Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-25

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

In some countries, more and more people are becoming interested in finding out about the history of the house or building they live in.

What are the reasons for this?

How can people research this?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 7.5)

In many countries, an increasing number of people are becoming interested in discovering the history of the houses and buildings in which they live. This is mainly because people want to understand the cultural significance of their homes and learn more about previous residents. There are several ways in which this information can be obtained, including examining official records and consulting local sources.

One major reason people investigate the history of their homes is curiosity about the past. Older buildings may have interesting stories associated with previous owners, important events or changes in the surrounding area. Discovering such information can give residents a stronger connection to the place where they live. Another reason is that some people want to determine the historical or architectural value of their property. For example, a person who discovers that their house was built several decades ago by a well-known architect may become more interested in preserving its original features rather than replacing them with modern ones.

There are several effective ways to research the history of a property. One of the most reliable methods is to examine official documents, such as land records, property deeds, planning documents and old maps. Local government offices or historical archives may contain information about when a building was constructed, who owned it and how it has changed over time. In addition, residents can speak to previous owners, neighbours and older members of the local community, who may have personal knowledge of the building's past. Online archives and historical websites can also provide photographs, newspaper articles and other useful information.

In conclusion, people are increasingly interested in the history of their homes because they want to satisfy their curiosity, understand the cultural significance of their property and develop a stronger connection with their surroundings. This information can be researched through official records, local archives, interviews with residents and online historical resources.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses both parts of the prompt: the reasons for the interest in house history and the methods for researching it. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of architectural value and the use of land records. The position is clear throughout, and the structure is logical. The response maintains a consistent focus on the topic, providing a balanced discussion that meets all requirements of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the reasons and the research methods is smooth. Cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'One major reason', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The flow of information is natural and easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The vocabulary is precise and appropriate for an academic context. The student uses a good range of topic-specific terminology, such as 'cultural significance', 'architectural value', 'official documents', and 'historical archives'. The language is natural and demonstrates a good level of flexibility. While the vocabulary is accurate and fits the context well, it could be slightly more sophisticated to reach the highest band, but it is certainly sufficient for a high-level score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a high level of grammatical control. The student uses a variety of complex sentence structures, such as 'A person who discovers that their house was built several decades ago by a well-known architect may become more interested in preserving its original features'. Punctuation is accurate, and there are virtually no errors in grammar or syntax. The majority of sentences are error-free, reflecting a strong command of English grammar suitable for this level.

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