Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-15

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)

The rapid growth of urban populations has created a serious shortage of housing in many large cities. Some people argue that the best solution is to construct tall apartment blocks. I largely agree with this view because high-rise buildings can accommodate large numbers of people while using limited land, although they should be developed alongside other housing solutions.

The main advantage of tall apartment buildings is that they make efficient use of land. Large cities often have limited space, and constructing houses with gardens requires considerable areas of land. In contrast, a single high-rise building can provide homes for hundreds of families on a relatively small plot. This can help governments and private developers provide affordable housing for a growing population. For example, cities such as Singapore have successfully used high-rise residential buildings to accommodate a large urban population despite having limited land.

Another benefit is that high-density housing can make public services more efficient. When many residents live in the same area, it becomes easier to provide public transport, schools, shops and healthcare facilities. Moreover, concentrating housing within existing urban areas can reduce the need for cities to expand into surrounding farmland or natural areas. This can help control urban sprawl and reduce commuting distances.

However, building tall apartment blocks is not a perfect solution. If poorly planned, high-rise developments can lead to overcrowding, traffic congestion and a lack of green spaces. Some residents may also find apartment living less comfortable than living in houses with private outdoor areas. Therefore, simply constructing more towers will not solve the housing problem unless cities also invest in parks, transport infrastructure and essential public services.

In conclusion, I agree that tall apartment blocks are one of the most effective ways to provide sufficient housing in large cities, particularly where land is scarce. Nevertheless, they should be carefully planned and combined with other forms of housing and urban development to create healthy and sustainable cities.

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 arguments regarding land efficiency and the provision of public services. The inclusion of the Singapore example provides relevant support for your position. You also demonstrate a balanced approach by acknowledging the potential drawbacks of high-rise living, which adds depth to your argument. The conclusion effectively synthesises your main points and reinforces your stance, meeting all requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the benefits and the limitations of high-rise buildings is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In contrast', 'Moreover', 'However', and 'Nevertheless', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the response. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, and the referencing is consistently clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases such as 'urban populations', 'efficient use of land', 'urban sprawl', and 'sustainable cities' show a good command of topic-specific language. The word choices are precise and natural, contributing to the overall fluency of the essay. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation, and you successfully use less common items to express your ideas with clarity and sophistication. The vocabulary is well-suited to the task and enhances the quality of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and conditional structures. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is excellent. You use a mix of simple and complex forms effectively to convey your arguments. There are no noticeable grammatical errors that impede communication or cause confusion. The accuracy is high, and the sentence variety keeps the writing engaging and professional. You have demonstrated a strong command of English grammar throughout the entire response.

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