Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-11

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 7.0)

In the modern world, rapid population growth and highly crowded cities cause housing shortages, and people must decide what type of residence would be more suitable to alleviate this problem. Some people believe that tall apartment blocks would be the best way to provide enough homes in large cities. Although tall apartments can cause inconvenience and concern, I agree that they will remain the best option for several reasons.

On the one hand, living in an apartment offers a restricted space and inconvenience compared to single private houses. The Conditions such as a connection between all apartments and an absence of private courtyards will result in less private and noisier life. As a result, people who prefer solitude and peaceful environments may choose single private houses. Moreover, the higher the apartment, the more dangerous it is in the case of natural disasters and unexpected accidents. Tall blocks are often vulnerable and the chance of successfully evacuating is low compared to single private houses.

On the other hand, single houses are less environmentally friendly and less effective way to provide a homes for all people. Building small private houses will cover more space which results in reduced wildlife habitats, creating environmental problems. Large and crowded cities often lack space for such houses and this option is often unavailable. In addition, as apartments are more affordable compared to single private houses, they will place less financial pressure on individuals to purchase a residence.

In my opinion, accurately planned and high quality tall apartment blocks could create convenient environment while providing all people with enough homes. Building large amounts of single private houses will demand more resources and space, which is less adequate option.

In conclusion, I agree that the best way to provide enough homes in large cities is to build tall apartment blocks, as preserving resources is essential and high quality apartments will create a convenient and safe environment.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, maintaining a clear position throughout. You have provided relevant arguments for both sides of the issue, acknowledging the drawbacks of high-rise living while effectively supporting your stance that they are the most viable solution for urban housing shortages. The ideas are extended with logical reasoning, such as the environmental impact of urban sprawl versus the efficiency of vertical housing. To reach a higher band, ensure that your supporting examples are more specific; for instance, mentioning a particular city or a specific type of urban planning initiative would add depth to your arguments.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. You use cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'Moreover', and 'In addition' to guide the reader through your arguments. However, the flow between some sentences is slightly mechanical. For example, the transition between the discussion of natural disasters and the environmental argument could be smoother. Paragraphing is used appropriately, and each paragraph has a clear central topic. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of linking phrases and ensuring that referencing (e.g., 'this option') is always unambiguous.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey your ideas clearly. Phrases like 'alleviate this problem', 'urban sprawl' (implied), and 'financial pressure' are used effectively. There are some minor issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'The Conditions such as a connection between all apartments', which is slightly awkward. Additionally, 'a homes' is a grammatical error that affects lexical precision. To move into the higher bands, try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations and less common lexical items related to urban development, such as 'high-density housing' or 'sustainable infrastructure'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this level. There are several grammatical slips, such as 'provide a homes' (article error), 'less effective way to provide a homes' (missing preposition/article), and 'create convenient environment' (missing article). While these errors are noticeable, they do not impede communication. Your control of punctuation is generally good, but ensure that you check for subject-verb agreement and article usage during your final review. Increasing the frequency of error-free complex sentences will help you achieve a higher score in this criterion.

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

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