Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-14

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 some countries, an increasing number of people are interested in finding out about the history of the house or building where they live. This essay will discuss the main reasons for this trend and explain some ways people can research the history of their homes.

There are several reasons why people want to know about the past of their homes. First, many people are simply curious about the place where they spend a large part of their lives. They may want to know when the building was constructed, who lived there before, or what the area was like in the past. Second, discovering the history of a house can help people feel more connected to their local community. For example, if a house was once owned by an important person or was part of a historical event, residents may feel proud of living there. In addition, some people may want this information before buying or renovating an old property because it can reveal problems or important changes made to the building.

There are several simple ways to research the history of a house. One useful method is to check local government records, such as property documents, old maps and building records. These sources can provide information about previous owners and changes to the property. Another option is to visit a local library or historical society, where people may find old newspapers, photographs and books about the area. People can also speak to older neighbours who have lived in the community for many years. For instance, they may know stories about previous residents that cannot be found in official records. Finally, the internet can be useful because many old documents and photographs are now available online.

In conclusion, people are becoming more interested in the history of their homes because of curiosity, personal connection and practical reasons. By using official records, libraries, local people and online resources, they can learn a great deal about the past of their property.

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 for the growing interest in building histories and the methods people can use to research them. The introduction establishes a clear roadmap, and each body paragraph develops distinct, relevant ideas with logical explanations. For instance, the writer outlines personal curiosity, community connection, and practical renovation needs as motivations, and subsequently details government records, libraries, older neighbours, and internet resources as research avenues. The ideas are extended and supported with appropriate examples, such as checking property documents or speaking to long-term residents. The position is maintained consistently throughout the essay, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the prompt requirements and earning a solid band score for task fulfillment.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression from introduction to conclusion. Paragraphing is used effectively and appropriately, with each main idea housed in its own well-defined paragraph. Cohesive devices such as 'First', 'Second', 'In addition', and 'Finally' are employed to guide the reader smoothly through the writer's arguments. Referencing is clear, and the overall arrangement ensures that the text hangs together logically without intrusive or repetitive elements. While the cohesive mechanisms are somewhat standard rather than sophisticatedly subtle, they are managed exceptionally well and support the clarity of the response throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary for the task, allowing for clear and precise expression. Less common lexical items and collocations are used effectively, such as 'historical event', 'property documents', 'historical society', and 'renovating an old property'. Word choice is generally natural and accurate, though it occasionally relies on standard vocabulary rather than highly sophisticated phrasing. Spelling and word formation are completely accurate throughout the response, ensuring that communication is never hindered and demonstrating a strong command of the lexical demands of academic writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response exhibits a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentences, showing strong overall control of grammar and punctuation. Examples of complex constructions include relative clauses ('who have lived in the community for many years') and conditional or modal structures ('if a house was once owned... residents may feel proud'). The majority of sentences are completely error-free, with only very occasional minor slips that never impede communication. Punctuation is handled correctly to separate clauses and list items. This level of accuracy and structural variety aligns comfortably with the descriptors for a band 8 performance.

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