Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-09
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 6.0)
As the population of large cities continues to grow, providing sufficient housing has become an important issue. Some people believe that building tall apartment block is the best solution. I largely agree with this view, because high-rise buildings can provide a larger number of homes, but other housing solutions are also necessary.
On the one hand, tall apartment buildings can provide homes for numerous people. They do not need a lot of land because many families can live in one building. This is useful in big cities where land is really expensive. Also, people can live near their workplaces, schools and shops. This can save time and reduce travelling.
On the other hand, tall buildings also have some disadvantages. Numerous people living in one area can make the place crowded. There can also be more traffic and pollution. Some families, especially those with kids, may prefer to live in houses because they have more space and sometimes a garden. Therefore, cities should also build houses in area outside the city center.
In my opinion, building tall apartment blocks is a good way to solve the housing problem, but it should not be the only solution. Governments should provide both apartments and houses according to people's need.
In conclusion, I believe that building tall apartment blocks is a good way to provide more homes to people. However, governments should also build houses in other areas because not everyone wants to live in a tall building. This can give people more choices and make cities better places to live.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
You have addressed all parts of the prompt by presenting a clear position and supporting it with relevant arguments. Your introduction establishes a balanced view, and the body paragraphs explore both the benefits of high-rise living and the necessity of alternative housing. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited. For instance, while you mention that tall buildings save time and reduce travel, you could have expanded on the environmental or economic implications of urban density to reach a higher band. The position is consistent throughout, but the depth of analysis remains at a functional level rather than a fully developed one.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central focus, and you use basic cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Therefore' to link your points. While the structure is clear, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat repetitive and mechanical. To improve, try to vary your linking phrases and ensure that the transition between the conclusion and the body paragraphs feels more integrated. Referencing is generally clear, and the paragraphing is appropriate for the task.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, allowing you to express your ideas clearly. You use topic-specific terms like 'high-rise buildings', 'urban density', and 'housing solutions'. However, the vocabulary is somewhat basic and lacks the precision or sophistication required for higher bands. Phrases like 'really expensive' and 'good way' are quite generic. To improve, you should aim to incorporate more precise collocations and less common lexical items to demonstrate a wider range of vocabulary and a better awareness of academic style.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this level. Most of your sentences are clear and easy to follow. There are some minor grammatical slips, such as 'building tall apartment block' (should be 'blocks') and 'in area outside' (should be 'in areas outside'). While these errors do not impede communication, they indicate a need for more careful proofreading. To achieve a higher score, focus on increasing the frequency of error-free complex sentences and ensuring consistent subject-verb agreement throughout your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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