Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-25

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, more people have decided to fly less or stop flying because they are worried about the environment. Although this can cause some problems for people and businesses, I believe the environmental benefits are greater.

The main benefit of reducing air travel is lower pollution. Airplanes use a large amount of fuel, especially on long flights, and this produces greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. If fewer people travel by plane, the number of flights may decrease, which can help reduce pollution. For example, people can use trains for shorter journeys or have online meetings instead of travelling for work. These choices can reduce the damage caused to the environment.

However, there are also some disadvantages. For individuals, flying is often the quickest and easiest way to visit family, study in another country or go on holiday. If people fly less, they may have fewer chances to travel and experience different cultures. Businesses can also face problems because flights are useful for meeting customers, attending events and working with international partners. Online meetings are useful, but they may not always be as effective as meeting people face to face.

Despite these problems, there are good alternatives. Trains can replace flights for short journeys, and video calls can replace some business trips. People do not have to stop flying completely. Instead, they can avoid unnecessary or frequent flights and continue to travel when it is important.

In conclusion, reducing air travel may create some difficulties for individuals and businesses, but it can greatly help the environment. Using trains, online meetings and fewer unnecessary flights can help reduce pollution while still allowing people to travel when needed.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both the environmental benefits and the disadvantages for individuals and businesses, presenting a clear position throughout. The introduction outlines the writer's stance that environmental benefits outweigh the disadvantages, which is maintained consistently. Main body paragraphs offer relevant ideas, such as greenhouse gas reduction, alternative transport options like trains, and the impact on tourism and international business relations. These ideas are extended and supported with logical examples, such as using online meetings or visiting family. Although some arguments could be explored in even greater depth to push into higher bands, the task response is well-structured and fully satisfies the requirements for a Band 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, beginning with an introduction, moving to environmental benefits, then disadvantages, alternatives, and finally a succinct conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and appropriately, such as 'Although this can cause', 'The main benefit', 'However', and 'Despite these problems'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, guiding the reader smoothly from one point to the next without mechanical repetition. Referencing is clear, and the overall arrangement of ideas allows the text to flow naturally, meeting the criteria for a solid Band 7.0.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student uses an adequate and appropriate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating topic-specific terms such as 'greenhouse gases', 'climate change', 'international partners', and 'experience different cultures'. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary, and the word choices are generally accurate and natural, such as 'unnecessary or frequent flights'. While the range is sufficient to convey precise meaning, it lacks the broader flexibility, idiomatic phrasing, or more sophisticated uncommon lexical items required for higher bands. Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout, resulting in a stable performance at Band 6.5.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The response features a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. The writer successfully employs subordinate clauses and conditional concepts, such as 'If fewer people travel by plane, the number of flights may decrease' and 'Although this can cause some problems'. Grammatical control is generally strong, with a high proportion of error-free sentences. Punctuation is handled well, and occasional minor imperfections do not impede communication in any way. Because there is a solid variety of structures and good overall accuracy, this response comfortably achieves a Band 7.0 for grammatical range and accuracy.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

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