Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-31
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)
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
In rapidly expanding urban areas, severe housing shortages pose a significant challenge. While high-rise apartment buildings offer a practical response to urban density, relying on them as the sole or best solution is overly simplistic. High-density residential towers play a crucial role, but sustainable urban development requires a combination of vertical living, suburban expansion, and improved public transit infrastructure.
On the one hand, high-rise apartment blocks are effective at maximizing land efficiency in densely populated city centers. Land in metropolitan areas is notoriously scarce and expensive. By expanding vertically rather than horizontally, developers can house thousands of residents within a small footprint. This high concentration of residents optimizes the use of existing public utilities, reduces individual commute times, and supports local businesses within walking distance. For instance, cities like Tokyo and Singapore have successfully mitigated space limitations by constructing modern residential towers integrated with transit hubs.
On the other hand, relying exclusively on tall apartments introduces significant urban planning challenges. Construction and maintenance costs for high-rise buildings are exceptionally high, often making these units unaffordable for middle- and low-income families. Furthermore, excessive high-density construction can strain existing municipal infrastructure, leading to severe traffic congestion, overcrowded public facilities, and a reduced quality of life due to the lack of green spaces. Alternative strategies, such as developing satellite towns connected by high-speed rail or incentivizing mid-rise multi-family housing, offer more balanced and affordable alternatives without overconcentrating population density in a single area.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The response fully addresses the prompt by taking a clear position that high-rise buildings are a practical but insufficient solution. The argument is well-developed, with the first body paragraph acknowledging the benefits of land efficiency and the second paragraph providing a balanced counter-argument regarding costs and infrastructure strain. The ideas are extended with relevant examples, such as Tokyo and Singapore, and the conclusion synthesizes the argument effectively. The response maintains a consistent focus on the prompt throughout, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of the complexities involved in urban planning.
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 benefits and drawbacks is smooth, facilitated by effective cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. Referencing is clear, and the use of linking phrases like 'Furthermore' and 'For instance' helps guide the reader through the argument. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the response, making the essay easy to follow from start to finish.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
The vocabulary is precise and appropriate for an academic context. The student uses a wide range of topic-specific terminology, such as 'urban density', 'metropolitan areas', 'mitigated space limitations', and 'municipal infrastructure'. The control of word choice is sophisticated, and there are no noticeable errors in collocation or spelling. The use of less common items is natural and adds depth to the argument, demonstrating a high level of lexical flexibility that is well-suited to the task requirements.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The essay demonstrates a wide range of complex sentence structures, including conditional-like reasoning and subordinate clauses. The grammar is highly accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly to manage the flow of information. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication, and the control over verb tenses and subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout the text. The writing style is formal and polished, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence.
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