Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-01

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 6.5)

As city populations grow, finding enough housing is a major challenge. The statement suggests that constructing tall apartments is the practical method to solve housing shortage in major cities. I partially agree with this idea because while tall buildings save valuable space, other methods are also needed to create balanced living environments.

On the one hand, constructing tall apartment buildings is highly practical in crowded cities. Land is limited and expensive in urban areas. By building upwards, city planners and developers can provide homes for hundreds of families on a very small piece of land. For example, megacities like Mumbai and Delhi rely heavily on skyscrapers to house their massive populations. Furthermore, living in central high-rises allows residents to be closer to their workplaces, schools, and hospitals, which significantly reduces daily travel time and commuting costs.

On the other hand, relying only on tall apartment blocks is not a complete solution. Dense housing can lead to crowded neighborhoods, putting too much use of roads, parks, and water supplies. Additionally, many families prefer living in houses with open space rather than small apartments, as it provides a better environment for raising children. Therefore, governments should also focus on developing suburban areas. By investing in fast and reliable public transportation, people can live comfortably outside the crowded city center and commute easily. This approach effectively reduces the heavy housing pressure on the inner city.

In conclusion, while building tall apartment blocks is an excellent way to maximize the use of limited land in large cities, it should not be the only strategy. A mixed approach that includes expanding suburban housing and improving public transport is the best way to ensure everyone has a suitable and comfortable home.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, providing a clear position that is maintained throughout. You acknowledge the benefits of tall buildings while arguing for a balanced approach. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the point about land scarcity in cities like Mumbai and Delhi, and the counter-argument regarding the need for suburban development. The response is balanced and relevant, meeting the requirements for a Band 7.0. To reach a higher band, ensure that every point is fully extended; for instance, you could briefly explain how 'balanced living environments' specifically benefit the city's long-term sustainability.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the progression of ideas is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'Furthermore', 'Additionally', and 'Therefore' to link your arguments effectively. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the flow of information is easy to follow. To improve, ensure that the transition between the benefits of high-rises and the necessity of suburban development is even more seamless to achieve a higher level of cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'valuable space', 'massive populations', and 'housing pressure' are used accurately. There is an attempt to use less common vocabulary, such as 'megacities' and 'urban areas'. While the vocabulary is functional and appropriate, it lacks the sophisticated, idiomatic, or highly precise collocations that would characterize a Band 8.0 or 9.0. The current range is adequate for the task and allows for clear communication without any significant errors in word choice.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use subordinating conjunctions effectively, such as 'while tall buildings save valuable space' and 'as it provides a better environment'. The grammar is generally accurate, with only minor slips, such as 'putting too much use of roads' (which would be better phrased as 'placing too much strain on infrastructure'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your punctuation is used correctly to support the clarity of your arguments. This level of control is consistent with a Band 7.0.

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

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