Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-24

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)

Nowadays, with the development of digital technology, there are various environmental issues that appear, such as air pollution. To protect the environment, some people support reducing the frequency of flying to address environmental problems, while others argue that this action will bring more disadvantages for individuals and businesses. I agree with the latter view.

Body paragraph 1

On the one hand, it is undeniable that decreasing the number of times that people fly annually can improve the environment, especially reducing the pollutant emissions from aeroplanes. For example, plenty of pollutants contribute to global warming when planes fly in the sky. Moreover, more tourists and business people bring a large amount of waste when they visit scenic spots or business buildings, which is undoubtedly negative for the local environment. If the frequency of flying can be cut down, the above issues can be controlled and mitigated effectively.

Body paragraph 2

On the other hand, there are a variety of disadvantages for individuals and businesses if people reduce the frequency of flying by air or even stop flying altogether. Firstly, from a personal aspect, it is not optimistic for academic and cultural exchange. For example, every year, a huge number of overseas students take aeroplanes to a dream university, which is located in different countries. The aeroplane is the only transportation tool that can be used. If the frequency of flying is reduced, which means that these students have to give up their dreams and lose lots of opportunities for study and their future career. Secondly, from a business perspective, the aerospace industry boosts the development of trade. Various merchants take aeroplanes to visit their vendors and industries that are located in other countries. They negotiate and build trust by face-to-face communication, which makes their cooperation fast and effective. Hence, reducing the use of planes, to some extent, is not beneficial for the economic growth of the countries involved.

Conclusion

In summary, reducing flying can help the environment, however, whether from a personal or business perspective, the decrease in flying frequency brings more negative impacts, which outweigh the benefits for the environment.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The student addresses all parts of the task by discussing both the environmental benefits of reducing air travel and the disadvantages for individuals and businesses, ultimately establishing a clear personal position that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages. In the introduction, the writer states, 'I agree with the latter view.' Ideas are generally well-extended, such as in the second body paragraph where the impact on academic exchanges and international trade is clearly illustrated. However, some arguments, particularly regarding tourism waste in the first body paragraph, could have been pushed further. Overall, the response meets the requirements for a Band 7 by offering a clear position throughout and supporting ideas with relevant, albeit slightly general, examples.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression throughout. The response is structured with a proper introduction, distinct body paragraphs, and a concluding summary. Cohesive devices are used to signal shifts in argumentation, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Firstly', and 'Secondly'. However, there are instances where referencing or transitions feel slightly mechanical, such as the explicit inclusion of structural headings like 'Body paragraph 1' within the text itself. Paragraphing is utilized, but the mechanical labeling prevents cohesion from flowing naturally. This performance aligns comfortably with the Band 6 descriptor, bordering on Band 7 due to clear logical sequencing.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The writer demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for an academic task, attempting less common lexical items such as 'pollutant emissions', 'mitigated effectively', and 'economic growth'. Word choice is generally appropriate, though there are some slight awkwardness and collocation issues, such as 'transportation tool' instead of 'mode of transport' or 'means of transport', and 'a dream university' instead of 'prestigious universities'. Spelling and word formation are generally accurate, and errors do not impede communication. The lexical control and variety shown reflect the Band 6 descriptor well.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating attempts at subordination and relative clauses, such as 'which is undoubtedly negative for the local environment' and 'If the frequency of flying is reduced, which means that these students have to give up their dreams...'. There are some grammatical inaccuracies and awkward phrasing, notably in sentence fragments and clause linking, such as starting a clause with 'which means that' without a clear matrix subject. Punctuation is generally functional. Because simple and complex structures are mixed with occasional errors that do not impede understanding, a Band 6 is awarded.

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