Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

It is often argued that constructing tall apartment blocks is the best way to provide enough homes in large cities. I completely agree with this view because high-rise buildings can accommodate a large number of people while making efficient use of limited land.

The main reason why tall apartment buildings are an effective solution is that they can house many people in a relatively small area. As the population of major cities continues to grow, the availability of land for residential development becomes increasingly limited. Instead of expanding cities outwards and using large areas of land, governments can build upwards and provide accommodation for thousands of residents within a much smaller space. For example, in densely populated cities such as Hong Kong, high-rise residential buildings allow a large population to live within a relatively restricted geographical area.

Another important advantage is that high-rise housing can help make cities more efficient and reduce urban sprawl. When a large number of people live in apartment blocks close to city centres, they can have easier access to workplaces, shops, schools and public transport. This can reduce the need for long daily journeys and limit the expansion of cities into surrounding rural areas. Furthermore, building apartments close to existing infrastructure can be more cost-effective than constructing completely new roads, electricity networks and other facilities in distant suburban areas.

In conclusion, I completely agree that building tall apartment blocks is the best way to provide sufficient housing in large cities. They make better use of scarce land, accommodate large numbers of residents and can contribute to more efficient and sustainable urban development.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses the prompt by taking a clear position in favor of tall apartment blocks. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the reference to Hong Kong to illustrate high-density living. The arguments regarding land efficiency, urban sprawl, and infrastructure costs are logical and directly support the thesis. The position is consistent throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively summarizes the main points. The response meets all requirements of the task, providing a balanced and well-reasoned argument that demonstrates a clear understanding of the topic.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, two well-structured body paragraphs, and a concise conclusion. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, and the progression of ideas is smooth. Cohesive devices such as 'The main reason why', 'For example', 'Another important advantage', and 'Furthermore' are used effectively to link sentences and ideas. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the flow of the argument is easy to follow. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, and the overall structure is coherent and professional.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The vocabulary is precise and appropriate for an academic essay. The student uses a good range of topic-specific terminology, such as 'residential development', 'urban sprawl', 'infrastructure', and 'sustainable urban development'. The word choice is accurate, and there are no instances where vocabulary errors impede communication. While the range is sufficient and effective, it could be slightly more sophisticated to reach the highest band, but it is certainly strong enough for a high score. The use of collocations is natural and demonstrates a good command of the language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a high level of grammatical accuracy. There is a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional-like structures ('When a large number of people live... they can have...') and relative clauses. The punctuation is correct, and there are no significant grammatical errors that distract the reader. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over complex structures is consistent. The writing is clear, fluent, and demonstrates a solid grasp of English grammar, fitting well within the criteria for a high band score.

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

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