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)

Today, an increasing number of tourists are travelling to remote and challenging destinations such as the Sahara Desert and Antarctica. While these trips offer unique experiences and educational opportunities, they also involve significant risks and environmental concerns. This essay will discuss both the benefits and disadvantages of visiting such places.

One of the main advantages of travelling to extreme environments is that tourists can experience breathtaking natural landscapes that are impossible to find in ordinary destinations. For example, visitors to Antarctica can observe glaciers, penguins, and other wildlife in their natural habitat, while those who travel to the Sahara Desert can enjoy vast sand dunes and learn about the traditions of local nomadic communities. Such experiences often increase people's appreciation of nature and different cultures. In addition, these trips can contribute to scientific awareness. Many travellers return home with a better understanding of climate change and environmental conservation after witnessing the effects of melting ice or desertification firsthand.

However, visiting these remote places also has several disadvantages. Firstly, tourists may face serious health and safety risks due to harsh weather conditions, limited medical facilities, and difficult transportation. For instance, extreme cold in Antarctica or intense heat in the Sahara can cause severe health problems if travellers are not properly prepared. Secondly, tourism can damage fragile ecosystems. The growing number of visitors may lead to pollution, disturb wildlife, and increase carbon emissions from long-distance flights and cruise ships. Even small amounts of waste or human activity can have long-lasting effects on these sensitive environments.

In conclusion, although travelling to challenging destinations provides unforgettable experiences and promotes environmental awareness, it also presents considerable risks to both tourists and the natural environment. Therefore, such tourism should be carefully managed to ensure that these unique places remain protected for future generations.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly identified both the benefits (unique experiences, educational opportunities, scientific awareness) and the disadvantages (health/safety risks, environmental damage). The position is consistent throughout the essay, and the ideas are well-developed with relevant examples, such as mentioning glaciers and penguins in Antarctica or the nomadic communities in the Sahara. The conclusion effectively synthesises the main points and provides a forward-looking suggestion. The response is well-structured and directly answers the question asked.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the benefits and the disadvantages is smooth, using appropriate linking words like 'However' and 'Firstly'. Cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'For instance', and 'Therefore' are used effectively to guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The flow of information is natural and easy to follow throughout the entire response.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the topic. Phrases like 'fragile ecosystems', 'environmental conservation', 'desertification', and 'natural habitat' show a strong command of topic-specific language. The vocabulary is used accurately and helps to convey your ideas with precision. While the range is sufficient and effective, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or idiomatic expressions could elevate the response further. Overall, the lexical control is consistent and supports the clarity of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of 'While' clauses and conditional-like structures ('if travellers are not properly prepared'). The grammar is highly accurate, with very few errors. Punctuation is used correctly to manage sentence flow. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over verb tenses and subject-verb agreement is excellent. The writing is clear and professional, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence that allows for sophisticated expression without impeding communication.

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