Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-30

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 the population of large cities continues to grow, providing sufficient housing has become a major challenge. Some people believe that constructing tall apartment blocks is the best solution to this problem. I partly agree with this view because high-rise buildings can accommodate a large number of people in limited areas, but I believe that they should be combined with other housing solutions.

One major advantage of building tall apartment blocks is that they make efficient use of limited land. In large cities, land is often expensive and available space is restricted. Constructing upwards allows governments and private developers to provide hundreds of homes without using large areas of land. This can also help reduce urban sprawl, as people can live closer to city centres rather than moving to distant suburbs. For example, cities such as Singapore have developed many high-rise residential areas to accommodate their growing populations while making efficient use of limited land.

However, relying entirely on high-rise apartments can create several problems. Large apartment buildings may become overcrowded, and residents may have limited access to private outdoor spaces. In addition, if housing developments are poorly planned, they can place considerable pressure on public transport, schools, hospitals and other essential services. For instance, a large residential complex built without adequate transport links could increase traffic congestion and make commuting more difficult for residents. Therefore, cities should also consider other forms of housing, such as medium-rise buildings, affordable housing projects and well-planned suburban communities.

In conclusion, I agree that tall apartment blocks are an effective way of providing housing in densely populated cities because they save land and accommodate many people. Nevertheless, I do not believe they are the best solution on their own. A combination of high-rise and other types of housing, supported by adequate infrastructure, would be a more sustainable approach.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction, acknowledging the benefits of high-rise buildings while arguing for a balanced approach. The ideas are well-developed, with the first body paragraph focusing on land efficiency and urban sprawl, and the second addressing the potential drawbacks like infrastructure strain and lack of private space. The use of the Singapore example is relevant and supports your argument effectively. Your position remains consistent throughout the essay, and the conclusion provides a clear summary of your balanced view, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the advantages and disadvantages is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'However,' 'In addition,' and 'Therefore.' The use of referencing is accurate, and the paragraphing is logical and sufficient. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between ideas is easy to follow. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, which demonstrates a high level of control over the structure of the argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic task. Phrases such as 'urban sprawl,' 'densely populated,' 'essential services,' and 'sustainable approach' show a strong command of topic-specific language. The word choice is generally precise, and there are no significant errors in collocation or spelling. While the vocabulary is effective and clear, incorporating a few more sophisticated or less common lexical items could elevate the response further. Overall, the range is sufficient to convey your ideas with precision and flexibility.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'As the population of large cities continues to grow...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is excellent. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. You use a variety of verb tenses and modal verbs correctly to express your opinions and hypothetical scenarios. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of accuracy throughout the text.

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