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🎯 IELTS Writing Task 2 Question

Some people argue that long-distance flights cause more damage to the environment than cars. Others believe that cars are the bigger problem.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

📝 Sample Essay (Band 8–9 style, 280 words)

In recent years, concerns about the environmental consequences of transportation have intensified. While some argue that long-distance flights are more harmful, others contend that cars are the greater threat. Both perspectives merit consideration before forming a conclusion.

On the one hand, air travel undeniably produces significant emissions. A single international flight can generate more carbon dioxide per passenger than an average driver would produce in several months. Furthermore, airplanes release pollutants directly into the upper atmosphere, where their impact on global warming is intensified. With the rising popularity of budget airlines, air travel is becoming increasingly frequent, thereby amplifying its environmental footprint.

On the other hand, cars remain a daily source of pollution for billions of people worldwide. Unlike flights, which are occasional for most individuals, car journeys occur every day, often with only one person in the vehicle. This constant use leads to cumulative emissions that surpass those of aviation. In addition, road traffic contributes not only to greenhouse gases but also to urban air pollution, which directly harms human health.

In my view, both forms of transport are problematic, but cars present a more pressing challenge because of their widespread, habitual use. While reducing flights may benefit the climate in the long term, encouraging people to use public transport, switch to electric vehicles, or cycle to work can have an immediate and visible effect.

In conclusion, although flights produce a large amount of emissions per trip, cars collectively cause greater environmental damage due to their frequency and scale. Governments and individuals alike must take action to mitigate the impact of both.

🔑 Useful Vocabulary

Environmental footprint
Cumulative emissions
Pollutants / greenhouse gases
Amplifying impact
Habitual use
Carbon dioxide per passenger
Mitigate the impact
Pressing challenge

🔗 Linking Words

While / whereas / on the one hand… on the other hand… (contrast)
Furthermore / in addition / moreover (adding points)
Therefore / thus / as a result (cause-effect)
In conclusion / to sum up / overall (closing)

✍️ Guidelines for Writing This Essay

1. Plan (5 minutes)

Brainstorm both sides:
- Flights: higher emissions per trip, upper-atmosphere effects, rising demand.
- Cars: daily use, widespread reliance, urban pollution.
Decide opinion: cars = bigger issue.

2. Structure

Introduction: Paraphrase the question + state both sides.
Body 1: Argument for flights being worse.
Body 2: Argument for cars being worse.
Body 3 (if time/space): Give your opinion clearly.
Conclusion: Summarise and restate position.

3. Topic Sentences

Body 1: “Air travel undeniably produces significant emissions and has a powerful impact on the climate.”
Body 2: “Cars, however, contribute more consistently to environmental damage due to their daily use.”
Opinion: “Although both modes of transport are problematic, I believe cars present a more urgent challenge.”

4. Tips

Use balanced language (not too extreme) to show ability to discuss both views.
Insert specific examples (e.g., per-passenger emissions, urban air quality).
Keep clear paragraphs with linking words to show cohesion.
Leave 2 minutes for proofreading grammar and vocabulary.