Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-29

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 7.5)

Nowadays, more and more tourists are choosing to visit remote places where living and travelling conditions are difficult, such as the Sahara Desert and Antarctica. Although visiting these destinations can provide several benefits, it can also have some significant disadvantages.

One major benefit of visiting such places is that tourists can have unique and memorable experiences. Extreme destinations often offer beautiful landscapes, unusual wildlife and opportunities that are not available in ordinary tourist locations. For example, people visiting Antarctica can see huge icebergs, penguins and vast areas of untouched natural scenery. Another advantage is that travelling in difficult conditions can help people become more confident and independent. They may have to deal with unfamiliar situations and overcome challenges, which can improve their problem-solving abilities and make them mentally stronger.

On the other hand, visiting extreme destinations can be dangerous. Tourists may face very high or low temperatures, dehydration, unpredictable weather and accidents. In remote areas, medical facilities may also be unavailable or located far away. For instance, people travelling in the Sahara Desert can become seriously dehydrated because of the extreme heat if they do not carry enough water or receive proper guidance. In addition, tourism can have a negative impact on the environment. Fragile ecosystems in places such as Antarctica can be disturbed by large numbers of visitors, while increased tourism can also produce waste and pollution.

In conclusion, travelling to places with difficult conditions can offer tourists exciting experiences and help them develop confidence and independence. However, it can also involve serious safety risks and cause environmental damage. Therefore, tourists should take appropriate safety measures and behave responsibly when visiting such destinations.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly identified both the benefits (unique experiences, personal growth) and the disadvantages (safety risks, environmental impact) of visiting extreme locations. Each point is supported by relevant examples, such as the mention of Antarctica's wildlife and the Sahara's dehydration risks. The position is clear throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the main arguments. To reach a higher band, you could further extend the development of your ideas by exploring the long-term implications of these visits, such as the ethical debate surrounding 'last-chance tourism' or the economic impact on local communities in these remote regions.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the benefits and disadvantages is handled smoothly using the phrase 'On the other hand'. Cohesive devices such as 'For example', 'Another advantage', and 'In addition' are used effectively to link sentences and ideas. The paragraphing is appropriate, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a concise conclusion. The flow is natural, and the referencing is consistently clear throughout the text, making the essay very easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the topic. Phrases like 'fragile ecosystems', 'untouched natural scenery', and 'unpredictable weather' show an ability to use topic-specific language accurately. While the vocabulary is sufficient and precise, it remains largely functional. To achieve a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated or idiomatic collocations to add nuance to your arguments. For instance, instead of 'difficult conditions', you might use 'harrowing environments' or 'inhospitable terrains' to demonstrate a more advanced command of English vocabulary.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional clauses ('if they do not carry...') and concessive clauses ('Although visiting...'). The grammar is highly accurate, with very few errors. Punctuation is used correctly to manage the flow of information. The majority of your sentences are error-free, which is a hallmark of a high-scoring response. Your control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent. To move toward a band 8 or 9, ensure you continue to vary your sentence length and structure to maintain a sophisticated rhythm throughout the writing.

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

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