IELTS Writing Task 2 with sample answer.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
A long distance flight consumes as much fuel as a car consumes in several years time, and causes the same amount of pollution as cars. So some people think we should abandon non essential flights (such as for tourism), and it is more efficient than restricting the car.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer:
Environmental pollution is the most pressing problem of the planet right now. In many circles, it is argued that the long distance flight exhausts the same amount of fuel as compared to a car in several years time. That is why, they blame flights and suggest that it is a good way to control pollution is to discard non-essential flights, for example tour flights rather than limiting cars. While their comparison is quite right, but I do not think the solution is pragmatic. If it is about controlling pollution, then we have better solutions rather than restricting non-essential flights.
Both transport types, airplane and car, consume fossil fuels. When fossil fuels are burnt, they emit nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere. This airborne nitrogen causes harms to environment. However, there are several ways to curb the environmental pollution. I think sustainable alternative jet fuels could help quell the pollution. Their use could lessen the emission of nitrogen into the atmosphere that contributes to global warming. We have to develop alternative fuels in order to address the environmental issues. Take ALFA-BIRD for an example. It is investigating new approaches and new alternative fuels for aircraft.
However, the suggestion of discarding flights, such as for tourism, does not sound pragmatic at all regarding economy and development. This is because the trade and commerce has expanded throughout the world and it is interlinked beyond the geographical boundary due to globalization. As a result, the frequency of flights is increasing considerably that boosts the economy. So, abandoning or restricting flights mean shrinking economy. Again, tourism is not a luxury now. In the contemporary society, people are working astonishingly more hours than ever before. So, they are exhausted terribly and they need tour to recharge themselves. In addition to this, tourism provides a big boost to the GDP (Gross Domestic Production) and also creates employment opportunity to a great extent. Thus, tourism is a handy tool to calm the curse of poverty.
To reiterate, we cannot cut off our head due to headache. Likewise, we cannot reduce the amount of flights or cars in order to tackle environmental pollution. History evidences that it is human being who always devise new approaches to meet challenges. I believe that we indeed will be able to develop alternative jet fuels. Therefore, there is no need to make an impractical step like abandoning non-essential flights.