Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-29

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 recent years, an increasing number of people have become interested in learning about the history of the house or building in which they live. This trend is driven by several factors, including concerns about safety, curiosity about the past, and the desire to preserve cultural heritage. There are also various ways in which people can research the background of their property.

One of the main reasons people investigate the history of their homes is to ensure that the property is safe and free from hidden problems. Older buildings may have structural issues, previous fire damage, or illegal renovations that could affect their value and safety. In addition, many people are simply curious about the previous owners or significant events connected to their homes. Living in a house with an interesting history can create a stronger emotional connection and a greater sense of belonging. Furthermore, in countries with a rich cultural heritage, residents often wish to preserve historic buildings and understand their importance within the local community.

There are several effective methods for researching the history of a property. One common approach is to examine official records held by local government offices, where information about construction dates, ownership changes, and renovation permits is often available. Another useful source is local libraries and historical archives, which may contain old maps, newspapers, and photographs related to the building. In addition, speaking with long-term residents or former owners can provide valuable personal stories and details that may not appear in official documents. Nowadays, the internet has also made this process much easier, as many public records and historical databases are available online.

In conclusion, people are becoming more interested in the history of their homes because they want to ensure their property's safety, satisfy their curiosity, and appreciate its cultural significance. By using government records, historical archives, online resources, and local knowledge, homeowners can gain a comprehensive understanding of their property's past.

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 the trend and the methods people can use to research property history. In the second paragraph, the student explores reasons such as safety concerns, personal curiosity, and cultural heritage, providing logical explanations for each. The third paragraph outlines practical research methods, including government records, archives, and digital tools. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, demonstrating a clear understanding of the prompt. The response meets all requirements for a Band 8 level in Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, with the introduction outlining the scope, the body paragraphs addressing the two specific prompt questions, and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'One of the main reasons', 'Furthermore', and 'Another useful source' are used naturally and effectively to guide the reader through the text. Paragraphing is managed skilfully, ensuring that ideas are grouped logically and coherently. Cohesion is smooth and unobtrusive, warranting a solid Band 8 score.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suited to an academic discussion. Phrases like 'cultural heritage', 'structural issues', 'historical databases', and 'comprehensive understanding' are used accurately. There is an attempt to use less common items with good awareness of collocation, such as 'emotional connection' and 'official records'. Word choice is generally precise, and spelling is accurate throughout. While it stops just short of the wide, flexible range required for a Band 8 due to some reliance on standard academic phrasing, it comfortably achieves a Band 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The writer employs a wide range of complex sentence structures with a high degree of accuracy. Examples include 'In addition, many people are simply curious about the previous owners or significant events connected to their homes' and 'Nowadays, the internet has also made this process much easier, as many public records and historical databases are available online.' The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout the text. Grammar and syntax show strong control, fully supporting a Band 8 descriptor.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.