IELTS Band 9 Essay About we should discourage non-essential flights
Here we take a look at a band 9 ielts writing task 2 sample about “we should discourage non-essential flights”. This sample then will be further analyzed for its vocabulary, grammar and format, so we see how it has qualified for such band score. We also suggest over 200 band 9 IELTS samples released in 2025.
Sample Answer (Band 9)
Long-distance flight consumes the amount of fuel that a car uses for many years and pollutes the air.
Some people think that we should discourage non-essential flights, such as tourist travel, rather than limit the use of cars.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The environmental impact of modern transportation is a pressing global concern. While both long-distance flights and cars contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, some argue that discouraging non-essential flights, such as tourism, is a more effective approach than limiting car usage. I partially agree with this perspective, as each mode of transport has unique implications that require tailored solutions.
Air travel undoubtedly has a disproportionate environmental footprint. A single long-haul flight can consume as much fuel as a car might use over several years, contributing substantially to carbon dioxide emissions. Moreover, aviation releases pollutants at high altitudes, exacerbating their impact on global warming. Given this, discouraging non-essential flights, such as those for leisure, could be an efficient way to reduce overall emissions. Governments could impose higher taxes on airline tickets or promote sustainable tourism to mitigate the environmental costs of air travel.
However, cars also play a significant role in environmental degradation, particularly because they are used on a daily basis by billions of people worldwide. Cars emit not only carbon dioxide but also other harmful substances, such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which degrade air quality and pose serious health risks. Additionally, urban areas often suffer from traffic congestion, which amplifies emissions and reduces energy efficiency. Therefore, it would be short-sighted to focus exclusively on aviation while neglecting the substantial environmental impact of cars.
A balanced approach is essential to addressing this issue effectively. Policies should aim to make both air travel and car use more sustainable. For instance, investments in electric vehicles (EVs) and public transportation systems can significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Similarly, advancements in aviation technology, such as fuel-efficient engines and alternative fuels, could minimize the carbon footprint of flights. Furthermore, public awareness campaigns can encourage individuals to make more sustainable travel choices, such as opting for trains over flights for short distances or carpooling instead of driving alone.
In conclusion, while discouraging non-essential flights can play an important role in reducing emissions, addressing car use is equally vital. A holistic strategy that incorporates technological advancements, policy interventions, and behavioral changes is necessary to combat the environmental challenges posed by both air and ground transportation.
Academic Vocabulary
- Greenhouse gas emissions (/ˈɡriːnˌhaʊs ɡæs ɪˈmɪʃənz/)
Sentence: The rise in greenhouse gas emissions is a leading cause of climate change. - Disproportionate (/ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːʃənət/)
Sentence: The aviation industry has a disproportionate impact on global carbon emissions compared to other sectors. - Carbon dioxide (/ˈkɑːrbən daɪˈɒksaɪd/)
Sentence: Reducing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere is critical to mitigating global warming. - Sustainable tourism (/səˈsteɪnəbl ˈtʊrɪzəm/)
Sentence: Promoting sustainable tourism can help balance economic growth with environmental conservation. - Short-sighted (/ʃɔːrt ˈsaɪtɪd/)
Sentence: Policies that ignore the long-term environmental impact of transportation are short-sighted.
Advanced Grammar Structures
- Complex Sentences:
- Example: While both long-distance flights and cars contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, some argue that discouraging non-essential flights is a more effective approach.
- This structure enables the writer to present contrasting ideas cohesively, enhancing the essay’s coherence.
- Modal Verbs for Suggestion:
- Example: Governments could impose higher taxes on airline tickets or promote sustainable tourism.
- Modal verbs like “could” convey a sense of possibility and recommendation, showcasing nuanced arguments.
- Passive Voice:
- Example: Advancements in aviation technology, such as fuel-efficient engines, could minimize the carbon footprint of flights.
- Using the passive voice emphasizes the action and its effects rather than the subject.
- Parallel Structures:
- Example: Investments in electric vehicles and public transportation systems can significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
- Parallelism improves readability and clarity by presenting related ideas in a balanced manner.
Conditional Clauses:
- Example: If governments invest in sustainable technologies, the environmental impact of transportation can be significantly reduced.
- Conditional clauses highlight cause-and-effect relationships, adding depth to the argument.
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