Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)

The rapid population growth in metropolitan areas has made housing shortages a critical issue. While constructing high-rise apartment blocks is a highly effective method for maximizing limited urban space, I partially disagree that it is the single best solution, as relying solely on vertical expansion creates severe infrastructure strain without addressing the root cause of urban overpopulation.

Building vertically undeniably solves immediate density challenges. In sprawling megacities where land is prohibitively expensive and scarce, tall apartment blocks allow developers to house hundreds of families on a single geographic footprint. This prevents urban sprawl from encroaching on valuable agricultural land or natural green spaces surrounding the city. For instance, cities with intense spatial constraints, such as Singapore or Mumbai, have successfully utilized towering residential complexes to accommodate their massive workforces, keeping residents relatively close to commercial hubs and centralized public transit networks.

However, declaring high-rises the absolute "best" way ignores the cascading negative effects of hyper-dense living. Packing thousands of residents into a highly concentrated area places immense pressure on local infrastructure, inevitably leading to chronic traffic congestion, overcrowded schools, and overtaxed utility systems. Furthermore, tall buildings often lack accessible communal spaces, which can foster social isolation. A more sustainable, long-term solution involves decentralization—specifically, developing well-connected satellite towns. By creating economic opportunities and affordable, medium-density housing outside the urban core, governments can distribute the population more evenly and reduce the crushing demand on the central city.

In conclusion, while high-rise apartments are an indispensable tool for managing urban populations on restricted land, they are not a standalone cure. True urban sustainability requires balancing vertical construction with the development of decentralized satellite communities to prevent infrastructure collapse and ensure a high quality of life.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses the prompt by taking a clear, nuanced position. You acknowledge the benefits of high-rise buildings while effectively arguing that they are not the 'single best' solution. Your ideas are well-developed, particularly the contrast between the spatial efficiency of vertical construction and the infrastructure strain it creates. The inclusion of specific examples like Singapore and Mumbai adds depth to your argument. The conclusion reinforces your balanced stance, ensuring the response is cohesive and directly answers the 'to what extent' component of the question. The development is logical and consistent throughout the essay.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay demonstrates a logical flow of ideas. Each paragraph has a clear central theme, and the transition between the benefits of high-rises and the drawbacks is smooth, facilitated by effective cohesive devices such as 'However,' 'Furthermore,' and 'In conclusion.' The paragraphing is skillful, with each section serving a distinct purpose in the overall argument. The progression of ideas is natural, moving from the problem to the advantages of the proposed solution, then to the limitations, and finally to a broader, more sustainable alternative. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive usage of linking words.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary. Phrases such as 'prohibitively expensive,' 'cascading negative effects,' 'hyper-dense living,' and 'indispensable tool' are used with precision and natural collocation. You successfully avoid repetition and use academic terminology appropriately to enhance the tone of the essay. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling, and the vocabulary is well-suited to the formal nature of an IELTS Academic Task 2 response. The control over lexical items is consistent and contributes significantly to the clarity of your argument.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay exhibits a wide range of complex grammatical structures, including conditional clauses, participial phrases, and varied sentence lengths. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over punctuation is excellent. You use complex structures to convey nuanced ideas without sacrificing clarity. For instance, the sentence 'By creating economic opportunities and affordable, medium-density housing outside the urban core, governments can distribute the population more evenly...' is grammatically sophisticated and perfectly punctuated. There are no systematic errors, and the few minor slips that might occur are non-existent in this high-quality piece of writing.

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