Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-25

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 6.0)

Nowadays, more and more tourists are visiting places where conditions are difficult, such as the Sahara Desert or Antarctic. Although visiting these places can be a great experience for tourists, there are also some disadvantages. This essay will discuss both the benefits and drawbacks of travelling to such places.

One of the main benefits is that tourists can experience something different and adventurous. They can see beautiful natural places and learn about the environment and wildlife. For example, people who visit the Antarctic can see penguins and large icebergs, which they cannot see in their normal life. Also, visiting these places can help people to learn more about different parts of the world.

However, there are some disadvantages of visiting places with difficult conditions. The weather can be very dangerous and tourists may face health problems. For example, in the Sahara Desert, people can experience extreme heat and may become dehydrated. Similarly, the Antarctic has extremely cold weather, which can be difficult for tourists who are not prepared properly.

In conclusion, visiting difficult places has both advantages and disadvantages. It can give tourists an exciting experience and help them learn about nature. However, it can also be dangerous because of extreme weather and difficult conditions. In my opinion, tourists should visit these places only when they are properly prepared.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The essay addresses both the benefits and disadvantages of visiting extreme locations. However, the response is significantly under the 250-word minimum requirement, which limits the depth of the ideas presented. While the main points are relevant, they are not fully developed or extended with sufficient detail or personal examples. The position is clear, but the brevity prevents a more comprehensive exploration of the topic. To improve, you should aim to expand on your points with more specific evidence or hypothetical scenarios to meet the length requirement and demonstrate a more thorough engagement with the prompt.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow. You use basic cohesive devices such as 'One of the main benefits', 'However', and 'In conclusion' to link your ideas. While the structure is sound, the range of cohesive devices is somewhat limited and repetitive. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate a wider variety of linking words and phrases to improve the flow between sentences and paragraphs, ensuring that the transition between ideas feels more natural and less mechanical.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task and allows you to communicate your ideas clearly. You use some topic-specific terms like 'dehydrated', 'extreme heat', and 'adventurous'. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there is a reliance on simpler, more common words. There are no significant errors in word choice, but the language lacks the sophistication and precision required for higher bands. To improve, focus on incorporating more precise collocations and less common vocabulary related to travel and environmental conditions to demonstrate a broader lexical range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

Your grammar is generally accurate, and the majority of your sentences are error-free. You demonstrate a good grasp of basic sentence structures and use some complex sentences, such as 'Although visiting these places can be a great experience for tourists, there are also some disadvantages.' However, the range of structures is somewhat limited. To achieve a higher score, you should aim to incorporate a wider variety of complex grammatical structures, such as conditional sentences or passive voice, while maintaining your current level of accuracy. Punctuation is used correctly throughout the text.

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