Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

In recent years, many people have decided to reduce the number of times they travel by plane or stop flying completely. Although this decision may create some difficulties for individuals and businesses, I believe that its environmental benefits are greater than its disadvantages.

On the one hand, reducing air travel can have several positive effects on the environment. Airplanes produce a large amount of carbon emissions, which contribute to global warming and air pollution. If people fly less frequently, these harmful emissions can be reduced. Moreover, people can use alternative methods of transport, such as trains, buses and cars, for shorter journeys. For example, travelling by train instead of flying can help reduce environmental damage. As a result, reducing air travel can contribute to a cleaner and healthier planet.

On the other hand, there are some disadvantages for individuals and businesses. People who travel abroad for holidays may find it difficult to visit different countries. Similarly, businesses often depend on air travel to attend international meetings, meet clients and develop new opportunities. Reducing flights may increase travel time and create communication problems. However, modern technology, such as video calls and online meetings, can help businesses communicate without travelling. Therefore, these disadvantages can be managed to some extent.

In conclusion, although reducing air travel may cause inconvenience for individuals and businesses, I believe that the environmental benefits are more important. Protecting the environment is necessary for future generations, and everyone should play a role in reducing pollution.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The candidate addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position that environmental benefits outweigh the disadvantages. Ideas are extended, particularly in the discussion of environmental impacts and business adaptations, though some arguments remain somewhat general, such as "People who travel abroad for holidays may find it difficult to visit different countries." Furthermore, the response must be penalised for under-length, as it contains 246 words, falling slightly short of the 250-word minimum requirement. Despite this minor length penalty and a tendency towards slightly predictable supporting points, the core requirements of the prompt are well covered throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay displays a coherent overall arrangement with a clear logical progression from introduction to body paragraphs and conclusion. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, introduced effectively with standard cohesive markers such as "On the one hand" and "On the other hand". Referencing and substitution are generally clear, as seen in "Reducing flights may increase travel time... However, modern technology... can help businesses communicate". Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, resulting in an essay that is easy to follow, aligning closely with the descriptors for Band 7.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate and generally appropriate range of vocabulary for the task. Less common lexical items are attempted, such as "carbon emissions", "global warming", and "alternative methods of transport". Word choices are functional and clear, allowing the reader to follow the arguments without difficulty. However, the vocabulary lacks the sophistication, precision, and flexibility characteristic of higher bands, relying on standard phrases like "large amount" and "positive effects" rather than more nuanced collocation. Spelling and word formation are entirely accurate throughout the text.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The writer demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, incorporating conditional structures ("If people fly less frequently, these harmful emissions can be reduced") and relative clauses. There is a high frequency of error-free sentences, and punctuation is handled well throughout. Grammatical control is strong, with only very occasional minor awkwardness that never impedes communication. The variety of structures and reliable accuracy place this response comfortably in the Band 7 range.

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