Many people think cheap air travel should be encouraged because it gives ordinary people freedom to travel further. However, other think this leads to environmental problem, so air travel should be more expensive in order to discourage people from having it.

Practice this IELTS Writing Task 2 question on IELTSX. Many people think cheap air travel should be encouraged because it gives ordinary people freedom to travel further. However, other think this leads to environmental problem, so air travel should be more expensive in order to discourage people f…

Cheap air travel freedom to travel further or environmental problem - IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Write at least 250 words.

A student's answer to this task, and the feedback on it

Written by an IELTSX user under exam conditions and published unedited and anonymously. Band 7 · 282 words.

People have differing views on whether the cost of travelling by air should be reduced, so that it creates convenience for ordinary people or whether costs should be higher, as it might eventually cause ecological harm. While I certainly acknowledge the drawbacks of this proposal, I believe that the benefits are more considerable.

On the one hand, higher airfares are often seen as credible way of reducing potential environmental issues. The hefty price goes beyond the financial capability of the average traveller to afford, which means the probability of unnecessary flights remains low. When there is a lower demand for commuting by air, the fuel consumption and carbon emissions that follow may not directly impact environment, thereby reducing environmental damage. For instance, people tend to shift toward trains over aircrafts for shorter journeys. Not only does this reduce the amount of fuel consumed by the transport sector, but it also stimulates greater investment in public transportation infrastructure.

On the other hand, it is undeniable that the reduction in airfare can offer significant advantages. As affordable prices makes flights accessible to much larger population, it

allows individuals to travel abroad seamlessly. Visiting abroad paves a way for cultural experience to broaden as well as tourism stands to gain from excessive number of foreigners. Exemplifying this are middle-income families who can afford overseas holidays. This ensures that local economies also benefit from increased tourist spending, as visitors are likely to spend money on accommodation, food, transportation and entertainment.

In conclusion, although expensive air travel plays a crucial role in preventing excessive ecological harm, I maintain that cheaper costs would not only benefit individuals but also societies by facilitating equal accessibility, cultural exchange and tourism.

Examiner feedback

The essay demonstrates a clear understanding of the prompt, maintaining a well-developed position throughout. Coherence is strong with appropriate paragraphing and linking words, while the vocabulary and grammar are varied and mostly accurate, achieving a solid Band 7 level.

Task Response - 7

- Fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both perspectives and providing a clear personal position. - Main ideas are well-developed with relevant supporting details and examples. - The stance is maintained consistently throughout the essay.

Coherence & Cohesion - 7

- Paragraphs are logically organized with clear introduction, body paragraphs addressing both sides, and a conclusion. - Cohesive devices such as "On the one hand", "On the other hand", and "In conclusion" are used effectively to guide the reader. - Overall progression is clear, though referencing could be slightly tighter in places.

Lexical Resource - 7

- Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items like "ecological harm", "carbon emissions", and "seamlessly". - Occasional awkward phrasing or minor collocation issues such as "excessive number of foreigners" (which sounds unnatural). - Word formation and spelling are generally accurate throughout the essay.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 7

- Uses a variety of complex structures with frequent error-free sentences. - Minor grammatical slips occur, such as subject-verb agreement issues ("prices makes") and missing articles. - Good control of punctuation and overall sentence boundaries.

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