Air traffic

IELTS Writing Task 2 with model answer

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic

Air traffic is increasingly leading to more noise, pollution, and airport construction. One
reason for this is the growth in low-cost passenger flights, often to holiday destinations.
Some people say that government should try to reduce air traffic by taxing it more heavily.
Do you agree or disagree?

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer:

Growth in budget airlines catering mostly to tourist destinations has fueled air traffic in recent
times. Paradoxically, air traffic volume has also contributed to noise pollution and unplanned
development. A section of society is concerned about the negative influence of growing air
traffic and suggests regulations through heavy taxation. I believe such a step is a move in the
wrong direction and strongly disagree with such opinion.Over the course of this essay I will
provide reasons for such disagreement.

On the contrary, heavy taxes will cause a rise in airfare and provide a death blow to budget
airlines. This in turn will hurt local businesses and economy. First of all, aviation industry fuelled
by growth of budget airlines has energised hospitality and tourism industry. Due to reduced
airfare, more tourists travel to holiday destinations than ever before. This in turn has rejuvenated
local economy as more high paying jobs get created in hospitality industry. For example, with
more budget airlines flying to Bagdogra airport, economy of Sikkim has got a shot in the arm
with arrival of record number of tourists.Secondly, increase in air traffic volume has necessitated
either expansion of existing infrastructure or construction of new airports. Also new roads,
flyovers have been built to improve connectivity. Consequently local economy has greatly
benefitted from upgraded infrastructure. If budget airlines were to increase fare due to high taxes,
tourist influx will reduce pushing local economy into recession.

Instead smart urban planning is the need of the hour to control air traffic volume. New airports
should be built outside the city limits with restrictions for residential development in and around
new airports. For existing airports inside city limits, restriction on flight movement during late
night and early morning will help to reduce air and noise pollution to a certain extent.

Having considered a range of arguments, I have drawn the conclusion that aviation industry
plays a vital role in boosting local economy and heavy taxation on airlines will deal a death blow
to economy and jobs. Smart urban planning can control air and noise pollution to a great extent
without hindering growth.

Total Words: 351

Task Achievement: 9

Coherence & Cohesion: 9

Lexical resources: 8

Grammar: 8

Overall Score: Band 8.5