Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

Rapid urbanisation has led to an increasing demand for housing in large cities. While some people argue that constructing tall apartment blocks is the best solution, I strongly agree with this view because it uses land efficiently and supports sustainable urban development.

The main advantage of high-rise apartment buildings is that they can accommodate a large number of people in a limited area. As land in major cities is both scarce and expensive, expanding horizontally is neither practical nor environmentally friendly. By building upwards, governments can provide affordable housing without destroying farmland or green spaces. Singapore is a clear example of this approach. Despite its limited land area, the country has successfully housed most of its population in modern apartment complexes, demonstrating that vertical development can effectively solve housing shortages.

Moreover, tall apartment blocks make it easier for governments to provide essential public services. When thousands of residents live in one neighbourhood, schools, hospitals and public transport can be developed more efficiently, reducing travel time and traffic congestion. This also encourages people to use public transport instead of private vehicles, which helps lower air pollution and carbon emissions.

Admittedly, poorly designed apartment buildings may create problems such as overcrowding or limited green spaces. However, these issues can be addressed through careful urban planning, including parks, recreational facilities and reliable infrastructure.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that building tall apartment blocks is the most practical solution to housing shortages in large cities. When supported by proper planning, this approach not only provides sufficient homes but also improves the overall quality of urban life.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the argument regarding land efficiency and the integration of public services. The example of Singapore is relevant and effectively supports your claim. The counter-argument in the fourth paragraph is acknowledged and addressed, which adds depth to your position. Overall, the response is well-focused and provides a logical, persuasive argument that meets all the requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'While', 'Moreover', 'Despite', and 'In conclusion', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between ideas is always clear, making the essay very easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases such as 'rapid urbanisation', 'sustainable urban development', 'horizontally', and 'infrastructure' are used accurately. There is a good level of precision in your word choice, and you avoid repetition. While the vocabulary is solid and fits the topic well, it could be slightly more sophisticated to reach the highest band, but it is certainly sufficient for a high score. There are no spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional-like structures ('When thousands of residents live...') and participial phrases ('...reducing travel time and traffic congestion'). The grammar is highly accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly throughout. You show good control over complex structures, and the occasional minor slips are rare and do not affect the clarity of your message. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a strong command of English grammar.

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