Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-12

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)

Building tall apartments is the best way to provide more houses to people in large cities. I partly agree with the given notion for several reasons and benefits of this trend.

On the one hand, due to nuclear family culture and a growing population, it has become a requirement to construct vertical buildings. This is because these buildings can accommodate more people in less space. Since land is limited and expensive in large cities, building upwards is a practical way to provide more homes without occupying large amounts of land. In developed cities, the population rate is usually higher than in rural areas due to several job opportunities, better facilities such as hospitals and education; as a result, tall buildings are the best option to offer housing.

On the other hand, it is not the only solution, as some families prefer detached houses and low-rise houses. Several families, particularly those with children, prefer detached houses because they offer more space and privacy. Additionally, people who suffer from acrophobia choose to live in horizontal buildings rather than vertical ones, as they feel more comfortable and relaxed. While living in low-rise houses, they do not have to rely on elevators, and during power failures or emergencies, accessing their homes can become difficult. This is particularly problematic for elderly people, children, and people with mobility issues.

To conclude, I believe constructing tall buildings is an effective way to provide sufficient housing in large cities because they can accommodate more people and better use of urban space. However, this should not be the only solution, as people may prefer other types of houses and high-rise buildings can have certain disadvantages. Therefore, a combination of different housing types would be the most practical approach.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, clearly stating a 'partly agree' position. The arguments are relevant and well-supported, particularly the discussion on land scarcity versus the preference for detached housing. The ideas are extended logically, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the points made. To reach a higher band, the student could provide more specific examples or data to illustrate the 'job opportunities' or 'better facilities' mentioned, which would add depth to the analysis. Overall, the response is well-focused and maintains a consistent position throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two sides of the argument. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Additionally', and 'To conclude' are used effectively to guide the reader. The progression of ideas is smooth, and referencing is clear throughout the text. The essay demonstrates a good command of organizational features, making it easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary is sufficient for the task and allows for clear expression. The student uses relevant topic-specific terms like 'vertical buildings', 'detached houses', 'acrophobia', and 'mobility issues'. While the range is adequate, it lacks the more sophisticated or idiomatic collocations that would characterize a higher band. There are no significant errors in word choice or spelling that impede communication. To improve, the student should aim to incorporate more precise academic vocabulary to enhance the nuance of their arguments.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are grammatically accurate, and punctuation is generally correct. There are occasional minor slips, such as 'better use of urban space' in the conclusion, which lacks a verb (e.g., 'they allow for better use'). However, these errors are infrequent and do not cause any difficulty for the reader. The control over complex structures is solid, and the overall grammatical accuracy is high enough to support clear communication.

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

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