Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-06
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 5.5)
Due to the centralization of various facilities in urban areas, the majority of people are shifting towards cities. Because of the concentration of people in some city areas, it has become difficult to find spaces for housing. One of the best possible solutions is to build tall apartment blocks where a large number of people can be accommodated in small spaces. And I completely agree with the aforementioned statement.
The increasing population of the world has become the major contemporary issue. City areas have become heavily populated, whereas only a few people live in the villages. For instance, in the context of Nepal, adult people migrate to the city in search of good opportunities for education, jobs, etc., and only elderly people live in the village area. In this situation, the best way to manage a large population is to build tall apartment blocks.
One of the major reasons is that apartment blocks offer a variety of facilities within a small space. Facilities like terrace farming, a swimming pool, and a gym area are incorporated in the apartment where a large number of people can participate, which will ultimately save space. Although tall buildings are prone to earthquakes, the skyscraper has become popular in recent days. One of the best examples of successful management of population using tall apartment blocks is Dubai.
In conclusion, apartment blocks can be game-changing in providing home in large cities. Because various facilities are available in one area, it can accommodate a large number of people.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response addresses the prompt by taking a clear position in favor of tall apartment blocks. The ideas are relevant, such as space efficiency and the inclusion of amenities. However, the development is somewhat limited. For instance, the mention of 'terrace farming' and 'swimming pools' as a primary justification for tall buildings is a bit superficial and does not fully explore the socio-economic or urban planning implications of high-density living. While the example of Dubai is relevant, it is not sufficiently explained to strengthen the argument. To reach a higher band, you should expand on your supporting points with more depth and analysis rather than listing features.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The progression of ideas is generally clear, moving from the problem of urbanization to the proposed solution. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally repetitive. For example, the transition 'In this situation' and 'One of the major reasons' are standard but could be varied. Additionally, the final paragraph is quite brief and lacks a strong concluding statement that synthesizes the main points effectively. Improving the variety of linking words would enhance the flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'centralization,' 'accommodated,' and 'contemporary issue.' There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'the skyscraper has become popular,' where 'skyscrapers' (plural) would be more appropriate. You also use 'provide home' instead of 'provide homes' or 'housing.' While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey your meaning clearly, it lacks the precision and sophistication required for higher bands. Attempting to use more specific collocations related to urban planning would improve your score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'adult people migrate' (redundant) and 'the skyscraper has become popular' (article/number agreement). You also have some issues with pluralization, such as 'provide home' instead of 'housing' or 'homes.' While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles, and try to incorporate a wider variety of complex sentence forms with greater accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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