Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-13

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 rapid growth of urban populations has created an urgent need for additional housing in many large cities. Some people argue that the most effective way to accommodate this growing population is to construct tall apartment buildings. While high-rise developments can certainly provide a large number of homes in a relatively small area, I disagree that they are the best solution in every circumstance. A combination of high-density housing and carefully planned urban development is more appropriate.

On the one hand, constructing tall apartment blocks can be an extremely efficient way of addressing housing shortages. Since land in major cities is often scarce and expensive, building vertically allows developers to accommodate thousands of residents without occupying large areas of land. This can also help prevent urban sprawl, whereby cities expand into surrounding farmland and natural areas. Furthermore, high-rise buildings located close to public transport, workplaces and essential services can reduce commuting distances and make urban infrastructure more efficient.

On the other hand, relying excessively on high-rise apartments can create several social and environmental problems. Large concentrations of people in relatively small areas can place considerable pressure on roads, public transport, schools, hospitals and other essential services. In addition, poorly designed apartment complexes may provide limited green space and can contribute to overcrowding and a reduced quality of life. Families with young children, for example, may prefer houses with gardens or access to larger communal areas. Therefore, simply constructing more towers does not necessarily guarantee suitable or affordable housing.

A more effective approach would be to adopt a balanced model of urban planning. Governments could encourage medium- and high-density housing in areas that are well connected to public transport, while also developing affordable housing, green spaces and essential public facilities. In less densely populated areas, low-rise housing could be retained where sufficient land is available. Such a mixed approach would allow cities to accommodate population growth without sacrificing residents' well-being.

In conclusion, although tall apartment blocks are an efficient means of increasing housing capacity in land-scarce cities, I do not believe they are the best solution by themselves. A combination of high-rise and medium-density housing, supported by adequate infrastructure, affordability and green spaces, would provide a more sustainable response to urban housing shortages.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses the prompt by taking a clear position that high-rise buildings are not the sole solution. The argument is well-developed, with the first body paragraph acknowledging the efficiency of vertical construction, while the second paragraph provides a balanced counter-argument regarding social and environmental pressures. The conclusion effectively synthesizes these points into a nuanced recommendation for a mixed-density approach. The ideas are relevant, well-supported, and consistently focused on the prompt throughout the essay.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay demonstrates a logical progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, and the transition between the benefits of high-rise buildings and their drawbacks is smooth. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'Furthermore', and 'Therefore' are used effectively to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct arguments, and the referencing is clear throughout. The flow of the argument is natural and easy to follow, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

The vocabulary is precise and appropriate for an academic context. The student uses a range of topic-specific terminology such as 'urban sprawl', 'high-density housing', 'housing shortages', and 'infrastructure'. The language is natural and demonstrates a good command of collocation. While the vocabulary is consistently accurate and fits the formal tone, it stops just short of the 'skilful use of uncommon items' required for a band 9, but it is well above the level of a band 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'While high-rise developments can certainly provide... I disagree that...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is handled with precision. There is a high level of control over tense and agreement. The writing is fluent, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. The grammatical accuracy is consistent throughout the entire piece.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.