Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

In the modern world, some individuals believe that constructing higher buildings in the urban areas can be beneficial for the homeless people. While I agree that high-rise buildings can provide accommodation for a large number of people in a limited area, I believe that they should not be considered the only or best solution.

One major advantage of building tall apartment blocks is that they make efficient use of limited land. Large cities often have a shortage of available land, while the demand for housing continues to increase. By constructing buildings with many floors, developers can accommodate hundreds of families on a relatively small piece of land. This can also help prevent cities from expanding too far into surrounding rural areas. For example, densely populated cities such as Hong Kong have constructed numerous high-rise residential buildings to provide housing for a large population despite having limited space.

However, relying heavily on high-rise apartments can create several problems. A large concentration of residents in one area can put considerable pressure on public services and infrastructure, including roads, public transport, water supplies and electricity. In addition, living in crowded apartment complexes may reduce people's quality of life, particularly when residents have limited access to gardens, parks and other open spaces. Therefore, simply constructing more tall buildings may solve the housing shortage but create other urban problems

In conclusion, tall apartment blocks are an effective way of providing housing in cities where land is limited, but I do not believe they are the best solution on their own. A combination of high-rise buildings, suburban development and improved infrastructure would be a more sustainable way to meet the housing needs of growing cities.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, maintaining a clear position throughout. You acknowledge the benefits of high-rise buildings while arguing that they are not the sole solution. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the discussion on infrastructure strain and quality of life. The example of Hong Kong is relevant and effectively supports your argument. To reach a higher band, you could further extend the discussion by briefly contrasting high-rise living with alternative housing models, such as medium-density developments, to provide a more nuanced perspective on why they might be superior in certain contexts.

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 advantages and disadvantages is smooth, using appropriate linking words like 'However' and 'In addition'. Cohesive devices are used effectively, such as 'This can also help' and 'Therefore', which guide the reader through your argument without being repetitive. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the response. The structure is sound and supports the development of your argument well.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases such as 'efficient use of limited land', 'considerable pressure on public services', and 'sustainable way' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is appropriate and conveys your meaning clearly, it lacks a degree of sophistication or 'less common' lexical items that would elevate the response to a higher band. The word choices are natural and fit the academic context well, with no errors in collocation or spelling that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay displays a good control of grammatical structures. You use a mix of simple and complex sentences effectively, such as the conditional-like structure in '...when residents have limited access to gardens...'. The punctuation is accurate, and there are no significant grammatical errors that distract the reader. The majority of your sentences are error-free, showing a high level of control. To improve further, you could incorporate a wider variety of complex grammatical forms, such as passive voice constructions or more advanced conditional sentences, to demonstrate greater flexibility.

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

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