Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-29

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)

As urban populations continue to grow, many major cities are struggling to provide adequate housing for their residents. While some people believe that constructing tall apartment blocks is the most effective way to address this problem, I largely agree with this view. Nevertheless, high-rise development should form part of a broader and carefully planned urban housing strategy.

The principal advantage of high-rise accommodation is its efficient use of scarce land. In densely populated metropolitan areas, horizontal expansion is often neither practical nor affordable because land is limited and extremely expensive. By building vertically, governments and developers can accommodate a far greater number of people within the same geographical area. This approach can also help prevent uncontrolled urban sprawl, thereby protecting agricultural land and natural environments surrounding cities.

Moreover, concentrating large numbers of residents in well-designed apartment complexes can make the provision of public services more efficient. For instance, densely populated neighbourhoods can support reliable public transport networks, schools, healthcare facilities and commercial services within relatively short distances. Consequently, residents may become less dependent on private vehicles, which could alleviate traffic congestion and reduce environmental pollution. In this sense, vertical housing can contribute not only to solving housing shortages but also to creating more sustainable cities.

However, the construction of tall buildings should not be regarded as a universal solution. Poorly planned high-rise developments can lead to overcrowding, inadequate access to green spaces and a diminished sense of community. In addition, some families and elderly people may find apartment living unsuitable due to limited space or restricted access to outdoor areas. Therefore, urban planners must ensure that high-density housing is accompanied by parks, community facilities, sufficient infrastructure and high construction standards.

In conclusion, I strongly agree that tall apartment blocks represent one of the most practical solutions to housing shortages in large cities, particularly where land is scarce. However, their success depends on thoughtful planning and should be combined with other forms of housing to create cities that are not only densely populated but also healthy, liveable and sustainable.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The arguments regarding land efficiency and the integration of public services are well-developed and supported with logical reasoning. You also demonstrate a balanced approach by acknowledging the potential drawbacks of high-rise living, such as overcrowding and the need for green spaces, which adds depth to your argument. The conclusion effectively synthesises your main points and reinforces your stance. The ideas are relevant and clearly linked to the prompt, demonstrating a high level of task response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, starting with the benefits of vertical expansion, moving to the efficiency of public services, and finally addressing the necessary caveats. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Moreover', 'Consequently', 'In this sense', and 'However', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is skilful, and the transition between the advantages and the limitations of high-rise buildings is smooth. The logical flow is consistent throughout the entire piece.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases such as 'horizontal expansion', 'uncontrolled urban sprawl', 'metropolitan areas', and 'diminished sense of community' are sophisticated and contextually appropriate. The word choices are natural and contribute to a formal, academic tone. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is sufficiently varied to express complex ideas clearly. The control over lexical items is strong, reflecting a high level of proficiency.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You successfully use complex sentence forms, such as conditional clauses ('if...'), relative clauses, and participial phrases ('thereby protecting...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly to manage the flow of information. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The control over tense, aspect, and sentence structure is consistent, and the writing is fluent and professional throughout.

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