Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-07

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 8.0)

The rapid growth of urbanization has made housing shortages a critical issue in major cities worldwide. While some argue that constructing high rise residential buildings is the most effective solution to this crisis, others believe alternative strategies are necessary. In my view, although tall apartment blocks are vital for maximizing urban space, they should not be considered the sole solution, as a balanced approach is required.

On the one hand, building tall apartment blocks offers undeniable advantages for spatial and economic efficiency. In densely populated metropolises where land is scarce and expensive, building vertically is the most logical way to accommodate growing populations. High density housing allows thousands of residents to live within a compact area, which helps curb urban sprawl and preserves surrounding natural landscapes. Furthermore, vertical living optimizes public infrastructure delivery, such as electricity, water, and public transportation networks.

On the other hand, relying exclusively on tall apartment blocks presents significant drawbacks. High-rise living can negatively impact residents' quality of life and social well-being by reducing the sense of community compared to low rise neighborhoods. Additionally, massive vertical complexes place intense localized strain on existing infrastructure, leading to traffic congestion and overcrowded public transport unless thoroughly planned. Alternative solutions, such as urban regeneration and promoting medium density housing like row houses, can address housing shortages effectively without creating social alienation.

In conclusion, while constructing tall apartment blocks is a powerful tool for tackling urban housing shortages and saving land, it should not be viewed as the ultimate solution. A successful housing strategy must combine vertical developments with medium-density housing and smart city planning to ensure sustainable urban environments.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses the prompt by clearly stating a position in the introduction and maintaining it throughout the essay. You have provided a balanced argument, acknowledging the benefits of high-rise buildings while also presenting valid counter-arguments regarding social well-being and infrastructure strain. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant reasoning, such as the mention of 'urban sprawl' and 'social alienation'. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your position, suggesting a multi-faceted approach. The response is well-structured and directly answers the 'to what extent' question by arguing for a balanced strategy rather than a single solution.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the benefits and drawbacks is smooth, using appropriate cohesive markers like 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Furthermore'. The use of referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is logical and effective. The flow of ideas is natural, and the relationship between sentences is clearly established, making the argument easy to follow from start to finish. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of cohesive devices.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You have used a wide range of vocabulary with precision and natural control. Phrases such as 'rapid growth of urbanization', 'spatial and economic efficiency', 'densely populated metropolises', and 'urban regeneration' demonstrate a sophisticated command of the language. The vocabulary is consistently appropriate for an academic context and contributes to the clarity and authority of your argument. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the range of vocabulary is sufficient to express complex ideas fluently.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and varied clause types. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over punctuation and syntax is excellent. For instance, the use of conditional and concessive clauses (e.g., 'While some argue...', 'unless thoroughly planned') is handled accurately. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of grammatical accuracy, consistent with the requirements for a high band score.

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