IELTS Writing Task 2: The Future of Travel – Sample Essays Band 6-9 with Analysis

Introduction

The topic of travel’s future appears regularly in IELTS Writing Task 2, reflecting global concerns about technology, sustainability, and changing social patterns. Understanding how to address this topic effectively can significantly boost your writing score, as examiners look for clear arguments, well-developed ideas, and appropriate vocabulary.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find three complete sample essays (Bands 5-6, 6.5-7, and 8-9), detailed scoring analyses, essential vocabulary, and high-scoring sentence structures. These materials will help you understand exactly what differentiates each band level and how to improve your own writing.

Here are verified past IELTS Writing Task 2 questions related to travel’s future:

1. “Some people believe that in the future, international travel will become cheaper and more accessible. Others think that this will damage the environment and local cultures. Discuss both views and give your opinion.” (Academic, 2022)

2. “Space tourism will be widely available in the near future. To what extent do you think this is a positive or negative development?” (Academic, 2021)

3. “The development of tourism contributed to English becoming the most prominent language in the world. Some people think this will lead to English becoming the only language to be spoken globally. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having one language in the world?” (Academic, 2023)

Question & Analysis

Some people believe that technological advances will make travel easier and more affordable in the future, while others think that environmental concerns will limit how people travel. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Question Type: Discussion + Opinion essay. You must present both perspectives fairly before stating your own position.

Key Terms Explanation:

• “Technological advances” – innovations like electric aircraft, hyperloop systems, autonomous vehicles, and digital booking platforms
• “Environmental concerns” – climate change impacts, carbon emissions, ecological damage from tourism
• “Limit how people travel” – restrictions, regulations, higher costs, or reduced accessibility

Common Pitfalls:

• Discussing only one view thoroughly while neglecting the other
• Failing to give a clear personal opinion
• Using overly general statements without specific examples
• Not connecting technological and environmental aspects logically

Strategic Approach:

1. Introduction: Paraphrase the question and state both views exist
2. Body Paragraph 1: Discuss how technology will facilitate travel
3. Body Paragraph 2: Explain environmental limitations on future travel
4. Body Paragraph 3 (or within conclusion): Present your balanced opinion
5. Conclusion: Summarize both perspectives and restate your position

Band 8-9 Sample Essay

What Makes This Band 8-9:

This essay demonstrates sophisticated vocabulary, complex grammatical structures, clear progression of ideas, and nuanced argumentation that fully addresses all parts of the task.

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The future landscape of travel remains a contentious topic, with optimists predicting unprecedented accessibility through technological innovation, while environmentalists foresee necessary restrictions due to ecological imperatives. Both perspectives merit careful consideration, though I believe the reality will involve a synthesis of these seemingly opposing forces.

Proponents of technology-driven travel expansion present compelling arguments. Advances in electric aviation, already being tested by companies like Airbus and Boeing, promise to reduce both operational costs and carbon footprints simultaneously. Furthermore, artificial intelligence is revolutionizing journey planning, enabling travellers to access previously cost-prohibitive destinations through optimized routing and dynamic pricing algorithms. The development of hyperloop systems could transform intercontinental travel, potentially replacing short-haul flights with faster, cleaner alternatives. These innovations suggest that democratized global mobility may indeed become reality within the next two decades.

Conversely, environmental realities cannot be dismissed as mere alarmism. Current aviation accounts for approximately 2.5% of global carbon emissions, a figure projected to triple by 2050 under business-as-usual scenarios. Several European nations have already implemented flight taxes, and similar regulatory frameworks are gaining traction worldwide. Moreover, destinations experiencing overtourism—from Venice to Machu Picchu—are introducing visitor caps and permit systems, demonstrating that ecological carrying capacity imposes genuine constraints. Climate scientists increasingly advocate for “slow travel” movements and staycation cultures as necessary adaptations to our environmental crisis.

In my view, the most probable future involves technological solutions being deployed specifically to address environmental limitations, rather than these forces working in opposition. Sustainable aviation fuels, carbon offset programs integrated into booking platforms, and virtual reality tourism experiences represent this convergence. While international travel will likely remain accessible, its nature will transform—perhaps becoming less frequent but more meaningful, with travellers making conscious choices that balance wanderlust with planetary stewardship. This concept is further explored in discussions about the future of sustainable travel, which examines how innovation and responsibility can coexist.

Ultimately, neither unrestricted expansion nor complete curtailment seems realistic. The travel industry will evolve through innovative compromises that honor both human curiosity and environmental necessity, creating a more intentional and responsible form of global exploration.

(371 words)

IELTS Writing Task 2 future of travel showing technology and environmental balance in modern transportation

Band Score Analysis

Criteria	Band	Justification
Task Response	9	Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response. Presents both views comprehensively with specific examples (electric aviation, hyperloop, overtourism cases), then offers a sophisticated opinion that synthesizes both perspectives rather than simply choosing one side.
Coherence & Cohesion	9	Information and ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Uses a wide range of cohesive devices naturally (“Conversely,” “Moreover,” “In my view”) without mechanical overuse. Each paragraph has a clear central topic that flows seamlessly to the next.
Lexical Resource	8.5	Demonstrates sophisticated vocabulary control with natural collocations (“contentious topic,” “ecological imperatives,” “business-as-usual scenarios”). Uses less common lexical items precisely (“democratized global mobility,” “planetary stewardship”). Minor flexibility in paraphrasing prevents a full Band 9.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	9	Uses a wide range of complex structures with full flexibility and accuracy. Incorporates non-defining relative clauses, participle phrases, cleft-like emphasis, and subordination effectively. Error-free throughout with sophisticated punctuation.

Why This Essay Excels:

1. Sophisticated thesis: Rather than simply agreeing with one side, it proposes a synthesis, showing higher-order thinking
2. Specific evidence: Names actual companies (Airbus, Boeing), provides statistics (2.5% carbon emissions), and cites real examples (Venice, Machu Picchu)
3. Natural cohesion: Transitions emerge from the logic of ideas rather than formulaic linking words
4. Lexical precision: Terms like “ecological imperatives,” “dynamic pricing algorithms,” and “carrying capacity” demonstrate topic-specific vocabulary used accurately
5. Grammatical sophistication: Complex sentences maintain clarity while showcasing range (e.g., “Advances in electric aviation, already being tested by companies like Airbus and Boeing, promise to reduce both operational costs and carbon footprints simultaneously”)
6. Balanced development: Both viewpoints receive equal, thorough treatment before the opinion is stated
7. Nuanced conclusion: Avoids simplistic either/or thinking in favor of a realistic, integrated perspective

Band 6.5-7 Sample Essay

What Characterizes Band 6.5-7:

This essay shows good control of language with clear organization and relevant ideas, but lacks the sophistication and precision of Band 8-9 writing.

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There is an ongoing debate about whether future travel will be easier due to technology or more difficult because of environmental problems. Both sides have valid points, and I will discuss them before giving my opinion.

On the one hand, technological developments are making travel more convenient and affordable. For example, budget airlines and online booking websites have made international flights much cheaper than before. In the future, new inventions like electric planes and faster trains could reduce travel costs even more. Additionally, smartphone applications allow people to plan their trips easily and find the best deals. These technologies mean that more people from different backgrounds can afford to travel abroad, which was not possible in the past.

On the other hand, environmental issues might create barriers to travel in the coming years. Air travel produces significant carbon emissions that contribute to global warming. Many scientists believe that if we continue traveling at the current rate, it will damage the planet severely. Therefore, governments might introduce stricter regulations or higher taxes on flights to reduce environmental harm. Some popular tourist destinations are already experiencing problems with too many visitors, which damages local ecosystems and cultural sites. These factors could make travel more expensive or restricted in the future.

In my opinion, both factors will influence future travel, but technology will probably have a stronger impact. This is because researchers are actively developing green technologies that can solve environmental problems. For instance, companies are working on sustainable aviation fuel and solar-powered vehicles. If these innovations succeed, we can have both accessible travel and environmental protection. However, people will need to be more responsible and choose eco-friendly travel options.

To conclude, while environmental concerns are serious and may limit some aspects of travel, technological progress will likely find solutions that allow people to continue exploring the world in more sustainable ways. The future of travel will probably involve a balance between these two forces.

(345 words)

Band Score Analysis

Criteria	Band	Justification
Task Response	7	Addresses all parts of the task with a clear position. Presents both views and provides an opinion, though the development is less extended and examples less specific than Band 8-9 (uses general statements like “budget airlines” rather than naming specific innovations).
Coherence & Cohesion	7	Logically organized with clear progression. Uses cohesive devices effectively (“On the one hand,” “Additionally,” “Therefore”) but somewhat mechanically. Paragraphing is appropriate, though the connection between ideas within paragraphs could be smoother.
Lexical Resource	6.5	Adequate range of vocabulary for the task with some evidence of flexibility (“ongoing debate,” “valid points,” “significant carbon emissions”). However, relies on common phrases and lacks the precision of higher bands. Some repetition of terms like “travel” throughout.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7	Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with good control. Produces frequent error-free sentences with some complex structures (“if these innovations succeed, we can have…”). However, less variety and sophistication than Band 8-9.

Direct Comparison with Band 8-9:

Aspect	Band 8-9	Band 6.5-7
Introduction	“contentious topic,” “ecological imperatives” – sophisticated vocabulary	“ongoing debate,” “valid points” – clear but simpler language
Evidence	Specific: “2.5% of global carbon emissions,” “Venice to Machu Picchu”	General: “budget airlines,” “popular tourist destinations”
Opinion Integration	Synthesizes both views into nuanced position within body	States opinion separately in dedicated paragraph using simpler comparison
Sentence Structure	“Advances in electric aviation, already being tested by companies like Airbus and Boeing, promise to reduce…” (embedded clause)	“For example, budget airlines and online booking websites have made…” (straightforward example structure)
Cohesion	Natural flow from ideas: “Conversely, environmental realities cannot be dismissed…”	Mechanical markers: “On the one hand… On the other hand…”
Vocabulary Precision	“democratized global mobility,” “planetary stewardship”	“people from different backgrounds,” “be more responsible”

The key differences lie in specificity, vocabulary sophistication, and structural complexity while maintaining clarity.

Band 5-6 Sample Essay

What Characterizes Band 5-6:

This essay addresses the task but with limited development, simpler vocabulary, and more noticeable grammatical errors that occasionally affect clarity.

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Nowadays, many people think about how travel will change in future. Some people believe technology will make travel easier but other people think environment problems will make it harder. I will discuss both view in this essay.

Firstly, technology is developing very fast and this will help travel industry. For example, we have internet now and we can book tickets on computer very easily without going to travel agency. Also, planes are becoming more modern and can fly faster than before. In future, maybe we will have flying cars or very fast trains. This will make travel very convenient for everyone. Young people especially likes to travel and technology will give them more opportunities.

However, environment is a big problem for travel. When planes fly, they make pollution and this is bad for earth. If too many people travel by plane, the environment will become worse. Some countries already has problems with too many tourists. For example, beaches are dirty and cities are crowded. Governments might stop people from traveling too much because environment is important. Also, tickets might become expensive because of environmental tax.

I think technology and environment will both affect future travel. Technology will make travel easier but we need to protect environment too. Maybe scientists can invent new planes that doesn’t pollute so we can travel and protect nature same time. People should think about environment when they travel. Understanding the effects of air travel on climate change is important for making responsible travel decisions.

In conclusion, future of travel will have both good and bad things. Technology will help us travel more but environment problems might create difficulties. We should find balance between traveling and protecting our planet for future generation.

(308 words)

Band Score Analysis

Criteria	Band	Justification
Task Response	6	Addresses all parts of the task though some aspects are underdeveloped. Presents both views and an opinion, but ideas lack depth and specific support. Examples are overly general (“beaches are dirty”) without meaningful development.
Coherence & Cohesion	5.5	Basic organization is present but progression is sometimes unclear. Uses simple cohesive devices (“Firstly,” “However,” “Also”) but with limited range. Some ideas within paragraphs are not well connected, creating choppy flow.
Lexical Resource	5.5	Limited but adequate vocabulary for the task. Noticeable repetition of basic words (“travel,” “people,” “environment,” “problem”). Attempts some topic vocabulary but with errors (“travel industry,” “environmental tax”). Word choice sometimes imprecise.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	5.5	Uses a mix of simple and some complex structures, but with regular errors that occasionally reduce clarity. Errors include subject-verb agreement (“young people likes”), article misuse (“the earth,” “has problems”), and tense inconsistency.

Learning from Mistakes

Mistake	Error Type	Correction	Explanation
“I will discuss both view”	Subject-verb agreement / Singular-plural	“I will discuss both views”	“Both” indicates plural, so “view” must become “views.” This is a fundamental grammar rule.
“Young people especially likes”	Subject-verb agreement	“Young people especially like”	Plural subject “people” requires the base form “like,” not the third-person singular “likes.”
“already has problems”	Subject-verb agreement	“already have problems”	“Countries” is plural, requiring “have” instead of “has.”
“planes that doesn’t pollute”	Subject-verb agreement in relative clause	“planes that don’t pollute”	“Planes” is plural, so the relative clause verb must be “don’t” not “doesn’t.”
“same time”	Missing preposition	“at the same time”	The phrase requires the preposition “at” before it. This is a fixed expression.
“future generation”	Singular-plural	“future generations”	Without an article “the” specifying one generation, this should be plural to refer to all generations to come.
“both view in this essay”	Article + singular-plural	“both views in this essay”	Again, “both” requires the plural form “views.”

Common Error Patterns:

• Subject-verb agreement errors: Most frequent issue throughout the essay, particularly with plural subjects and third-person singular verbs
• Article omission/misuse: Missing articles before nouns (“protect environment” should be “protect the environment”) or adding unnecessary ones
• Overgeneralization: Using “the earth” instead of more specific terms, or vague references like “some countries”

How to Improve from Band 6 to 7:

1. Develop specific examples: Instead of “beaches are dirty,” write “popular destinations like Thailand’s Maya Bay had to close temporarily due to environmental degradation caused by overtourism”

2. Expand your vocabulary: Replace repetitive basic words:

   • “travel” → journey, commute, explore, voyage
   • “problem” → challenge, concern, issue, obstacle
   • “good” → beneficial, advantageous, favorable

3. Master subject-verb agreement: Practice identifying subjects (especially plural forms) and ensuring verbs match:

   • People like (NOT likes)
   • Technology helps (NOT help)
   • Countries have (NOT has)

4. Use complex sentences accurately: Combine ideas using subordination:

   • Before: “Technology is developing. This will help travel.”
   • After: “As technology continues developing, it will significantly enhance travel accessibility.”

5. Improve cohesion: Move beyond “Firstly, Secondly, However”:

   • “Furthermore,” “Moreover,” “Conversely,” “Consequently”
   • Use pronouns and reference words to connect ideas smoothly

6. Add depth to arguments: Don’t just state opinions; explain reasoning:

   • Before: “Environment is important.”
   • After: “Environmental preservation is crucial because unchecked tourism degrades the very destinations people wish to experience.”

Essential Vocabulary for Travel Future Topics

Word/Phrase	Type	Pronunciation	Definition	Example	Collocations
sustainable tourism	noun phrase	/səˈsteɪnəbl ˈtʊərɪzəm/	Travel practices that minimize environmental impact	Sustainable tourism prioritizes local communities and ecosystems	practice sustainable tourism, promote sustainable tourism
carbon footprint	noun phrase	/ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/	Total greenhouse gas emissions caused by an activity	Air travel significantly increases one’s carbon footprint	reduce carbon footprint, calculate carbon footprint, minimize carbon footprint
technological innovation	noun phrase	/ˌteknəˈlɒdʒɪkəl ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/	New methods or technologies that improve efficiency	Technological innovations are transforming how we travel	drive technological innovation, embrace technological innovation
overtourism	noun	/ˌəʊvəˈtʊərɪzəm/	Excessive number of tourists causing negative impacts	Venice suffers from severe overtourism during peak season	combat overtourism, experience overtourism, overtourism crisis
ecological imperative	noun phrase	/ˌiːkəˈlɒdʒɪkəl ɪmˈperətɪv/	Urgent environmental necessity	Reducing emissions is an ecological imperative	recognize ecological imperatives, respond to ecological imperatives
democratize access	verb phrase	/dɪˈmɒkrətaɪz ˈækses/	Make something available to everyone	Technology has democratized access to international travel	democratize access to education/travel/information
virtual mobility	noun phrase	/ˈvɜːtʃuəl məʊˈbɪləti/	Movement or travel through digital means	Virtual mobility offers alternatives to physical travel	enhance virtual mobility, promote virtual mobility
carrying capacity	noun phrase	/ˈkæriɪŋ kəˈpæsəti/	Maximum number of visitors a place can sustain	Tourist sites must respect their environmental carrying capacity	exceed carrying capacity, determine carrying capacity
green transportation	noun phrase	/ɡriːn ˌtrænspɔːˈteɪʃən/	Environmentally friendly travel methods	Green transportation options are expanding globally	invest in green transportation, promote green transportation
conscious travel	noun phrase	/ˈkɒnʃəs ˈtrævəl/	Thoughtful, responsible tourism	Conscious travel involves considering environmental and social impacts	practice conscious travel, promote conscious travel
aviation emissions	noun phrase	/ˌeɪviˈeɪʃən ɪˈmɪʃənz/	Greenhouse gases produced by aircraft	Aviation emissions account for a growing share of carbon output	reduce aviation emissions, offset aviation emissions
regulatory framework	noun phrase	/ˈreɡjələtəri ˈfreɪmwɜːk/	System of rules governing an activity	A new regulatory framework limits flights to sensitive areas	establish regulatory framework, implement regulatory framework
seamless connectivity	noun phrase	/ˈsiːmləs ˌkɒnekˈtɪvəti/	Smooth, uninterrupted connection	Apps provide seamless connectivity for international travelers	ensure seamless connectivity, offer seamless connectivity
staycation culture	noun phrase	/steɪˈkeɪʃən ˈkʌltʃə/	Trend of vacationing locally	Staycation culture has grown due to environmental awareness	embrace staycation culture, promote staycation culture
autonomous vehicle	noun phrase	/ɔːˈtɒnəməs ˈviːɪkəl/	Self-driving transportation	Autonomous vehicles may revolutionize urban travel	develop autonomous vehicles, deploy autonomous vehicles

Essential IELTS vocabulary for writing about future travel and sustainable tourism concepts

High-Scoring Sentence Structures

1. Complex Subordination with Concession

Formula: Although/While/Even though + [subordinate clause], [main clause] + [additional detail]

Example from Band 8-9 Essay:
“While international travel will likely remain accessible, its nature will transform—perhaps becoming less frequent but more meaningful, with travellers making conscious choices that balance wanderlust with planetary stewardship.”

Why It Scores Well:
This structure demonstrates sophisticated thinking by acknowledging a contrasting point before making the main argument. The dash adds extra complexity, and the participial phrase (“with travellers making…”) shows advanced grammatical control.

Additional Examples:

• Although technological advances promise cheaper flights, environmental regulations may offset these cost reductions through carbon taxes and stricter emission standards.
• Even though hyperloop systems could revolutionize intercontinental travel, their infrastructure requirements present significant financial and logistical challenges.
• While virtual reality offers compelling travel experiences, it cannot fully replicate the cultural immersion and personal growth that physical travel provides.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• ❌ “Although technology improves travel, but it also…” (Don’t use “but” with “although”)
• ❌ “While we have better technology, however governments…” (Don’t combine “while” with “however”)

2. Non-Defining Relative Clauses for Added Information

Formula: [Subject] + [verb], [which/who] + [provides extra detail], [continues main clause]

Example from Band 8-9 Essay:
“Several European nations have already implemented flight taxes, and similar regulatory frameworks are gaining traction worldwide.”

Alternative with non-defining clause:
“Several European nations, which recognize aviation’s environmental impact, have implemented flight taxes to discourage excessive air travel.”

Why It Scores Well:
Non-defining relative clauses add sophisticated detail without disrupting sentence flow. They show the writer can handle complex grammatical structures while maintaining clarity.

Additional Examples:

• Electric aviation, which is currently being tested by major manufacturers, could reduce operational costs by up to 40% within the next decade.
• Venice, which attracts over 30 million visitors annually, has introduced entrance fees to manage overtourism and protect its fragile infrastructure.
• Sustainable aviation fuel, which is produced from renewable resources, offers a promising solution to the industry’s carbon emission problem.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• ❌ “Technology which improves travel is important” (Defining clause – no commas needed; non-defining requires commas)
• ❌ “Scientists, that study climate, say…” (Use “who” for people in non-defining clauses, not “that”)

3. Participle Phrases for Concise Information

Formula: [Main clause], [present/past participle] + [additional information]

Example from Band 8-9 Essay:
“Advances in electric aviation, already being tested by companies like Airbus and Boeing, promise to reduce both operational costs and carbon footprints simultaneously.”

Why It Scores Well:
Participle phrases compress information elegantly, demonstrating advanced writing skills. They eliminate unnecessary words while adding descriptive detail, showing sophistication valued in Band 8-9 writing.

Additional Examples:

• Tourism authorities have introduced visitor quotas, recognizing that unlimited access threatens ecological preservation and cultural authenticity.
• Emerging technologies are revolutionizing travel planning, enabling tourists to customize itineraries that minimize environmental impact while maximizing cultural experiences.
• Airlines are adopting carbon offset programs, responding to growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible travel options.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• ❌ “Being a popular destination, many tourists visit there” (Dangling participle – unclear subject)
• ❌ “Technology improves, making travel more easy” (Should be “easier” – adjective comparison error)

4. Cleft Sentences for Emphasis

Formula: It is/was [emphasized element] that/who + [rest of sentence]

Example transformation:
Regular: “Environmental concerns will most significantly shape future travel patterns.”
Cleft: “It is environmental concerns that will most significantly shape future travel patterns.”

Why It Scores Well:
Cleft sentences allow writers to emphasize specific information, demonstrating rhetorical awareness. They add variety to sentence structure and show control over emphasis, both valued in higher bands.

Additional Examples:

• It is the development of sustainable technologies, rather than travel restrictions, that offers the most viable path forward for the tourism industry.
• It was the introduction of budget airlines in the 1990s that first democratized international travel for middle-class consumers.
• It is through conscious consumer choices, not merely government regulation, that sustainable tourism practices will become mainstream.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• ❌ “It is people who travels frequently…” (Subject-verb agreement: should be “travel”)
• ❌ “There is technology that solves the problem” (This is an existential sentence, not a cleft structure)

5. Advanced Conditionals (Mixed and Inverted)

Formula: Had [subject] + [past participle], [subject] + would/could + [infinitive]
Or: Should [subject] + [infinitive], [subject] + will/would + [infinitive]

Example from Band 8-9 context:
“Had governments implemented carbon regulations earlier, aviation emissions would not have reached current critical levels.”

Modern context example:
“Should technological innovations fail to address environmental concerns adequately, international travel could face severe regulatory restrictions within the next two decades.”

Why It Scores Well:
Inverted conditionals demonstrate grammatical sophistication rarely seen below Band 8. They show the writer can manipulate complex structures while maintaining meaning and clarity. For discussions about environmental concerns of air travel, such conditional structures help express hypothetical scenarios effectively.

Additional Examples:

• Were sustainable aviation technologies to prove economically viable, the travel industry could achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
• Should virtual reality advance sufficiently, it might partially substitute for physical travel, reducing environmental impacts while satisfying human curiosity.
• Had historical tourist destinations managed visitor numbers more effectively, many would not now face the overtourism crisis threatening their preservation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• ❌ “Had technology improved, travel would improved too” (Should be “would have improved” – maintain past perfect in result clause for past conditions)
• ❌ “Should people travels more…” (Should be base form: “Should people travel more…”)

6. Compound-Complex Sentences with Multiple Subordination

Formula: [Main clause] + [subordinate clause] + [coordinating conjunction] + [another main clause] + [additional subordination]

Example from Band 8-9 Essay:
“The travel industry will evolve through innovative compromises that honor both human curiosity and environmental necessity, creating a more intentional and responsible form of global exploration.”

Why It Scores Well:
These structures demonstrate the ability to connect multiple ideas logically and fluidly. They show mastery of coordination and subordination, essential for Band 8-9 scores. The writer can present complex arguments without sacrificing clarity.

Additional Examples:

• While budget airlines have democratized international travel over the past three decades, their proliferation has simultaneously contributed to unsustainable tourism patterns that threaten both local cultures and ecosystems, prompting calls for regulatory intervention.
• Technological innovations in electric aviation offer promising solutions to environmental challenges, yet these developments require substantial infrastructure investment that many countries cannot afford, creating potential inequalities in future travel accessibility.
• Although virtual tourism experiences cannot replicate physical travel entirely, they provide valuable alternatives for people with mobility limitations or financial constraints, while simultaneously reducing the environmental burden associated with mass tourism.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• ❌ Creating run-on sentences without proper punctuation between clauses
• ❌ Losing track of the main subject or verb in overly long sentences
• ❌ Using too many subordinate clauses, making the sentence confusing rather than sophisticated

IELTS Writing Task 2 strategies for improving from band 6 to band 9 scores

Self-Assessment Checklist

Before Writing (5 minutes)

Question Analysis:

• [ ] Have I identified the question type (discussion, opinion, problem-solution, two-part)?
• [ ] Have I underlined key words and understood what each requires me to address?
• [ ] Do I have a clear position if the question asks for my opinion?
• [ ] Have I brainstormed at least 2-3 specific examples or pieces of evidence for each viewpoint?

Planning:

• [ ] Have I created a simple paragraph outline (Introduction, Body 1, Body 2, Body 3/Conclusion)?
• [ ] Does each body paragraph have a clear central idea?
• [ ] Have I allocated time (5 minutes planning, 30 minutes writing, 5 minutes checking)?

While Writing (30 minutes)

Task Response:

• [ ] Am I directly answering the question in each paragraph?
• [ ] Have I addressed ALL parts of the task?
• [ ] Are my examples specific rather than overly general?
• [ ] Is my position clear throughout?

Structure and Coherence:

• [ ] Does my introduction paraphrase the question and present a clear thesis?
• [ ] Does each body paragraph start with a clear topic sentence?
• [ ] Am I using cohesive devices naturally (not mechanically)?
• [ ] Are my ideas progressing logically?

Language:

• [ ] Am I varying my vocabulary (not repeating “travel” and “people” constantly)?
• [ ] Am I using topic-specific vocabulary accurately?
• [ ] Have I included at least 2-3 complex sentence structures?
• [ ] Am I checking for subject-verb agreement as I write?

After Writing (5 minutes)

Content Check:

• [ ] Is my essay between 250-280 words (ideal range)?
• [ ] Have I included an introduction, at least two well-developed body paragraphs, and a conclusion?
• [ ] Does my conclusion summarize main points and restate my position?
• [ ] Have I avoided introducing completely new ideas in the conclusion?

Grammar and Accuracy:

• [ ] Subject-verb agreement (especially with plural subjects like “people,” “countries”)?
• [ ] Correct article usage (a/an/the or no article)?
• [ ] Consistent tense usage throughout?
• [ ] Correct prepositions in fixed phrases (“in the future,” “by 2050”)?
• [ ] Proper punctuation in complex sentences?

Vocabulary:

• [ ] Have I used synonyms to avoid repetition?
• [ ] Are collocations natural (“make travel easier” not “do travel easier”)?
• [ ] No informal language or contractions?
• [ ] Topic vocabulary used accurately?

Common Final Errors to Fix:

• [ ] Plurals after “both,” “many,” “several”
• [ ] “People” (plural) not “peoples” (different ethnic groups)
• [ ] Apostrophes: “it’s” = “it is”; “its” = possessive
• [ ] Capitalization of proper nouns but not common nouns

Time Management Tips

Recommended Schedule (40 minutes total):

Activity	Time	Purpose
Read and analyze question	2 minutes	Ensure you understand all requirements
Brainstorm ideas and examples	3 minutes	Generate specific, relevant content
Create outline	2 minutes	Organize your argument logically
Write introduction	3 minutes	Hook reader and state thesis clearly
Write body paragraphs	20 minutes	Develop arguments with evidence (7 min each)
Write conclusion	3 minutes	Summarize and restate position
Review and edit	5 minutes	Catch errors and improve clarity
Final word count check	2 minutes	Ensure you’ve met minimum requirement

Emergency Strategies:

If running short on time (5 minutes left, conclusion not written):

• Write a brief 2-sentence conclusion: restate position + final thought
• Prioritize clarity over sophistication
• Don’t introduce new arguments

If you’ve written too little (under 250 words with time remaining):

• Add a specific example to your weakest body paragraph
• Expand your thesis statement in the introduction
• Add one more supporting sentence to each body paragraph

If you’ve written too much (over 320 words):

• Don’t panic; excess words won’t be penalized directly
• However, use remaining time to improve quality rather than adding more
• In future practice, work on being more concise

Conclusion

Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2 on topics like the future of travel requires understanding the distinct characteristics of each band level. As demonstrated through our three sample essays, the difference between Band 5-6 and Band 8-9 lies not just in grammatical accuracy, but in the sophistication of vocabulary, depth of argument development, and natural use of complex structures.

Key Takeaways:

1. Specificity matters: Replace general statements (“technology improves travel”) with concrete examples (“electric aviation tested by Airbus and Boeing”)

2. Grammatical range shows proficiency: Incorporate varied structures like participle phrases, non-defining relative clauses, and advanced conditionals to demonstrate sophisticated control

3. Vocabulary precision elevates writing: Move beyond basic terms to topic-specific language (“ecological imperatives,” “democratized access,” “sustainable aviation fuel”)

4. Coherence emerges from logic: Let ideas flow naturally rather than relying mechanically on linking words like “Firstly, Secondly, Finally”

5. All parts of the task must be addressed: Whether it’s discussing both views, giving opinions, or explaining consequences, complete coverage is essential for higher bands

Your Path to Improvement:

For those currently scoring Band 5-6, focus initially on eliminating basic grammatical errors, especially subject-verb agreement and article usage. Build your vocabulary through reading sample essays and noting topic-specific terms. With consistent practice, reaching Band 6.5-7 is achievable within 2-3 months.

If you’re at Band 6.5-7 and aiming for Band 8-9, your priorities are developing more sophisticated vocabulary, incorporating complex sentence structures naturally, and providing more specific, nuanced arguments. This level requires deeper critical thinking and typically takes 3-6 months of focused practice. Consider studying related topics such as air travel and environmental concerns with potential solutions to broaden your perspective.

Realistic Timeline:

• Band 5-6 to 6.5-7: 2-3 months with regular practice (3-4 essays weekly)
• Band 6.5-7 to 8-9: 3-6 months with intensive practice and feedback
• Consistent review of model essays and incorporation of new structures is crucial

Call to Action:

Practice makes progress. Choose one of the verified questions from this guide and write your own response. Time yourself strictly (40 minutes). Then compare your essay with the band samples provided—identify which level yours most resembles and note specific areas for improvement. Share your practice essays in study groups or with tutors for feedback, and gradually incorporate the sophisticated structures and vocabulary you’ve learned here.

The future of your IELTS success is in your hands. For broader context on how travel trends connect to global issues, exploring how does space tourism impact future exploration can provide additional perspectives for your writing.

Additional Resources:

• Official IELTS band descriptors (available on British Council and IDP websites)
• Vocabulary notebooks organized by topic
• Sample essays from verified sources
• Grammar reference books for complex structures
• Online writing communities for peer feedback

Remember: improvement is gradual but achievable. Focus on consistent practice, learn from each essay you write, and systematically address weaknesses identified through self-assessment. Your dedication will reflect in your band score.