Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-08-04

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Concern for the environment is growing rapidly and more and more people are choosing to be 'eco-tourists' - travelling in responsible, environmentally-friendly ways. As a result, the eco-tourism industry is expanding.

To what extent do you think this is a positive trend?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 6.5)

Environmental awareness has increased significantly in recent decades, prompting many travellers to adopt more sustainable forms of tourism. Consequently, the eco-tourism industry has experienced remarkable growth. I strongly believe that this is an overwhelmingly positive development because it promotes environmental conservation while generating economic opportunities for local communities.

One of the primary advantages of eco-tourism is its contribution to protecting natural ecosystems. Unlike mass tourism, which often results in pollution, habitat destruction, and excessive consumption of resources, eco-tourism encourages visitors to minimise their environmental footprint. Many eco-tourism operators also invest a proportion of their revenue in wildlife conservation, forest restoration, and environmental education. As a result, tourists not only enjoy unique experiences but also contribute directly to preserving biodiversity for future generations.

Furthermore, the expansion of eco-tourism can significantly improve the livelihoods of local residents. Sustainable tourism creates employment opportunities in areas such as hospitality, guiding, and traditional handicrafts without requiring large-scale industrial development. This enables communities to earn a stable income while preserving their cultural heritage and natural surroundings. In addition, when local people benefit financially from protecting the environment, they are more likely to support conservation initiatives rather than exploit natural resources for short-term profit.

Admittedly, the rapid growth of eco-tourism may place pressure on fragile destinations if visitor numbers are poorly managed. However, this issue can be effectively addressed through strict regulations, visitor limits, and responsible planning.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that the expansion of eco-tourism is a highly beneficial trend. It not only safeguards the environment but also promotes sustainable economic development, making it a practical and long-term solution for both people and the planet.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the distinction between mass tourism and eco-tourism, and the economic benefits for local communities. You have provided relevant supporting arguments and addressed the potential counter-argument regarding 'fragile destinations' effectively. The essay is balanced and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the topic, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the environmental benefits, economic advantages, and the counter-argument is smooth. You use a range of cohesive devices such as 'Consequently', 'Furthermore', 'In addition', and 'Admittedly' to link your points effectively. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the overall structure supports the reader's understanding of your argument without any confusion or mechanical repetition.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is well-suited to the academic context. Phrases like 'natural ecosystems', 'minimise their environmental footprint', 'preserving biodiversity', and 'short-term profit' show a high level of lexical control. The language is precise and natural, with no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation. You successfully use topic-specific vocabulary to convey your ideas clearly and effectively throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You use complex sentences effectively, such as 'When local people benefit financially from protecting the environment, they are more likely to support conservation initiatives rather than exploit natural resources for short-term profit.' Punctuation is used correctly to enhance clarity, and there are no significant grammatical errors. The majority of your sentences are error-free, demonstrating a strong command of English syntax and morphology.

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.