Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-22

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 8.5)

It is often argued that constructing high-rise residential buildings is the most effective method to address housing shortages in major metropolitan areas. While I agree that vertical expansion significantly maximizes limited urban space, I disagree that it is the single best approach, as affordability concerns and the benefits of decentralized urban planning must also be considered.

On the one hand, high-rise apartment complexes offer an efficient solution to land scarcity. Large cities frequently face severe geographical and spatial constraints, making horizontal expansion impractical or environmentally damaging. By building upward, developers can accommodate thousands of residents on a minimal land footprint. This vertical density also optimizes public infrastructure, as utilities, sewage systems, and mass transit networks can be concentrated efficiently around central hubs. Singapore and Hong Kong serve as prime examples, where extensive high-rise developments have successfully housed millions within highly confined territories without excessive encroachment on natural reserves.

On the other hand, relying exclusively on tall towers presents serious socioeconomic and logistical drawbacks. High-rise construction requires advanced engineering, specialized materials, and substantial capital investment, which often results in expensive maintenance fees and high property prices rather than affordable housing for low- and middle-income families. Furthermore, hyper-dense towers can place immense pressure on local amenities, such as schools, healthcare centers, and roads, leading to severe localized congestion.

Instead of treating high-rises as a universal remedy, city planners should adopt a multi-faceted strategy. Medium-density housing, such as four- to six-story apartment blocks, often achieves comparable population density at significantly lower construction costs while fostering stronger neighborhood communities. Additionally, investing in high-speed regional transit allows governments to establish thriving satellite towns, thereby dispersing housing demand away from overpressured city centers.

In conclusion, while tall apartment blocks are a practical and necessary tool for maximizing scarce urban land, they should not be viewed as the sole or superior solution. A balanced combination of selective vertical density, medium-rise construction, and regional decentralization represents a far more sustainable path to solving urban housing crises

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction, arguing that while high-rise buildings are efficient, they are not the 'single best' approach. This position is maintained consistently throughout the essay. You provide well-developed arguments for both sides, citing specific examples like Singapore and Hong Kong to support the benefits of vertical density, while also providing a nuanced counter-argument regarding socioeconomic drawbacks and infrastructure pressure. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your points and offers a balanced alternative, demonstrating a high level of task fulfillment.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the benefits of high-rises and their drawbacks is smooth, facilitated by effective cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' and 'Instead of.' Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct arguments. The flow of information is natural, and referencing is precise, ensuring the reader can easily follow your line of reasoning from the introduction to the final conclusion.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary, which is used with precision and natural control. Phrases such as 'vertical expansion,' 'geographical and spatial constraints,' 'minimal land footprint,' and 'multi-faceted strategy' show a high level of lexical flexibility. You successfully incorporate topic-specific terminology without forcing it, which enhances the academic tone of the essay. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is consistently appropriate for the context of urban planning.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of complex grammatical structures, including conditional clauses, participial phrases, and varied sentence lengths. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is excellent. You use complex structures to convey nuanced ideas, such as 'While I agree that vertical expansion significantly maximizes limited urban space, I disagree that it is the single best approach.' There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the overall accuracy is very high, reflecting a strong command of English syntax.

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