Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

In recent decades, the growth of international travel has had a significant impact on the environment, business activities and people's lifestyles. As concerns about climate change have increased, some individuals have decided to reduce the number of flights they take or stop flying altogether. I believe that the environmental benefits of this development outweigh the disadvantages because reducing air travel can lower emissions and encourage more sustainable forms of transportation.

The main environmental benefit of fewer flights is a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Air travel consumes large amounts of fossil fuels and contributes significantly to carbon emissions, which contribute to global warming. If fewer people travel by air, airlines may operate fewer flights, reducing fuel consumption and environmental pollution. In addition, reduced demand for air travel could encourage people to consider alternatives such as trains, buses or online communication. For example, business meetings that previously required international flights can increasingly be conducted through video-conferencing platforms, allowing companies to maintain communication without generating emissions from business travel.

Despite these benefits, reducing air travel can create disadvantages for individuals and businesses. People may have fewer opportunities to travel internationally for holidays, education or family visits, particularly when alternative forms of transport are impractical or considerably slower. Businesses may also face difficulties because international flights allow employees to meet clients, attend conferences and establish partnerships in other countries. For example, a company that regularly works with overseas clients may find that replacing face-to-face meetings with online communication makes it more difficult to develop strong professional relationships. Moreover, countries that depend heavily on tourism could experience lower visitor numbers and reduced income.

Nevertheless, these disadvantages can be partly addressed through technology and alternative transportation. Online meetings can replace some business trips, while rail networks can provide practical alternatives for shorter journeys.

In conclusion, reducing air travel may limit some opportunities for individuals and create challenges for businesses and tourism-dependent economies. However, I believe the environmental benefits outweigh these disadvantages because fewer flights can reduce emissions and encourage more sustainable ways of travelling and communicating.

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, 'I believe that the environmental benefits of this development outweigh the disadvantages.' This position is maintained logically and supported effectively with relevant extensions. For instance, the discussion on greenhouse gas emissions, alternative transport, and video-conferencing platforms demonstrates well-developed ideas. The counterarguments regarding tourism, family visits, and professional relationships are also adequately explored before reaffirming the initial stance in the conclusion. The task is handled comprehensively, aligning well with the Band 8 descriptor for task achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

Ideas are logically sequenced and paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the prompt. The essay employs a clear overall progression, guiding the reader smoothly from the introduction to body paragraphs exploring benefits and drawbacks, and finally to a balanced conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'In the introduction,' 'The main environmental benefit,' 'Despite these benefits,' and 'In conclusion' are managed well without being overly mechanical. Referencing and substitution are clear, as seen in phrases like 'such alternatives' and 'these disadvantages.' The response demonstrates a coherent overall arrangement that meets the criteria for a solid Band 7.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student uses an adequate and generally appropriate range of vocabulary suitable for an academic essay. Less common items and collocations such as 'greenhouse gas emissions,' 'fossil fuels,' 'video-conferencing platforms,' and 'tourism-dependent economies' are integrated effectively. Word choice and spelling are mostly accurate, though some vocabulary is slightly repetitive (e.g., 'reduce' and 'environmental benefits'). There are only occasional limitations in style and precision, but communication is never impeded. The lexical range is sufficient to allow flexibility and precision, fitting comfortably into the Band 7 category.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, featuring subordinate clauses and participial phrases, such as 'allowing companies to maintain communication without generating emissions from business travel.' Control of grammar and punctuation is generally strong, with many error-free sentences produced throughout the text. While there are a few minor slips or slightly repetitive structural patterns, grammatical errors are infrequent and do not impede communication at any point. This strong control over a variety of structures satisfies the criteria for Band 7.

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