Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-13

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 7.0)

In some countries, an increasing number of people are interested in discovering the history of the house or building in which they live. This is mainly because of people’s curiosity about the past and their desire to understand the condition and value of their property. There are several reliable ways in which this information can be obtained.

One major reason for this growing interest is simple curiosity. People may want to know who lived in their house previously, when it was constructed, and whether any interesting events took place there. Discovering that a home was once occupied by a notable person, for example, could give residents a stronger sense of connection with their property and the local community. Another reason is that historical information can have practical value. If a building is particularly old, its owners may wish to discover how it was constructed, what materials were used and whether previous owners made major structural changes. This information can be useful when planning renovations or assessing the safety of the property.

There are various ways to research the history of a building. First, people can consult official records held by local authorities, land registries or municipal offices. Such documents may provide information about previous owners, the date of construction and planning or renovation work. Second, local libraries and historical societies may have old maps, photographs, newspapers and other records that can reveal how a property and its surrounding area have changed over time. Finally, speaking to long-term residents and previous owners can be particularly useful, as they may know stories and details that are not recorded in official documents. The internet can also help people locate digitised archives and historical information more quickly.

In conclusion, people are increasingly interested in the history of their homes because they are curious about the past and want useful information about their property. Official records, libraries, local residents and online archives can all provide valuable evidence for this kind of research.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by clearly explaining both the reasons behind people's interest in the history of their homes and the methods used to research this. The position is well-developed from the introduction through to the conclusion. In the second paragraph, the student explores the concepts of curiosity and practical value, providing relevant examples such as discovering a notable previous occupant or planning structural renovations. The third paragraph outlines concrete research methods, including official records, local libraries, and speaking with long-term residents. The ideas are extended and supported effectively throughout the essay, demonstrating a clear understanding of the prompt requirements. This meets the criteria for a high band score under Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay displays a very clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction sets up the discussion, the second paragraph details the reasons, the third outlines the research methods, and the final paragraph provides a concise summary. Cohesive devices are used effectively and flexibly, such as 'One major reason', 'Another reason', 'First', 'Second', and 'Finally', which guide the reader smoothly through the arguments. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, and referencing throughout the text remains clear, ensuring that the relationships between ideas are always easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary for the task, with good attempts at less common lexical items such as 'notable person', 'structural changes', 'official records', and 'digitised archives'. Word choice and collocation are generally accurate, allowing the writer to convey precise meanings when discussing practical value and historical research. While there are no major errors in spelling or word formation, the vocabulary relies occasionally on standard descriptive terms rather than demonstrating the wide, flexible range characteristic of a Band 8 or 9. Nevertheless, the lexical resource is well controlled and fully adequate for clear communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response exhibits a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as conditional and relative clauses ('whether any interesting events took place there', 'If a building is particularly old, its owners may wish to discover...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, showing good overall control of grammar and punctuation. While there are a few minor structural patterns, the control demonstrated allows for smooth and accurate communication. There are no persistent grammatical errors that impede the reader's understanding, reflecting a solid command of English grammar appropriate for a high intermediate to advanced level.

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