Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-04

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)

The increasing number of people moving from rural areas to cities has created a serious need for more housing. Therefore, I agree wholeheartedly that building vertical apartment blocks is one of the most effective ways to provide enough homes in large cities. In addition, living in flats can encourage people to communicate with each other and share their thoughts and experiences.

On the one hand, living in apartments is beneficial for families, because people live close to each other. They can easily communicate with their neighbours and convey messages from door to door. Furthermore, residents can meet each other in common areas and enjoy spending time together. For example, people living in the same apartment building can arrange small gatherings at the weekends, where they can exchange their ideas about their lives, jobs and businesses. This type of social interaction can make people feel less lonely and help them develop strong relationships with their neighbours.

On the other hand, another major advantage of tall apartment buildings is that they can provide many facilities in one place. For example, modern apartment complexes can include shops, gyms, playgrounds, parking areas and other useful services for residents. As a result, people do not need to travel long distances to fulfil their daily needs. This is particularly helpful for families with children because they can use nearby recreational areas safely. Therefore, well-planned apartment buildings can not only provide more homes but also make urban life more convenient and comfortable.

In conclusion, I firmly agree that tall apartment blocks are an effective way to provide sufficient housing in large cities. They not only save land and accommodate more people, but also give residents opportunities to communicate, share ideas and support one another.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have clearly addressed the prompt and maintained a consistent position throughout the essay. Your arguments regarding social interaction and the convenience of modern facilities are relevant and well-supported. However, to reach a higher band, you could have addressed the potential counter-arguments more deeply, such as the psychological impact of high-density living or the strain on infrastructure, to provide a more balanced and nuanced discussion. The ideas are well-developed, but the scope remains somewhat narrow, focusing primarily on the positive aspects of apartment living.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow. You use cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'Furthermore,' and 'As a result' effectively to link your points. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct arguments. To improve, you could vary your linking phrases further to avoid a slightly mechanical feel and ensure that the transition between the social benefits and the convenience benefits is smoother.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to express your ideas clearly. Phrases like 'vertical apartment blocks,' 'modern apartment complexes,' and 'fulfil their daily needs' are accurate and appropriate for the context. While the vocabulary is functional and precise, it lacks a degree of sophistication or 'less common' lexical items that would elevate the response to a higher band. The word choice is generally safe and accurate, with no significant errors that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

Your grammar is generally accurate, and you use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most of your sentences are error-free, which makes the text easy to read. You demonstrate good control over punctuation and sentence construction. To achieve a higher score, you should aim to incorporate a wider variety of complex grammatical structures, such as conditional sentences or more sophisticated passive constructions, to demonstrate greater flexibility in your writing.

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

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