Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-04

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)

It is undeniable that home is a necessity for every person. In this regard, it is widely debated that the most effective way to accommodate people in large cities is by building apartment blocks. While houses remain suitable for certain families and offer more privacy, I agree with this view, because apartment buildings use land more efficiently and make public services more accessible.

To begin with, detached houses with private gardens offer several advantages. One of the main benefits is that having a private garden allows parents to engage their young children in outdoor activities such as gardening and playing hide-and-seek. Children growing up in such an environment are more likely to develop healthy habits. Moreover, houses provide a greater level of privacy. Since homeowners do not share walls or common areas with neighbors, they are less likely to be disturbed by noise and can enjoy a quieter, more peaceful lifestyle.

However, due to rapid population growth in recent decades, many countries have experienced housing shortages. Therefore, I believe that building upwards is a more practical solution, as it enables cities to accommodate a large number of people in a relatively small area. High-rise residential buildings provide housing for thousands of residents, while also preserving land for parks, schools and commercial areas. Furthermore, apartments are mainly located close to public transport, workplaces and shopping malls. This makes daily life more convenient while also reducing commuting time. In addition, apartment residents often have access to shared facilities such as gyms and playgrounds, which significantly improve their quality of life.

In conclusion, despite the benefits houses offer, constructing high-rise apartment buildings is the most effective way to maximize land use, as they accommodate more people in a relatively small area and improve daily life by providing access to numerous facilities.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it throughout the essay. The arguments are well-developed, particularly the points regarding land efficiency and the accessibility of public services. You provide a balanced view by acknowledging the benefits of detached houses before refuting them with stronger arguments for high-rise living. The ideas are relevant and logically extended, meeting the requirements for a Band 8.0. To reach a Band 9, ensure that every point is supported by even more specific, illustrative examples or deeper analysis of the long-term societal implications of urban planning.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the counter-argument and your own position is handled smoothly using the connector 'However'. You use a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'To begin with', 'Moreover', and 'In addition'. The paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to the overall flow of the argument. The referencing is clear throughout, and the structure is coherent, making the essay very easy to follow. This demonstrates a high level of control over the logical flow of the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic essay. Phrases like 'rapid population growth', 'housing shortages', and 'maximize land use' are used accurately and naturally. You avoid repetition and show an ability to use topic-specific terminology. While the vocabulary is precise and fits the context well, it occasionally leans towards standard academic collocations rather than more sophisticated or uncommon lexical items. To improve, you could incorporate more nuanced academic vocabulary to elevate the tone further, though the current range is sufficient for a solid Band 7.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional and concessive clauses (e.g., 'While houses remain suitable...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and grammar is strong. There are no significant errors that impede communication. You successfully combine simple and complex structures to create a natural rhythm. To achieve a higher band, ensure that you consistently use a wider variety of advanced grammatical structures, such as inversion or more complex passive constructions, while maintaining the high level of accuracy you have already demonstrated.

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

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