Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-30

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)

There is a difference of opinion observed in the environmentalists about using airways for travelling, some prefer to travel less and part of them have chosen to completely stop using the airways. I believe that the environmental benefits of reducing air travel outweigh the advantages.

Firstly, travelling by air saves a lot of time for long distance journeys, anyone would not prefer to travel by the sea route when they have a better alternative, also it is much more convenient as the passengers can travel to their designated places without facing much obstacles. Additionally, reducing air travel can have negative consequences for businesses that operate internationally may find it more difficult to meet clients, attend conferences or maintain relationships with overseas partners. This could reduce business opportunities and affect companies that depend heavily on international travel.

However, reducing the number of flights can provide significant environmental benefits. Air travel produces a large amount of gas emissions, which contribute to climate change. Therefore, if fewer people fly, the overall emissions associated with aviation can be reduced. In addition, people may choose alternatives such as trains, buses or online meetings for shorter journeys. For example, a company could replace some international business trips with video conferences, allowing employees to communicate with overseas clients without travelling by air, which ultimately reduces emissions and saves time.

Also, the government is working to reduce pollution, a recent initiative taken is by launching the electric buses for public transport in cities of India, which provides long-term benefits.

In conclusion, although reducing air travel may cause inconvenience to individuals and businesses that rely on international travel, I believe its environmental benefits are greater from long term perspectives.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The response addresses all parts of the task and presents a clear position throughout, concluding that the environmental benefits outweigh the disadvantages. In the first body paragraph, the writer acknowledges the disadvantages for individuals and businesses, noting how air travel saves time and how reducing flights might hinder international business relationships. The subsequent paragraphs explore the environmental advantages, such as lower gas emissions and the adoption of alternatives like video conferencing. However, some ideas could have been extended further, and the mention of electric buses in India is slightly tangential as it shifts focus away from aviation. Overall, the content is relevant and meets the requirements of a Band 6.5 to 7.0, ultimately fitting a Band 6.0 descriptor due to some under-developed arguments.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The essay presents a coherent overall arrangement with a recognisable introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Ideas are generally logically sequenced, moving from disadvantages to advantages. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different facets of the prompt. However, cohesion is sometimes faulty or mechanical. For instance, the transition between sentences can be abrupt, and comma splices occur, such as in 'travelling by air saves a lot of time for long distance journeys, anyone would not prefer...' These issues mean the logical flow is occasionally disrupted. Referencing and cohesive devices are minimally adequate rather than flexible. This performance aligns well with the Band 6 descriptors.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating terms such as 'environmental benefits,' 'gas emissions,' 'international business,' and 'video conferences.' There are some attempts at less common vocabulary, though precision is occasionally lacking, such as using 'airways' instead of 'air travel' or 'aviation' in the opening sentence. Spelling and word choice are generally accurate enough not to impede communication. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main arguments, it lacks the flexibility, sophistication, and precision required to reach the Band 7 threshold. Therefore, a Band 6 is appropriate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The response exhibits a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating some control over grammar. Examples of complex structures include '...businesses that operate internationally may find it more difficult...' and '...allowing employees to communicate with overseas clients without travelling by air...'. However, the text contains notable grammatical errors, including run-on sentences and comma splices, such as 'Additionally, reducing air travel can have negative consequences for businesses that operate internationally may find it more difficult...' and 'Also, the government is working to reduce pollution, a recent initiative taken is by launching...'. These errors require the reader to occasionally re-read parts of the text, fitting the Band 5.5 to 6.0 profile.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.