Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-18

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)

In today's rapidly evolving urban landscape, providing adequate housing in large cities has become a subject of considerable debate. Some people firmly contend that constructing tall apartment blocks is the most effective way to accommodate growing urban populations. I largely agree with this view because high-rise housing not only makes efficient use of limited land but also enables governments to provide homes for a greater number of people within existing urban areas.

First and foremost, constructing tall residential buildings allows cities to accommodate a large population without occupying excessive amounts of land. As urban centres become increasingly crowded, horizontal expansion can result in the loss of green spaces and agricultural land. By building upwards, authorities can provide considerably more housing within a relatively small area, thereby making urban development more efficient. Furthermore, high-rise buildings can be located near employment centres and public transportation, reducing the need for long daily commutes. A pertinent example can be observed in cities such as Singapore, where high-density residential buildings accommodate large numbers of residents while preserving valuable land for parks, roads and other public facilities. Consequently, this approach appears both pragmatic and beneficial.

Another compelling reason for supporting high-rise housing is that it can make the provision of essential infrastructure more efficient. When large numbers of residents live within concentrated areas, governments can provide public transportation, electricity, water and waste-management services more economically. Moreover, apartment buildings can include facilities such as childcare centres, gyms and communal spaces, improving residents' overall quality of life. For instance, a well-planned high-rise development can house hundreds of families while providing convenient access to schools, public transit and shopping facilities within the same neighbourhood. Therefore, this model can contribute to more sustainable urban development.

To conclude, I firmly agree that building tall apartment blocks is an effective way to provide sufficient housing in large cities because it not only maximises limited land but also facilitates the efficient delivery of essential public services. Ultimately, adopting a balanced yet forward-looking approach would produce the most beneficial outcomes for urban communities.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

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, with logical arguments regarding land efficiency and infrastructure provision. The use of Singapore as a specific example effectively supports your claim. The response is well-structured and directly answers the 'to what extent' question by providing a balanced yet firm argument. The ideas are extended and supported with relevant reasoning, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the ideas flow smoothly from one to the next. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'First and foremost', 'Furthermore', 'Consequently', and 'Another compelling reason'. The paragraphing is logical, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The referencing is precise, and the relationship between ideas is always clear, making the text very easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You have used a wide range of vocabulary with precision and natural control. Phrases such as 'rapidly evolving urban landscape', 'horizontal expansion', 'pragmatic and beneficial', and 'sustainable urban development' demonstrate a sophisticated command of language. The word choice is consistently appropriate for an academic context, and there are no noticeable errors in collocation or spelling. The vocabulary is varied and contributes significantly to the overall quality of the argument.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and varied sentence beginnings. The majority of sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is excellent. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex forms to convey your ideas clearly. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the overall accuracy is very high, reflecting a strong command of English grammar.

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