Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-19

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 most effective solution is to construct tall apartment buildings. I largely agree with this view because high-rise housing makes efficient use of limited land, although it should be combined with proper urban planning.

The main advantage of building tall apartment blocks is that they can accommodate a large number of people without requiring vast areas of land. Land in major cities is often extremely expensive and limited, so constructing houses horizontally can lead to urban sprawl. By building upwards, governments and developers can provide thousands of homes within a relatively small area. For example, cities such as Singapore have made extensive use of high-rise residential buildings, allowing a large population to live in a relatively compact urban environment. This approach can also reduce the pressure to develop surrounding rural or environmentally sensitive areas.

Another benefit is that high-rise housing can make public infrastructure and services easier to provide. When people live closer together, public transport networks, schools, hospitals and shops can serve a larger population within a smaller geographical area. This can reduce commuting distances and make public services more economically efficient. Furthermore, modern apartment complexes can include facilities such as parking areas, recreational spaces and security services, providing residents with convenient access to essential amenities.

However, tall buildings alone cannot solve every housing problem. Poorly planned high-rise developments may become overcrowded and can create problems such as traffic congestion, insufficient green spaces and pressure on existing infrastructure. Therefore, authorities should ensure that new apartment blocks are accompanied by adequate transport systems, parks and public facilities. A mixture of high-rise buildings and other forms of housing would probably create a more balanced urban environment.

In conclusion, I largely agree that building tall apartment blocks is one of the best ways to provide sufficient housing in large cities. Their ability to accommodate many people while using relatively little land makes them particularly suitable for densely populated areas. Nevertheless, successful implementation depends on careful planning and investment in supporting infrastructure.

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 arguments regarding land efficiency and infrastructure are well-developed and supported by relevant examples, such as the mention of Singapore. You also demonstrate a balanced view by acknowledging the potential drawbacks of high-rise living, which adds depth to your argument. The ideas are logically extended, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes your main points. The response is well-structured and directly answers the 'to what extent' component of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Furthermore', 'However', and 'Therefore', which help guide the reader through your argument. The referencing is clear, and the paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different aspects of the topic. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between the ideas is always easy to follow, meeting the requirements for a high band score in this criterion.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases like 'urban sprawl', 'compact urban environment', and 'economically efficient' show a strong command of topic-specific language. You use less common items with precision, and your word choice is generally accurate throughout the text. While the vocabulary is effective and natural, it could be slightly more sophisticated to reach the highest band, but it is certainly sufficient for a high score. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay exhibits 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 ideas. There are no significant grammatical errors, and the few minor slips that might occur are non-systematic and do not affect the clarity of your writing. Your control over tense and agreement is consistent, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence.

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