Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

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

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 showing an interest in discovering the history of the house or building in which they live. This trend can be attributed to several factors, including curiosity about the past and a desire to understand the heritage of a particular place. In my view, although researching a property's history can be time-consuming, it is a worthwhile activity because it strengthens people's connection with their surroundings and helps preserve local heritage.

One major reason why people investigate the history of their homes is simple curiosity. A building that appears ordinary may have a fascinating past, having been constructed by a notable architect, occupied by previous generations, or played a role in significant local events. With the growing availability of online archives, digital libraries and public records, such information has also become considerably easier to access. In addition, some homeowners may want to know whether their property has undergone major structural changes or belonged to a particular historical period. For these people, researching the past is not merely an academic exercise but a way of gaining a deeper understanding of the place they call home.

Another important factor is the growing interest in cultural and architectural heritage. As cities expand and older buildings are increasingly replaced by modern developments, people may become more conscious of the importance of preserving historical structures. Learning about the origins of a house can therefore encourage residents to appreciate its architectural features and protect elements that might otherwise be neglected or destroyed. Furthermore, discovering that a property has a connection with a notable person or historical event can give residents a stronger sense of identity and belonging to their local community.

There are, however, some practical difficulties associated with this type of research. Historical records may be incomplete, difficult to access, or written in outdated forms of language. In some cases, homeowners may also have to spend considerable time consulting libraries, government archives or previous owners to piece together reliable information. Nevertheless, these challenges are becoming less significant as digitisation makes historical documents increasingly accessible.

In conclusion, people's growing interest in the history of their homes is largely driven by curiosity and an increasing appreciation of cultural heritage. Despite the effort required to uncover such information, researching the past of a property can provide valuable knowledge, strengthen people's connection with their communities, and contribute to the preservation of local history.

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 they use to research it. The introduction establishes a clear position, which is sustained throughout the essay. The reasons provided, such as personal curiosity and cultural heritage, are well-developed and supported with relevant explanations and examples. Furthermore, the inclusion of a dedicated paragraph discussing practical difficulties adds depth and balance to the discussion, fitting comfortably within the Band 8 descriptor.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

Ideas are logically sequenced and flow smoothly from one paragraph to the next. The essay employs cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Furthermore', 'In addition', and 'Nevertheless', which guide the reader effortlessly through the argument. Paragraphing is used logically and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central theme, ranging from reasons for curiosity to research methods and associated challenges. The progression of ideas is clear and natural, warranting a solid Band 8 rating.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The vocabulary used is wide, fluent, and flexible, demonstrating a strong command of academic language. The student successfully incorporates less common lexical items and collocations with precision, such as 'notable architect', 'cultural and architectural heritage', and 'digitisation makes historical documents increasingly accessible'. Word choice is generally natural and accurate, with only rare instances of minor collocation slips. This range and control align well with the Band 8 descriptor.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of complex grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly. Sentences such as 'A building that appears ordinary may have a fascinating past, having been constructed by a notable architect...' demonstrate a high level of syntactic variety and control. The majority of sentences are completely error-free, with only very occasional, non-systematic slips that never impede communication. Punctuation is handled with precision throughout, easily securing a Band 8 score.

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