuals and businesses. For example, people may find it more difficult to travel internationally for holidays, education, or family visits. Moreover, airlines, hotels, and tourism companies may suffer financial losses because they depend heavily on travellers. Some employees working in these industries could also lose their jobs if demand for air travel decreases.

Despite these disadvantages, I believe that protecting the environment is more important in the long term. Economic problems caused by fewer flights can be managed through alternative business strategies, but environmental damage such as climate change can be extremely difficult to reverse. Therefore, reducing air travel is a positive development overall.

In conclusion, although flying less can negatively affect individuals and businesses, I believe that the environmental advantages outweigh these drawbacks because they help create a cleaner and more sustainable future.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student addresses all parts of the prompt effectively, presenting a clear position throughout the essay. The introduction outlines the writer's stance that the environmental benefits outweigh the disadvantages. Body paragraph two explores the environmental advantages, such as reduced carbon emissions and decreased demand for flights. Body paragraph three examines the counterarguments, including financial losses for tourism and travel difficulties for individuals. The conclusion reinforces the initial thesis. Ideas are extended and supported adequately, meeting the criteria for Band 7.0. The development of points is relevant and directly addresses the prompt regarding whether environmental benefits outweigh disadvantages.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, starting with an introduction, followed by distinct paragraphs for advantages, disadvantages, and the final synthesis. Cohesive devices are used appropriately to guide the reader, such as 'Although this trend', 'In addition', 'For example', 'Moreover', and 'Despite these disadvantages'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring that ideas are grouped logically. The progression from introducing the topic to weighing arguments and reaching a conclusion is clear, warranting a Band 7.0 for coherence and cohesion.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates an adequate to good range of vocabulary suited to an academic essay. Phrases such as 'carbon emissions', 'greenhouse gases', 'climate change', 'financial losses', and 'sustainable future' show an appropriate use of topic-specific terminology. There are attempts to use less common items with some awareness of style, though much of the vocabulary leans towards standard academic phrasing rather than highly sophisticated or nuanced terms. Spelling and word choice are accurate throughout, and communication is never impeded. The lexical resource aligns well with the Band 6.5 to 7.0 descriptors, comfortably earning a 7.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The essay features a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. The writer employs subordinate clauses and conditional structures effectively, such as 'Although this trend may create some difficulties...' and 'If fewer people travel by plane, the demand for flights will decrease...'. There is good control of grammar and punctuation, with frequent error-free sentences. While the structural range is somewhat standard rather than exceptionally wide, the high level of accuracy across complex forms ensures a strong performance in this criterion, meeting the requirements for a Band 7.0.

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.