Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-03

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 8.0)

As populations continue to grow, many large cities face increasing demand for housing. Some people argue that constructing tall apartment buildings is the most effective way to address this problem. I strongly agree with this view because high-rise housing can accommodate large numbers of people while making efficient use of limited urban land.

One major advantage of building vertically is that it can reduce the pressure that population growth places on the natural environment. Large cities often attract people because they offer greater employment and educational opportunities, which can lead to an increasing demand for housing. If new homes are mainly constructed as low-rise buildings, cities may need to expand into surrounding undeveloped areas. This can result in the removal of trees and the loss of natural habitats. In contrast, high-rise apartments allow more people to live within a relatively small area, reducing the need for outward urban expansion. For example, in densely populated cities such as Dhaka, high-rise residential developments can provide accommodation for many families without requiring large additional areas of land.

Another important benefit is that vertical housing can leave more space for essential infrastructure. Residents need more than just a place to live; they also require schools, hospitals, roads, parks and commercial facilities. Since the amount of land available in major cities is limited, constructing large numbers of separate houses can consume valuable space that could otherwise be used for these facilities. By building upwards, cities can accommodate more residents while preserving land for services that support their daily lives. For instance, a high-density neighbourhood can contain several apartment buildings alongside schools, medical centres, shops and recreational areas, allowing residents to access essential services within a relatively small area.

In conclusion, I strongly agree that tall apartment buildings are one of the most effective ways to provide sufficient housing in large cities. They can accommodate growing populations without requiring extensive urban expansion and can also preserve valuable land for essential infrastructure and services.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses the prompt by taking a clear position and supporting it with well-developed arguments. You effectively discuss the environmental benefits of vertical housing and the importance of land efficiency for infrastructure. The ideas are extended logically, and the position is maintained consistently throughout the essay. The use of specific examples, such as the mention of Dhaka, helps to ground the abstract arguments in reality. To reach a band 9, you could further explore potential counter-arguments or nuances, such as the social implications of high-density living, to provide a more comprehensive analysis of the 'best way' to provide housing.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, two distinct body paragraphs, and a concise conclusion. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, and the progression of ideas is smooth. Cohesive devices are used effectively, such as 'In contrast', 'Another important benefit', and 'For instance', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is skillful and appropriate for the task. The flow of information is natural, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive transitions. The structure is highly effective in presenting your argument in a coherent manner.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases such as 'outward urban expansion', 'densely populated', and 'essential infrastructure' show a strong command of topic-specific language. The vocabulary is used with precision and contributes to the clarity of your arguments. While the range is sufficient and flexible, incorporating a few more sophisticated or less common collocations could elevate the response further. Overall, the lexical control is strong, and there are no errors in word choice that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'If new homes are mainly constructed as low-rise buildings, cities may need to expand...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and syntax is excellent. There are no significant grammatical errors, and the writing is consistently accurate throughout. The variety of sentence forms used demonstrates a high level of proficiency, making the text easy to read and professional in tone.

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

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