Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

in recent years, rapid urbanization has led to an increasing demand for housing in large cities. Some people believe that constructing tall apartment blocks is the most effective way to provide enough accommodation for growing populations. Although high-rise buildings can be useful in certain situations, I largely disagree with this view because they often reduce living quality, and alternative housing solutions can also be developed.

On the one hand, apartment buildings offer several advantages. In densely populated cities where land is limited, high-rise buildings allow a large number of people to live in a relatively small area. They can also be more economical because essential services such as electricity, water supply and public transport can be provided more efficiently. For example, many major cities around the world use apartment complexes to accommodate thousands of residents close to workplaces and commercial centres.

However, I believe that relying mainly on tall apartment blocks is not the best approach. Large houses generally provide more privacy, outdoor space and a healthier living environment. Families living in houses often have gardens where children can play safely and where residents can enjoy fresh air and natural sunlight. In addition, larger homes may offer facilities such as private parking areas and the possibility of installing solar panels. From my own experience of living in an apartment in Karachi, I have noticed that outdoor space and direct sunlight are often limited compared with detached houses.

Furthermore, governments should adopt broader urban planning strategies rather than depending entirely on high-rise construction. Developing suburban areas, improving public transportation and creating well-planned residential communities can reduce pressure on city centres while maintaining a good quality of life for residents.

In conclusion, although tall apartment blocks can help solve housing shortages in crowded cities, I do not believe they are the best or only solution. In my opinion, a balanced approach that includes different types of housing and effective urban planning is more beneficial for both individuals and society.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses all parts of the task and maintains a clear, consistent position throughout. You have provided a balanced argument by acknowledging the benefits of high-rise buildings before presenting your counter-argument. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the comparison between apartment living and detached houses, which adds depth to your response. To reach a band 8 or 9, you could further extend your argument by discussing the economic or social implications of urban sprawl versus high-density living in more detail, but your current level of development is sufficient for a strong score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the progression of ideas is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'On the one hand', 'However', 'In addition', and 'Furthermore', which guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate, and referencing is clear throughout the text. The flow of information is natural, and the structure supports the overall argument without any mechanical or repetitive transitions.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'rapid urbanization', 'densely populated', 'urban planning strategies', and 'housing shortages' are used accurately. There is a good awareness of collocation, and your word choice is generally natural. While the vocabulary is effective and appropriate for the task, it lacks some of the more sophisticated or idiomatic expressions that would characterize a band 8 or 9 response. However, there are no errors in word choice that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

You use a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as the conditional-like structure in your conclusion and the use of subordinate clauses throughout the body paragraphs. The grammar is generally accurate, with very few errors. Punctuation is used correctly, and the sentence construction is varied. The majority of your sentences are error-free, showing good control over complex structures. To improve further, ensure that you maintain consistent subject-verb agreement and check for minor slips in article usage, though your current control is quite strong.

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

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