Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

Living spaces in developed cities show a sharp contrast to the well planned larger and spacious houses that are otherwise seen in less congested cities and towns. With growing migration of individuals to cities, independent homes have now been replaced with tall buildings with multiple floors. It is debatable as to whether this trend is an effective way to manage the growing demand.

Houses are safe space where one rests, rejuvenates and grows physically and mentally, there is a personal factor that contributes to this argument. Therefore, I only partially believe that apartments are the best solution in large cities.

An apartment does work well to accommodate large sections of population within a restricted piece of land. Gated apartment complexes provide a community to the newcomer in the city. Basic amenities such a drinking water, garbage collection, house maintenance are largely taken care of by established group of members in these complexes. There is indeed more land conserved by this manner. Such complexes also have common gym areas, parks and swimming pools. This can lead to further development of new schools, hospitals and offices in these localities, then forming a hub. However, with growing concerns of water scarcity and with buildings reaching to much greater heights, it creates problems in terms of water availability. Similarly apartments take away ones flexibility to expand their living space further without buying or renting elsewhere. If there is a new addition to the family, suddenly the apartment space may not be adequate for all.

Independent or smaller homes with only a few floors can be possible alternatives for individuals who are more inclined to living and expanding their spaces and prefer more privacy. Independent houses gives the individuals the freedom to design their space according to their preferences.

Such smaller buildings can allow for more room for gardens or convert a small portion to run business or small shops.

While apartments to do provide several benefits, there are a few downsides which maybe deal break for others. Hence in order to effectively manage growing population it maybe wise to build apartments mindfully while maintaining other options for individuals with different set of requirements. Designing cities while maintain an optimal balance between these different living spaces might be the best solution.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses the prompt by discussing the merits and drawbacks of tall apartment blocks. You maintain a clear position throughout, advocating for a balanced approach rather than a singular solution. The ideas are relevant, such as the mention of community amenities and land conservation versus water scarcity and lack of flexibility. However, the development of these points is somewhat brief. To reach a higher band, you could provide more specific examples or deeper analysis of how these factors impact urban planning. The introduction is a bit wordy, and the conclusion could more explicitly summarise the main arguments to reinforce your position.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central focus, moving from the benefits of apartments to the drawbacks and then to alternative housing solutions. You use some cohesive devices like 'However', 'Similarly', and 'Therefore' to link your thoughts. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the flow between sentences could be smoother. For instance, the transition between the benefits of gated communities and the issue of water scarcity is a bit abrupt. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that referencing is consistently clear would enhance the overall coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey your ideas clearly. Phrases like 'sharp contrast', 'accommodate large sections of population', and 'optimal balance' are used effectively. There are some minor inaccuracies in collocation and word choice, such as 'deal break' (should be 'deal-breaker') and 'buildings reaching to much greater heights' (should be 'reaching much greater heights'). While you attempt some less common vocabulary, the range is adequate rather than wide. To improve, focus on using more precise academic collocations and ensuring that word forms are used correctly in context.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures throughout the essay. There are several error-free sentences, which is positive. However, there are persistent minor errors in grammar and punctuation, such as 'Houses are safe space' (should be 'safe spaces'), 'Basic amenities such a drinking water' (should be 'such as'), and 'Independent houses gives' (should be 'give'). Additionally, some sentences are slightly clunky, such as 'This can lead to further development... then forming a hub.' Increasing the variety of complex structures while ensuring higher accuracy in subject-verb agreement and article usage will help you achieve a higher score.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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