Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-29
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 6.0)
In recent years, some people have chosen to reduce the number of flights they take each year or avoid flying altogether. Although this decision can create some difficulties for individuals and businesses, I believe that the environmental benefits outweigh the disadvantages for individuals and businesses
One major benefit of reducing air travel is that it can help lower carbon emissions. Airplanes consume large amounts of fuel and contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. If fewer people fly, the demand for air travel may decrease, which could reduce the environmental impact of the aviation industry. In addition, people may choose alternatives such as trains, buses or online meetings, which can be more environmentally friendly. Therefore, reducing unnecessary flights can contribute to efforts to tackle climate change.
However, avoiding air travel can also have disadvantages for individuals and businesses. For individuals, flying is often the fastest and most convenient way to travel long distances, particularly for international holidays or visiting family members who live abroad. For businesses, employees may need to travel for meetings, conferences and negotiations with international clients. Reducing business flights could therefore make communication more difficult and may affect some companies’ ability to develop international relationships.
Overall, although reducing air travel can cause inconvenience for individuals and businesses, I believe its environmental benefits outweigh these disadvantages. In particular, reducing unnecessary flights can lower emissions while encouraging people and companies to use more sustainable alternatives.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5
The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both the environmental benefits and the disadvantages for individuals and businesses, culminating in a clear position. Ideas are relevant and supported with explanations, such as mentioning greenhouse gas emissions and business communication needs. However, the length requirement has not been met, as the response contains 235 words, falling 15 words short of the 250-word minimum. This under-length impacts the overall development of ideas, preventing the response from reaching Band 7. Consequently, Task Achievement is penalised for length, placing it at a Band 6.0.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5
The essay demonstrates a clear overall progression and coherent arrangement of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: introduction, environmental benefits, disadvantages, and conclusion. Cohesive devices are used adequately and appropriately to connect ideas, such as 'In addition', 'Therefore', and 'However'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently to structure the response logically. Although the cohesion is sometimes a little mechanical, the logical organisation is clear throughout. This aligns well with the descriptors for Band 7.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating appropriate terms such as 'greenhouse gas emissions', 'aviation industry', and 'international relationships'. There are occasional attempts at less common vocabulary, and word choices are generally accurate. Spelling and word formation are error-free throughout the text. While the range is sufficient for some precision, it lacks the broader flexibility and more sophisticated idiomatic control required for a Band 7. Therefore, a Band 6.0 is awarded.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5
The writer demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses and conditional structures effectively, as seen in 'If fewer people fly, the demand for air travel may decrease...' Grammar and punctuation are handled well, and the majority of sentences are grammatically accurate. Errors are very rare and do not impede communication in any way. The grammatical control shown here comfortably sits at a Band 7.
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