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)

Many people argue that constructing tall apartment buildings is the most effective solution to the housing shortage in large cities. I strongly agree with this view because high-rise residential buildings make better use of limited land and support sustainable urban development.

One of the main reasons for building tall apartment blocks is that land in major cities is scarce and extremely expensive. As urban populations continue to grow, it becomes impossible to provide enough housing through low-rise homes alone. High-rise buildings allow thousands of people to live within a relatively small area, making efficient use of valuable land. This not only reduces urban sprawl but also helps preserve farmland and green spaces surrounding cities.

Another significant advantage is that apartment complexes can be planned alongside essential infrastructure and public services. Modern residential towers are often located near schools, hospitals, shopping centers, and public transport systems. As a result, residents enjoy easier access to daily necessities while governments can provide utilities such as electricity, water, and waste management more efficiently. In addition, high-density housing encourages the use of public transport, reducing traffic congestion and air pollution.

However, some people believe that tall apartment blocks may create overcrowded living conditions and weaken community relationships. While these concerns are understandable, they can be addressed through careful urban planning. Well-designed buildings with sufficient green spaces, recreational facilities, and safety measures can provide residents with a comfortable and enjoyable living environment.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that constructing tall apartment buildings is the best way to meet the growing housing demand in large cities. When supported by proper planning and modern infrastructure, this approach offers a practical, sustainable, and long-term solution to urban housing challenges.

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. Each paragraph introduces a relevant, well-developed idea, such as land efficiency and infrastructure integration. The counter-argument is acknowledged and effectively refuted, which demonstrates a sophisticated approach to the task. The ideas are extended with logical reasoning and relevant examples, meeting the requirements for a high band score. The response is balanced, focused, and directly answers the question of 'to what extent' you agree.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'As a result', 'In addition', and 'However', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The referencing is clear throughout, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, contributing to a natural flow of information.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic essay. Phrases such as 'urban sprawl', 'essential infrastructure', and 'high-density housing' show an ability to use topic-specific terminology accurately. The language is natural and precise, allowing for a clear expression of your ideas. While the vocabulary is consistently accurate, it could be pushed further into the 'less common' range to reach the highest band, but it is certainly sufficient for a high score. There are no spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and conditional forms. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is excellent. You use a mix of simple and complex forms effectively to convey your arguments. There are no significant grammatical errors, and the few minor slips that might occur are not present here. The sentence structure is varied, which keeps the writing engaging and demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence.

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