Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-07-31

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Today more and more tourists are visiting places where conditions are difficult, such as the Sahara desert or the Antarctic.

What are the benefits and disadvantages for tourists who visit such places?

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

 

Student answer (Band 8.5)

In recent years, more travelers are choosing to visit extreme environments like the Sahara Desert or Antarctica. Although these trips can be dangerous and expensive, I believe the unique natural views and personal growth they offer make them worth the effort.

On the one hand, visiting harsh places has clear disadvantages. The main problem is the constant danger to personal safety. Extreme weather, such as intense heat in the desert or freezing cold in Antarctica, can easily cause severe health issues like dehydration or frostbite. Furthermore, if an emergency occurs, hospitals and rescue teams are usually very far away, making medical help difficult to reach. Another major drawback is the high financial cost. Because travelers need special protective gear, expert guides, and custom transportation, these trips cost significantly more money than standard holidays.

On the other hand, the benefits of extreme travel are significant. The biggest advantage is the rare opportunity to see untouched nature that very few people ever experience in person. For example, standing near the massive ice sheets in Antarctica or looking across the giant sand dunes in the Sahara gives people a peaceful break from busy, stressful city life. In addition, facing difficult environments helps tourists build confidence, independence, and mental strength. Successfully navigating a tough journey gives travelers unforgettable memories and a deep feeling of personal achievement that ordinary trips cannot provide.

In conclusion, traveling to places with difficult conditions involves high costs and safety risks. However, the chance to see incredible landscapes and grow stronger as a person makes extreme travel a truly rewarding experience for adventurous individuals.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly identify both the benefits and disadvantages of visiting extreme environments. Your position is consistent throughout, and the ideas are well-developed with relevant examples, such as the mention of dehydration and frostbite for risks, and the psychological benefits of personal growth. The structure is logical, moving from the drawbacks to the advantages, which provides a balanced view. To reach a higher band, you could further elaborate on the 'why' behind the increasing popularity of these trips, perhaps touching on the desire for unique experiences in a globalized world, but the current development is sufficient for a high score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is well-organized with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, and the progression of ideas is logical. You use cohesive devices effectively, such as 'On the one hand', 'Furthermore', and 'In addition', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the transition between the disadvantages and advantages is smooth. The use of referencing is clear, and the overall flow of the essay is natural and easy to follow throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for the topic. Phrases like 'untouched nature', 'intense heat', and 'personal achievement' are used accurately. There is an attempt to use less common items, and your word choice is generally precise. While the vocabulary is effective and natural, it could be slightly more sophisticated to reach the highest band. For instance, instead of 'standard holidays', you could use 'conventional tourism'. Overall, the lexical range is sufficient to convey your ideas clearly and with some style, and there are no spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use subordinating conjunctions like 'Although' and 'Because' effectively to create complex sentences. The grammar is highly accurate, with very few, if any, errors. Punctuation is used correctly to support the clarity of your writing. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and you show good control over verb tenses and subject-verb agreement. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence, which is consistent with a strong performance.

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