Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-03

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 6.5)

Architected balanced essay stance with structured reasoning and examples

Architected balanced essay stance with structured reasoning and examples

Sample Essay

Rapid urbanisation has forced city planners to reconsider how housing needs can be met without expanding city boundaries indefinitely. In my view, constructing high-rise apartment buildings is indeed one of the most effective solutions, though it is not without drawbacks that must be carefully managed.

The primary advantage of tall apartment blocks is their efficient use of limited land. As cities grow, available space becomes increasingly scarce and expensive, making horizontal expansion impractical. By building vertically, planners can house far more residents within the same footprint. Hong Kong and Singapore are excellent examples of this approach: both are land-constrained territories that have accommodated dense populations largely through high-rise residential towers, while still preserving green spaces and avoiding uncontrolled urban sprawl into surrounding countryside.

Furthermore, concentrating housing vertically allows for more efficient infrastructure. Utilities such as water, electricity, and public transport can serve a larger number of people per unit area, reducing per-capita costs and environmental impact. Compact cities also tend to reduce commuting distances, which can ease traffic congestion and lower carbon emissions compared to sprawling, low-density suburbs that require residents to travel long distances by car.

However, tall apartment blocks are not without significant disadvantages. High-density living can lead to reduced privacy, overcrowding, and a weaker sense of community, as residents often have limited interaction with neighbours compared to those in traditional low-rise neighbourhoods. Additionally, poorly designed or overcrowded tower blocks, such as some social housing projects built in the mid-twentieth century in cities like London and Paris, later became associated with social problems including crime and isolation. This suggests that building tall alone is not sufficient; thoughtful design, adequate green space, and community facilities are equally essential.

In conclusion, while I largely agree that tall apartment buildings are a practical and necessary solution for housing shortages in large cities, their success depends heavily on quality design and supporting infrastructure rather than height alone.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

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 contrast between the efficiency of high-rise living and the potential social drawbacks. You provided relevant, specific examples such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and historical social housing projects in London and Paris, which effectively support your claims. The conclusion synthesises your position well, acknowledging the necessity of tall buildings while qualifying the importance of design. This is a balanced and thoughtful response that meets all requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving from the benefits of land efficiency to infrastructure advantages, then to the counter-arguments regarding social issues. Cohesive devices are used effectively and naturally, such as 'Furthermore', 'Additionally', and 'In conclusion', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the text. There is a consistent flow of information, and the relationship between ideas is always clear, demonstrating a high level of control over the structure of the essay.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is well-suited to the academic nature of the task. Phrases such as 'land-constrained territories', 'horizontal expansion', 'per-capita costs', and 'urban sprawl' are used accurately and naturally. You show an ability to use less common lexical items with precision, which enhances the sophistication of your writing. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is consistently appropriate for the context. This level of lexical control is indicative of a high-scoring response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures with a high degree of accuracy. You successfully use complex sentences, such as 'As cities grow, available space becomes increasingly scarce and expensive, making horizontal expansion impractical.' Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and you show good control over both simple and complex forms. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a strong command of English grammar, which is consistent with the requirements for a high band score.

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