Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-27

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)

Some people have chosen to reduce the number of times they fly each year, while others have decided to give up flying entirely. Although this trend may create difficulties for individuals and businesses, I believe the environmental benefits are more significant.

One major advantage of flying less is that it can help to reduce environmental damage. Air travel produces a considerable amount of carbon emissions, which contribute to climate change. If fewer people travel by air, the demand for flights will decline, resulting in lower carbon emissions. In addition, people can choose alternative ways of travelling, such as buses and trains, for shorter journeys. For instance, someone can travel by train between nearby cities instead of taking a flight, which is a more environmentally friendly option.

However, reducing air travel can also have some drawbacks for individuals. Flights are one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel long distances, especially for people who have family members in other countries. If people stop flying, visiting relatives and going on international holidays may become more difficult and time-consuming. It can also affect their careers if their jobs require regular international travel.

Businesses also face the same problems. Many companies depend on air travel for international meetings, conferences and business negotiations. Although online meetings can replace some international trips, face-to-face meetings are still important for developing professional relationships. Furthermore, airports, airlines, hotels and tourism-related businesses may lose customers if fewer people travel by air, potentially affecting employment and local economies.

In conclusion, reducing air travel may cause inconvenience for individuals and financial difficulties for businesses. Nevertheless, I believe the environmental benefits are greater because reducing flights can contribute to lower carbon emissions and encourage people and companies to consider more sustainable ways of travelling and communicating.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both the environmental benefits and the disadvantages for individuals and businesses, maintaining a clear position throughout. The introduction outlines the writer's stance that the environmental benefits are more significant, and this viewpoint is consistently supported. Body paragraphs examine reduced carbon emissions and sustainable travel alternatives, followed by counter-arguments regarding personal convenience and commercial viability. Ideas are extended and well supported with logical explanations and examples, such as travelling by train between nearby cities instead of taking a flight. The response easily meets the criteria for Band 7, displaying clear development and a well-supported argument.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to the environmental advantages, personal and business disadvantages, and a balanced conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and flexibly, including markers like 'Although this trend', 'In addition', 'For instance', 'However', and 'Nevertheless'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring the reader can follow the writer's line of thought effortlessly. Referencing is clear and precise, contributing to an overall coherent piece of writing that fits comfortably into the Band 7 criteria for cohesion.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow for flexibility and precision, such as 'considerable amount of carbon emissions', 'sustainable ways of travelling', and 'professional relationships'. Less common lexical items are attempted with some awareness of style and collocation, including phrases like 'business negotiations' and 'tourism-related businesses'. While the vocabulary is largely functional and appropriate for an academic context, it occasionally lacks the higher-level sophistication and idiomatic flexibility required for a Band 8. However, there are very few spelling or word-choice errors, making communication entirely smooth. The lexical range is solid and fully supports the arguments presented.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The writer demonstrates a good control of grammar and punctuation, employing a variety of complex structures alongside simpler sentence forms. Complex sentences are constructed effectively, using subordinate clauses introduced by conjunctions such as 'although', 'while', and 'if'. The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled accurately throughout the response. Grammatical errors are rare and do not impede communication in any way. Although the structural range is somewhat standard and lacks the absolute fluidity and variety expected at Band 8, the consistent accuracy and comfortable handling of complex syntax firmly place this response in the Band 7 category.

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