Environmental protection and air travel regulation have become increasingly common topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on analysis of past exam questions, this theme appears approximately every 3-4 months in different variations. Let’s examine one frequently tested question format:
Some people think that governments should discourage non-essential air travel by imposing heavy taxes on flights to reduce environmental damage. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Question Analysis
- Topic: Environmental protection through flight taxation
- Task: Agree/Disagree essay
- Key areas to address:
- Environmental impact of air travel
- Economic implications of flight taxes
- Alternative solutions
- Social consequences
Heavy taxation on flights as environmental protection measure
Band 8 Sample Essay (290 words)
I strongly agree that governments should implement substantial taxes on non-essential flights to mitigate environmental damage, as this approach offers both immediate and long-term benefits for environmental protection.
The primary argument for imposing heavy taxes on recreational air travel is its direct impact on reducing carbon emissions. When flight costs increase significantly, people naturally become more selective about their air travel, leading to fewer unnecessary flights and consequently lower greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, studies have shown that a 10% increase in flight prices can reduce leisure travel demand by up to 15%, resulting in measurable environmental benefits.
Furthermore, the revenue generated from these taxes can be strategically reinvested in environmental initiatives. Governments can utilize these funds to develop sustainable transportation alternatives, invest in renewable energy research, or support carbon offset programs. This creates a dual benefit: reducing air travel while simultaneously funding environmental protection measures.
However, it’s crucial to implement this policy with careful consideration of economic impacts. The taxes should be structured to primarily target leisure travel while maintaining reasonable rates for essential business flights and emergency services. Additionally, the revenue should be transparently allocated to environmental projects to maintain public support and ensure effective utilization.
In conclusion, while imposing heavy taxes on non-essential flights may face initial resistance, it represents a necessary and effective approach to addressing aviation’s environmental impact. The combination of reduced air traffic and increased funding for environmental initiatives makes this policy a powerful tool in the fight against climate change.
Band 6.5 Sample Essay (265 words)
I agree that governments should place higher taxes on unnecessary flights to help protect the environment, though some considerations need to be made.
Firstly, air travel causes lots of pollution and damages the environment. Planes release large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which contributes to global warming. When flights become more expensive because of taxes, people will think twice before booking tickets for holidays. This can help reduce the total number of flights and pollution.
Also, the money from these taxes can be used for good purposes. Governments can spend it on environmental projects like planting trees or developing cleaner transportation options. For example, some countries use flight tax money to improve their train systems, which gives people a more environmentally friendly way to travel.
However, there are some problems to consider. High flight taxes might make it difficult for people with family in other countries to visit them regularly. It could also hurt tourism businesses in countries that depend on visitors arriving by plane. These negative effects need to be balanced against environmental benefits.
In my opinion, while taxing non-essential flights is a good idea, it should be done carefully. Governments should make sure the taxes aren’t too high for people who really need to travel, like those visiting sick relatives. They should also help develop other forms of transportation to give people alternatives to flying.
Visual representation of aircraft emissions and environmental effects
Key Vocabulary
- mitigate (v) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – to make something less harmful or severe
- substantial (adj) /səbˈstænʃəl/ – large in amount or value
- reinvest (v) /ˌriːɪnˈvest/ – to put money back into something
- initiative (n) /ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/ – a new plan or action to deal with a problem
- transparency (n) /trænsˈpærənsi/ – openness and clarity in activities
- allocation (n) /ˌæləˈkeɪʃən/ – the act of distributing something for a particular purpose
Conclusion
Practice writing your own essay on similar environmental topics like:
- Taxing private vehicles to reduce pollution
- Mandatory environmental education in schools
- Government regulations on industrial emissions
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and improvement suggestions.
