Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-28

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 8.0)

The assertion that constructing high-rise apartment blocks is the optimal solution to urban housing shortages is widely debated. While vertical development is undeniably necessary in densely populated metropolises, I only partially agree with this statement, as it overlooks critical social and infrastructural dimensions of sustainable urban living.

Admittedly, tall buildings offer a pragmatic response to land scarcity. In cities like Tokyo or Singapore, where horizontal expansion is geographically or economically unfeasible, high-density residential towers maximise limited space and can accommodate thousands within a small footprint. Furthermore, concentrating populations vertically can improve the efficiency of public transport and utility networks, reducing per-capita infrastructure costs and curbing urban sprawl that consumes agricultural land.

However, labeling high-rises as the "best" solution is reductive. Sole reliance on vertical density often exacerbates social isolation, inadequate natural light, and strain on local services such as schools and hospitals. More importantly, housing adequacy encompasses not just quantity but also affordability, community cohesion, and long-term livability. Alternative or complementary strategies - such as adaptive reuse of industrial buildings, incentivising medium-density "missing middle" housing, and reforming zoning laws to allow mixed-use neighbourhoods - can address supply gaps while fostering more resilient communities. Additionally, without robust rent controls and inclusionary zoning, new high-rises frequently cater to investors rather than low- and middle-income residents, worsening inequality.

In conclusion, while tall apartment blocks are a vital component of urban housing strategy, they are insufficient alone. A truly effective approach must integrate diverse housing typologies with equitable policies and holistic urban planning to ensure cities are not only housed but also humane and sustainable.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position ('I only partially agree') and maintained it throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, providing a balanced view by acknowledging the benefits of vertical development in cities like Tokyo or Singapore while effectively countering with the social and infrastructural limitations. The argument is logical and supported by relevant examples, such as the mention of 'missing middle' housing and the risks of investor-driven development. The response is well-focused and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the complexities involved in urban planning.

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. You have used a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Admittedly,' 'Furthermore,' 'However,' and 'In conclusion,' which guide the reader through your argument without being mechanical. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points, and the referencing is clear throughout. The flow of the essay is natural and professional.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary. The use of terms like 'metropolises,' 'pragmatic response,' 'land scarcity,' 'urban sprawl,' 'adaptive reuse,' and 'inclusionary zoning' shows a high level of lexical control and precision. The collocations are natural and appropriate for an academic context. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling, and the vocabulary is used with flexibility to express nuanced ideas about urban development.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of complex grammatical structures with high accuracy. You effectively use subordinate clauses, passive constructions, and varied sentence lengths to maintain interest and clarity. For instance, the sentence 'While vertical development is undeniably necessary in densely populated metropolises, I only partially agree with this statement...' is a well-constructed complex sentence. Punctuation is used correctly to enhance readability. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over tense and agreement is excellent throughout the text.

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