Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-19

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)

There are two main reasons why people are drawn to discovering the background of their residential buildings. First and foremost, humans possess a natural desire for historical connection and a sense of belonging. Learning about who built a house, who lived there previously, and what events occurred within its walls allows modern residents to feel deeply connected to the past, transforming a sterile structure into a meaningful home. Secondly, financial and architectural preservation motives play a crucial role. Homeowners often need to understand a building's original design, materials, and historical modifications to execute accurate structural restorations. Additionally, discovering that a house has a rich heritage or was designed by a prominent historical architect can significantly enhance its market value.To uncover this information, individuals can utilize several reliable research channels. The most official method is accessing public archives and local government records. Registries of deeds, historical tax assessments, and census data can provide a comprehensive paper trail detailing a building's past owners, accurate construction dates, and original building blueprints. Furthermore, modern technology has vastly simplified this process through digital mapping tools and digitized newspaper archives, allowing residents to easily search historical headlines or town records connected to their specific address. Finally, a more localized approach involves engaging with local historical societies or interviewing elderly neighbors, who often possess invaluable oral histories and old photographs that official public documents might lack.In conclusion, the rising fascination with property history stems from a combination of emotional curiosity and practical financial or architectural value. By utilizing official government archives, digital research databases, and community oral histories, modern residents can easily piece together the unique story of their homes.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by clearly identifying two main reasons for researching building history—emotional connection and financial or architectural preservation—and explaining multiple methods for conducting such research, including archives, digital tools, and oral histories. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant explanations and examples, such as registries of deeds and historical societies. The writer maintains a clear focus throughout, ensuring all aspects of the prompt are thoroughly explored. There are no omissions or under-developed sections, and the explanation flows naturally from reasons to research methods. This meets the criteria for Band 8.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a very clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information and ideas are structured effectively across well-managed paragraphs, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs dedicated to reasons and research methods respectively, and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used flexibly and appropriately, such as 'First and foremost', 'Secondly', 'Furthermore', and 'Finally', which guide the reader smoothly through the text. Referencing and substitution are managed well, avoiding repetition while maintaining clarity. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately. This performance aligns comfortably with Band 8 descriptors.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The writer uses a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic task. Less common lexical items are used skillfully and with good awareness of collocation, such as 'sterile structure', 'prominent historical architect', 'comprehensive paper trail', and 'invaluable oral histories'. Word choice is generally precise, and there are only occasional minor inaccuracies. Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout the essay. The lexical resource displayed easily supports fluency and precision, matching the Band 8 criteria.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response exhibits a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, and complex constructions—such as participial phrases ('transforming a sterile structure into a meaningful home') and relative clauses—are handled with strong control. Punctuation is accurate, and punctuation errors are virtually non-existent. There are only very occasional minor slips, which do not impede communication in any way. This level of grammatical control and variety is indicative of a solid Band 8.

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