Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

In recent years, many people have chosen to fly less frequently or avoid air travel altogether due to growing environmental concerns. Although this trend may create certain challenges for individuals and businesses, I believe the environmental advantages are significantly greater than the disadvantages.

The most important advantage of reduced air travel is its positive impact on the environment. Aviation is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute significantly to global warming. As fewer people choose to fly, carbon emissions from aircraft decrease, helping to slow the pace of climate change. Moreover, fewer flights also reduce noise pollution around airports and improve local air quality. This shift may also encourage governments and transport providers to invest more heavily in sustainable alternatives, such as high-speed rail networks and electric public transport, further reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Admittedly, reducing air travel can create several difficulties. Businesses that rely on international travel may find it harder to conduct face-to-face meetings, negotiate contracts, or attend global conferences, potentially affecting productivity and growth. Likewise, countries whose economies depend heavily on tourism may experience a decline in visitor numbers, resulting in lower revenues and fewer employment opportunities. Individuals may also find it more difficult to visit family members living overseas, making it harder to maintain close personal relationships. Nevertheless, many of these challenges can be mitigated through technological advancements such as video conferencing, remote collaboration tools, and hybrid working arrangements. Furthermore, for domestic and short-distance journeys, trains and other forms of public transport often provide practical and environmentally friendly alternatives.

In conclusion, while flying less may create some inconvenience for travellers and financial losses for certain industries, these drawbacks are outweighed by the substantial environmental benefits. Reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, and promoting sustainable transport are essential steps towards protecting the planet for future generations. Therefore, I firmly believe that the environmental advantages of this development greatly exceed its disadvantages.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both the environmental benefits and the disadvantages for individuals and businesses, presenting a clear position throughout. In the introduction, the writer clearly states their belief that the environmental advantages outweigh the drawbacks. The body paragraphs are well-developed, with the second paragraph exploring specific environmental benefits such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution, while the third paragraph thoughtfully weighs the negative impacts on tourism, global business, and personal relationships against potential solutions like video conferencing and high-speed rail. Ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples and logical reasoning, aligning comfortably with the Band 8 descriptors for task achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

Ideas are logically sequenced and progress naturally from the introduction to the supporting arguments, the counter-arguments, and finally the conclusion. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central topic. Cohesive devices such as 'Moreover', 'Admittedly', 'Likewise', and 'Nevertheless' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argumentation without feeling mechanical. Referencing and substitution are handled smoothly, maintaining a high level of textual flow throughout the entire response. This meets the criteria for Band 8.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The writer demonstrates a wide and flexible vocabulary range suitable for an academic essay. Less common lexical items are used naturally and with good control, such as 'greenhouse gas emissions', 'mitigated through technological advancements', 'remote collaboration tools', and 'sustainable transport'. Word choice and collocations are generally accurate, with only very occasional minor slips that do not impede communication. The terminology is well-integrated into the topic of environmentalism and modern travel, showcasing good stylistic awareness and supporting a Band 8 level.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The response utilizes a wide range of complex sentence structures with a high degree of flexibility and accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, and control over grammar and punctuation is consistently strong. For instance, conditional and concessive structures like 'Although this trend may create certain challenges...' and 'Furthermore, for domestic and short-distance journeys, trains... provide practical...' are handled securely. Grammatical errors are exceedingly rare and do not interfere with the clarity of the argument, comfortably justifying a Band 8 score.

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