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)

In recent years, there has been considerable debate over whether high-rise apartment buildings are the best solution to the shortage of housing in large cities. While I agree that constructing tall residential buildings can provide accommodation for a large number of people, I believe that it should be combined with other approaches to meet the diverse housing needs of urban populations.

One major advantage of building high-rise apartments is that they make efficient use of limited land. Large cities often have rapidly growing populations, while the amount of available land for residential development is restricted. By constructing buildings with many floors, a relatively small area can accommodate thousands of residents. This can also help prevent excessive urban sprawl, as people can live closer to city centres and essential facilities. For example, high-rise developments located near public transport networks can provide housing for a large number of families while reducing the need for long daily commutes.

However, relying entirely on tall apartment blocks can create several problems. High-density housing may lead to overcrowding and place considerable pressure on public infrastructure, including roads, schools, hospitals and sewage systems. Furthermore, not everyone prefers living in a high-rise building, particularly families who require larger living spaces or access to private outdoor areas. Therefore, governments should also consider other forms of housing, such as low-rise residential developments and well-planned suburban communities. A combination of different housing types would allow cities to accommodate population growth while maintaining a reasonable quality of life.

In conclusion, I largely agree that high-rise apartment blocks are an effective way to address housing shortages in major cities because they maximise the use of limited land and accommodate large populations. Nevertheless, they should not be regarded as the sole solution, and a balanced approach involving different types of residential development is more likely to meet the long-term needs of urban residents.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly stated your position in the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with the first body paragraph focusing on the benefits of high-rise buildings (land efficiency and urban sprawl reduction) and the second paragraph providing a balanced counter-perspective regarding infrastructure pressure and lifestyle preferences. The arguments are logical, relevant, and supported by clear explanations. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your position, confirming that while high-rise buildings are a key solution, they are not the only one. This meets the criteria for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the benefits and the drawbacks is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices like 'However' and 'Furthermore'. The use of referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is used effectively to separate distinct points. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between ideas is always clear, which is characteristic of a high-level response.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is used with precision. Phrases such as 'considerable debate', 'efficient use of limited land', 'excessive urban sprawl', and 'public infrastructure' show a strong command of topic-specific language. The word choices are natural and contribute to the academic tone of the essay. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is sophisticated enough to convey your arguments effectively.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You successfully use complex sentences, such as 'While I agree that constructing tall residential buildings can provide accommodation for a large number of people, I believe that it should be combined with other approaches'. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and the majority of your sentences are error-free. The control over verb tenses and modal verbs is consistent, ensuring that the meaning is always clear and professional.

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

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