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)

Rapid urbanisation and exponential population growth in metropolitan areas have sparked significant debate regarding how to effectively address the housing shortage. While some argue that constructing high-rise residential buildings is the ultimate solution, others contend that this approach creates more problems than it solves. In my view, although tall apartment blocks are necessary to maximise limited space, they should be complemented by alternative urban planning strategies to ensure long-term liveability.

On the one hand, high-rise buildings offer undeniable advantages in densely populated cities where land is scarce and exorbitantly expensive. By building upwards rather than outwards, city planners can accommodate a massive number of residents within a relatively small footprint. This vertical density optimizes land use and prevents urban sprawl, which otherwise destroys surrounding natural habitats and agricultural green belts. Furthermore, tall apartment complexes make the provision of centralised infrastructure—such as public transport networks, water supply, and waste management—far more efficient and cost-effective than sprawling suburban developments.

On the other hand, relying exclusively on skyscrapers introduces severe social and environmental drawbacks. Living in towering blocks can often foster a sense of isolation and detach residents from nature and local communities, which negatively impacts psychological well-being. High concentrations of high-rises can also create wind tunnels, cast long shadows over neighboring streets, and drastically increase local energy demands for elevators and climate control.

In conclusion, while building tall apartment blocks is an indispensable tool for tackling housing deficits in major cities, it should not be viewed as the sole solution. A balanced approach that combines high-density vertical housing with medium-rise developments, green spaces, and robust public infrastructure is essential for creating sustainable and liveable urban environments.

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, arguing that while high-rise buildings are necessary, they must be part of a broader urban planning strategy. The ideas are well-developed, with the first body paragraph focusing on the efficiency of vertical density and the second highlighting the social and environmental drawbacks. The arguments are logical and supported by relevant examples, such as the mention of wind tunnels and infrastructure efficiency. The conclusion effectively synthesises your position, ensuring the response is balanced and comprehensive.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised 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 like 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. The use of linking words such as 'Furthermore', 'although', and 'In conclusion' is natural and helps guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate distinct points, and referencing is clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases such as 'exponential population growth', 'exorbitantly expensive', 'vertical density', and 'urban sprawl' show a high level of lexical control. You successfully incorporate less common items that are appropriate for an academic context. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary contributes significantly to the clarity and sophistication of your argument.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response displays a wide range of complex structures used with high accuracy. You effectively use subordinate clauses ('While some argue...', 'although tall apartment blocks are necessary...') and varied sentence lengths to maintain flow. The grammar is consistently accurate, with no significant errors in tense, agreement, or punctuation. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over complex structures is consistent throughout the essay, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

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