Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-17

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 becoming interested in discovering the history of the house or building where they live. This essay will discuss the main reasons for this growing interest and explain how people can research the background of their property.

There are several reasons why people want to know more about the history of their homes. Firstly, curiosity is an important factor. People may wonder who lived in their house before them, when it was constructed, and how it has changed over the years. This can give them a stronger connection with their home and local community. Secondly, some people are interested in the cultural and historical importance of their property. For example, a house that has existed for many decades may have been connected with important events or belonged to a well-known family. Therefore, discovering its past can make the property more meaningful to its current residents.

There are various ways in which people can investigate the history of their homes. One useful method is to search official records, such as land registers, property documents and local government archives. These sources may provide information about previous owners, the date of construction and changes made to the building. Another method is to speak to older residents in the neighbourhood, who may remember previous owners or important events related to the property. In addition, people can search old newspapers, historical photographs and online databases to find further information. For instance, a homeowner might discover an old photograph of their house in a local library or historical archive.

In conclusion, people are increasingly interested in the history of their homes because of curiosity and a desire to understand their cultural and personal connection with the property. They can research this history through official documents, local residents, newspapers, photographs and online historical resources. These methods can help homeowners develop a deeper understanding of the place in which they live.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by clearly discussing both the reasons why people are interested in the history of their homes and the practical ways they can research this. The position is well-maintained throughout the essay. In the second paragraph, ideas regarding personal curiosity and cultural significance are extended and supported with logical explanations. In the third paragraph, methods such as checking land registers, talking to older residents, and utilizing online databases are explored in sufficient detail. Examples, such as finding an old photograph in a local library, help illustrate the points effectively. The response meets all the requirements of the prompt thoroughly, matching the Band 7 and Band 8 descriptors for task achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with a well-formulated introduction, followed by body paragraphs dedicated separately to the reasons and the research methods, and concluding with a concise summary. Cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'Another method', and 'In addition' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the text. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and effectively. Reference pronouns like 'this' and 'their' refer back clearly to preceding ideas. Although cohesion is sometimes slightly standard rather than wholly subtle, the logical flow is maintained seamlessly, fitting the criteria for a solid Band 7.5.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary that allows for flexibility and precision, such as 'cultural and historical importance', 'official records', 'land registers', and 'historical archive'. Less common lexical items are attempted with a good awareness of style and collocation, such as 'current residents' and 'online databases'. Word choices are generally appropriate, and spelling and word formation are accurate throughout. While the vocabulary does not quite reach the sophisticated control required for Band 8, it comfortably exceeds the Band 6 threshold by showing variety and precise topic-specific terminology, earning a well-deserved Band 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay exhibits a good variety of complex structures alongside simpler sentences. The writer successfully uses relative clauses (e.g., 'who lived in their house before them', 'who may remember previous owners') and conditional or participial structures (e.g., 'a homeowner might discover an old photograph...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. Grammar and punctuation control is strong, with only very occasional minor slips, allowing the reader to navigate the text effortlessly. This level of grammatical range and high accuracy strongly aligns with the Band 8 descriptors.

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