Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-02

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)

The rapid growth of urban populations has created a significant demand for housing in large cities. Some people argue that the most effective solution is to construct tall apartment buildings. I largely agree with this view, although I believe that high-rise housing should be combined with other forms of development.

The main advantage of building tall apartment blocks is that they allow cities to accommodate a large number of people without occupying excessive amounts of land. Land is particularly scarce and expensive in major cities, so constructing vertically is often more practical than building large numbers of low-rise houses. For example, cities such as Singapore and Hong Kong have developed extensive high-rise residential areas, allowing them to house millions of residents despite having limited land available. In addition, concentrating housing in particular areas can make it easier for governments to provide public transport, water, electricity and other essential services.

However, relying exclusively on high-rise buildings can create several problems. Large apartment complexes can become overcrowded and may reduce residents' access to green spaces and recreational areas. Furthermore, poorly planned high-rise developments can place considerable pressure on roads, public transport and other infrastructure. There are also social concerns, as living in densely populated buildings may reduce privacy and, if communities are poorly designed, contribute to social isolation.

Therefore, I believe that tall apartment blocks are one of the best solutions, but they should not be the only one. Governments should combine high-density housing with well-planned public spaces, parks and efficient transport systems. In less densely populated parts of a city, low-rise housing can also be developed where sufficient land is available.

In conclusion, building vertically is an efficient way to address the shortage of housing in large cities, particularly where land is limited. Nevertheless, successful urban development requires a balanced approach that combines high-rise housing with appropriate infrastructure and other forms of residential development.

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 and maintained it throughout the essay. The arguments are well-developed, particularly the discussion on land scarcity in cities like Singapore and Hong Kong, and the counter-arguments regarding infrastructure and social isolation are balanced and relevant. The conclusion effectively synthesises your main points, confirming your nuanced stance. The ideas are extended and supported with logical reasoning, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

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 the potential drawbacks is smooth. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In addition', 'However', 'Furthermore', and 'Therefore', which guide the reader through your argument without being repetitive or mechanical. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points, contributing to the overall clarity of the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic context. Phrases such as 'accommodate a large number of people', 'occupying excessive amounts of land', and 'densely populated' are used accurately. You show an awareness of collocation and style, which helps in conveying your ideas precisely. While the vocabulary is consistently accurate and fits the topic well, incorporating a few more sophisticated or less common lexical items could elevate the response further toward the highest band.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'although I believe that...', 'if communities are poorly designed...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense is excellent. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of accuracy, consistent with a strong command of English grammar.

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

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