Band 9 model answer
Aviation is one of the fastest-growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions, and some argue that heavier taxation is needed to curb its environmental toll. While I sympathise with the goal, I only partly agree that taxing air travel more heavily is the right approach.
There is a persuasive environmental case for such a tax. Flying generates a disproportionate amount of carbon dioxide per passenger, and the artificially low cost of many flights encourages people to fly far more than they otherwise would. By raising fares, taxation would discourage unnecessary journeys and prompt travellers to consider greener alternatives such as trains, while the revenue raised could fund research into cleaner aviation technology and environmental projects. In principle, this applies the polluter-pays principle in a logical way.
However, the policy has significant shortcomings. Higher taxes would fall hardest on ordinary families and those on modest incomes, for whom an occasional holiday is a rare luxury, while the wealthy would simply continue to fly regardless. Air travel is also indispensable to the economies of many countries that depend on tourism and international trade, and a sharp rise in costs could damage livelihoods. Crucially, taxation alone does little to address the underlying problem if cleaner technology is not developed in parallel.
For these reasons, I believe a more balanced response is preferable, combining modest, fairly targeted taxes with substantial investment in sustainable fuels and high-speed rail.
In conclusion, while I accept that taxing air travel could help reduce emissions, I only partly agree with the proposal, since on its own it risks being unfair and insufficient without complementary measures.
Examiner’s notes
- Establishes a precise, qualified position (partial agreement) and defends it consistently to the conclusion.
- Considers fairness and economic impact as well as the environment, giving the argument genuine depth.
- Employs topical, accurate vocabulary: greenhouse gas emissions, polluter-pays principle, sustainable fuels, disproportionate.