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)

Rapid urbanization has exacerbated housing shortages in major metropolitan areas, sparking debate over the most effective solutions. While constructing high-rise residential towers is often viewed as the primary method to address this crisis, I only partially agree with this view. Although vertical development maximizes land efficiency, a balanced urban strategy requiring varied housing models and improved infrastructure is necessary to ensure sustainable living standards.

On the one hand, high-rise apartment complexes offer an efficient response to severe land scarcity in densely populated cities. By expanding vertically rather than horizontally, high-rises accommodate thousands of residents on a relatively small footprint. This density makes public utilities and transportation networks vastly more cost-effective to deploy, as infrastructure does not need to stretch across vast geographic distances. Cities like Singapore and Tokyo demonstrate how high-density tower blocks can successfully house millions while preventing urban sprawl and preserving adjacent natural green spaces.

On the other hand, relying exclusively on tall apartment buildings creates significant social, architectural, and financial drawbacks. High-rise construction requires specialized engineering, premium materials, and heavy ongoing maintenance, which frequently drives up housing costs rather than making homes affordable for low-income residents. Furthermore, dense high-rise developments can put immense strain on local services, causing severe traffic congestion and overwhelming public utilities if not carefully integrated. Socially, high-rise living often fosters isolation, offering fewer communal areas compared to traditional mid-rise or mixed-use neighborhoods.

To effectively solve the housing shortage, municipalities should adopt a multifaceted urban planning model. Developing medium-density housing such as townhouses and four-to-six-story apartment buildings provides a sustainable balance between land efficiency and liveability. Additionally, investing in high-speed public transit to link suburban satellite towns with city centers enables governments to distribute populations more evenly, alleviating the pressure on central urban cores without forcing high-density vertical living on everyone.

In conclusion, while high-rise apartment blocks play a vital role in optimizing land use in overcrowded cities, they are not a standalone solution. A comprehensive strategy that combines vertical construction with medium-density housing and regional infrastructure development is far more effective in delivering sufficient, liveable homes.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have taken a clear position from the introduction, arguing for a balanced approach rather than relying solely on high-rise buildings. Your ideas are well-developed, with the first body paragraph explaining the benefits of density and the second providing a nuanced critique regarding cost, social isolation, and infrastructure strain. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your argument. The response is well-structured and provides relevant examples, such as Singapore and Tokyo, to support your claims. The development is logical and consistent throughout the essay, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the benefits of high-rise living and the drawbacks is handled smoothly using cohesive devices like 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. You use a variety of linking words and phrases such as 'Furthermore', 'Additionally', and 'In conclusion' to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used effectively, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the argument. The flow of ideas is natural and coherent, making the text easy to follow from start to finish.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary. Phrases such as 'exacerbated housing shortages', 'land scarcity', 'urban sprawl', and 'multifaceted urban planning model' are used accurately and in the correct context. The language is precise and shows a good awareness of collocation and academic style. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling, and the vocabulary is used with flexibility to convey complex ideas effectively. This level of lexical control is indicative of a high-scoring response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses ('While constructing high-rise residential towers is often viewed as...', 'Although vertical development maximizes land efficiency...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense is excellent. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication. The use of varied sentence lengths and structures contributes to a fluent and professional tone throughout the piece, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

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