Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-07-31

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

The best way to provide enough homes in large cities is to build tall apartment blocks.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 8.5)

It is often argued that constructing tall apartment buildings is the most effective solution to the housing shortage in large cities. I mostly agree with this view because high-rise buildings can accommodate more people while making better use of limited urban land. However, I also believe that this approach should be combined with careful urban planning.

One major advantage of building tall apartment blocks is that they allow a large number of families to live in a relatively small area. As cities continue to grow, vacant land becomes increasingly scarce and expensive. By developing vertically rather than horizontally, governments can provide housing for more residents without expanding into farmland or green spaces. This not only helps meet the growing demand for homes but also protects the natural environment surrounding cities.

Another benefit is that apartment buildings are usually located close to workplaces, schools, hospitals, and public transport. As a result, residents spend less time commuting and can enjoy easier access to essential services. This can improve their quality of life while reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. For example, cities such as Singapore have successfully used high-rise residential developments to accommodate a dense population while maintaining efficient public transport and modern facilities.

Despite these advantages, relying entirely on apartment blocks may create certain problems. If too many people are concentrated in one area without sufficient infrastructure, issues such as overcrowding, noise, and pressure on public services may arise. Furthermore, some families prefer detached houses with private gardens, especially those with young children. Therefore, city planners should ensure that high-rise developments are supported by parks, recreational areas, schools, healthcare facilities, and reliable transport systems.

In conclusion, I agree that tall apartment buildings are one of the best ways to solve housing shortages in large cities because they maximise land use and provide homes for a growing population. Nevertheless, they should be part of a broader urban planning strategy that ensures comfortable and sustainable living conditions.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The arguments are well-developed, particularly the points regarding land efficiency and the necessity of supporting infrastructure. You provide a balanced view by acknowledging potential drawbacks like overcrowding and the preference for detached housing, which adds depth to your argument. The use of Singapore as a specific example effectively supports your claims. The ideas are relevant and logically extended, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, starting with the benefits of vertical development and moving to the necessary conditions for success. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'As a result,' 'Furthermore,' and 'Nevertheless,' which help the reader follow your argument without difficulty. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points. The flow between sentences is smooth, and the overall structure is coherent, making the essay easy to read and follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases like 'vacant land becomes increasingly scarce,' 'developing vertically rather than horizontally,' and 'sustainable living conditions' show a strong command of topic-specific language. While the vocabulary is accurate and natural, it could be slightly more sophisticated to reach the highest band. However, you use collocations well and avoid repetitive language, which ensures that the message is conveyed with precision and clarity throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and conditional clauses. Your control over punctuation and sentence construction is excellent, with the majority of sentences being error-free. You successfully use a mix of simple and complex forms to convey your ideas. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the tone is consistently formal and appropriate for an IELTS Academic Task 2 response. The accuracy is high, reflecting a strong grasp of English grammar.

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