Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-24

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 6.5)

In many large cities, the population is increasing rapidly, and this creates a serious need for many homes. Some people believe that building tall apartment blocks is the best solution. I partly agree with this view because high-rise buildings can save space, but other types of housing are also important.

On the one hand, tall apartment buildings can provide homes for many people in a small area. This is especially useful in large cities where land is limited and expensive. If more people live in apartments, less land is needed for houses. In addition, high-rise buildings can be built near workplaces, schools and public transport, which can reduce travelling time. To cite an example, many people in cities such as Mumbai live in apartment buildings because there is not enough available land for large individual houses. Parks and other open areas can also be protected because less land required for housing.

On the other hand, buildings only tall apartments can create some problems. Large apartments blocks may become overcrowded, and residents may have less private outdoor space. They can also put pressure on roads, public transport, water and electricity systems. Therefore, governments should also consider building smaller houses and developing areas outside the city center. Better planning can provide enough homes without making cities too crowded. Some people, especially families with children, may prefer houses with gardens or access t large open spaces.

To sum up, I believe that tall apartments blocks are an effective way to provide more homes in large cities, particularly where land is limited. However, they should not be the only solution, and a combination of high-rise apartments and other types of housing would be better.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have addressed all parts of the prompt, maintaining a clear position throughout. Your argument is balanced, acknowledging the benefits of high-rise buildings while also highlighting the necessity of alternative housing solutions. The ideas are relevant and supported by logical reasoning, such as the mention of land scarcity in Mumbai and the infrastructure strain caused by high-density living. To reach a higher band, ensure that your supporting examples are slightly more detailed; for instance, you could elaborate on how 'better planning' specifically mitigates the issues you raised. Overall, your response is well-developed and directly answers the question.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. You use cohesive devices effectively, such as 'On the one hand', 'In addition', and 'Therefore', which guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two sides of the debate. The progression of ideas is smooth, and referencing is generally clear. To improve further, try to vary your linking words slightly more to avoid a somewhat mechanical feel, and ensure that the transition between the benefits and drawbacks is even more seamless.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'land is limited and expensive', 'public transport', and 'infrastructure systems' are used correctly. There are some minor issues with word choice, such as 'buildings only tall apartments', which is slightly awkward phrasing. You also have a few minor grammatical slips that affect lexical accuracy, such as 'less land required' (missing 'is'). To move to a higher band, incorporate more sophisticated collocations and less common lexical items related to urban planning and sociology.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most of your sentences are clear, and the meaning is never obscured by errors. However, there are some recurring minor errors, such as 'access t large' (typo) and 'less land required' (missing auxiliary verb). While you show good control, there is a need for a wider variety of complex grammatical structures—such as conditional clauses or passive voice constructions—to demonstrate higher proficiency. The current level of accuracy is good, but the range of structures remains somewhat limited.

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

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