Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-23

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 5.5)

In a recent era, the population of a country is increasing day by day and large cities are becoming overcrowded. It is often argued that the most effective way is to construct large apartment blocks. Consequently it will help to accommodate all residents in well planned cities. I strongly agree with this statement because it would bring several benefits not only for individuals but also for society. This essay will explain some reasons to clarify my views.

The primary reason I am in favor of this statement is that it will create numerous advantages. If tall apartments are built, more residents will get homes in a limited area. All neighbours will live nearer and can help each other at the time of need. Moreover, it will enhance the brotherhood in the society and reduce the sense of loneliness. For instance, in well developed cities such as Karachi, there are big apartments where individuals accommodate; usually they come to the city as bachelors to do work, after living in apartments they get new families who care for them and are always available to help them in time of need. As a result, they feel comfortable to live in a strange city and become successful.

Another reason is that it will save the cost of separate watchman for every house, which is necessary for separate homes. It reduces the loneliness and create equality. Beside all these things, it also helps individuals to be relaxed and stress free in sense of maintenance which is provided by the apartment manager. For instance, in bungalows individuals have to do all things by their own but in case of apartment all things are managed by manager of the apartment as the light, water and gas and all other basic needs are well maintained.

In conclusion, I strongly believe that having big apartment blocks benefit both humanity and society. Furthermore it makes the cities well organized and enhances its view.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

You have clearly stated your position and maintained it throughout the essay. The ideas are relevant, focusing on social benefits and maintenance convenience. However, the development of these ideas is somewhat limited. For example, the argument regarding 'brotherhood' and 'loneliness' is a bit repetitive, and the example of Karachi is slightly underdeveloped in terms of how it directly proves that tall blocks are the 'best' way to provide homes. To reach a higher band, you should explore the counter-argument or discuss the environmental/economic efficiency of high-rise living more deeply to provide a more balanced and comprehensive analysis of the prompt.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized into paragraphs, each with a clear central topic. You use cohesive devices such as 'consequently,' 'moreover,' and 'in conclusion' to link ideas. However, some transitions feel a bit mechanical or repetitive. For instance, the phrase 'another reason is that' is a standard way to start a paragraph, but the internal flow within paragraphs could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words. Referencing is generally clear, though some sentences, such as 'Beside all these things,' are slightly awkward and could be better integrated into the preceding text.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'overcrowded,' 'accommodate,' and 'maintenance.' However, there are instances of imprecise word choice and collocation errors. For example, 'in a recent era' is not a natural collocation, and 'do all things by their own' should be 'do everything themselves.' The phrase 'enhances its view' is also slightly vague. To improve, focus on using more precise academic collocations and avoid repeating basic words like 'things' and 'help.' The vocabulary is sufficient to communicate your meaning clearly, but lacks the sophistication required for higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While your meaning is generally clear, there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally distract the reader. Examples include 'the population of a country is increasing day by day' (slightly unnatural phrasing), 'individuals accommodate' (should be 'are accommodated'), and 'separate watchman' (should be plural). Additionally, there are minor punctuation and article errors throughout. While these errors do not impede communication, they indicate a need for more consistent control over complex structures and subject-verb agreement to reach the next band level.

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

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