Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-10

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 assertion that constructing high-rise apartment blocks is the optimal solution to urban housing shortages is widely debated. While vertical development is undeniably necessary in densely populated metropolises, I only partially agree with this statement, as it overlooks critical social and infrastructural dimensions of sustainable urban living.

Admittedly, tall buildings offer a pragmatic response to land scarcity. In cities like Tokyo or Singapore, where horizontal expansion is geographically or economically unfeasible, high-density residential towers maximise limited space and can accommodate thousands within a small footprint. Furthermore, concentrating populations vertically can improve the efficiency of public transport and utility networks, reducing per-capita infrastructure costs and curbing urban sprawl that consumes agricultural land.

However, labeling high-rises as the "best" solution is reductive. Sole reliance on vertical density often exacerbates social isolation, inadequate natural light, and strain on local services such as schools and hospitals. More importantly, housing adequacy encompasses not just quantity but also affordability, community cohesion, and long-term livability. Alternative or complementary strategies - such as adaptive reuse of industrial buildings, incentivising medium-density "missing middle" housing, and reforming zoning laws to allow mixed-use neighbourhoods - can address supply gaps while fostering more resilient communities. Additionally, without robust rent controls and inclusionary zoning, new high-rises frequently cater to investors rather than low- and middle-income residents, worsening inequality.

In conclusion, while tall apartment blocks are a vital component of urban housing strategy, they are insufficient alone. A truly effective approach must integrate diverse housing typologies with equitable policies and holistic urban planning to ensure cities are not only housed but also humane and sustainable.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction, arguing that while high-rise buildings are a pragmatic solution, they are not the 'best' or only solution. Your arguments are well-developed, balancing the benefits of vertical density (e.g., land efficiency in Tokyo/Singapore) against significant drawbacks like social isolation and the need for diverse housing typologies. The ideas are extended with relevant examples and logical reasoning, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of urban planning. The position is consistent throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes your arguments, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the benefits of high-rises and the counter-arguments is handled smoothly using cohesive devices like 'Admittedly' and 'However'. Referencing is precise, and the use of linking phrases such as 'Furthermore' and 'More importantly' ensures the flow of the argument is seamless. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different facets of the debate, and the overall structure is coherent and professional, making the text very easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary. The use of terms such as 'metropolises', 'pragmatic', 'geographically or economically unfeasible', 'reductive', 'adaptive reuse', and 'inclusionary zoning' is precise and contextually appropriate. You show a high level of control over collocation and idiomatic phrasing, which contributes to the natural flow of the essay. There are no noticeable errors in word choice, and the vocabulary is consistently academic and precise, which is indicative of a high-level command of the English language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of complex grammatical structures with high accuracy. You effectively use a variety of sentence types, including conditional structures, participial phrases, and complex compound sentences. Punctuation is used correctly to manage the flow of information. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the few minor slips that might occur are non-systematic and do not impede communication in any way. Your control over tense, aspect, and modal verbs is excellent, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence.

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