Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

In many large cities, the demand for housing has increased considerably due to population growth and urbanisation. Some people argue that the most effective solution is to construct tall apartment blocks. I partly agree with this view because high-rise buildings can accommodate large numbers of people in limited areas, but I believe they should not be the only approach to solving housing shortages.

On the one hand, building vertically is an efficient way of using limited urban land. In densely populated cities, land is often extremely expensive and difficult to obtain. High-rise apartments allow hundreds of families to live on a relatively small piece of land, which can help increase the overall housing supply without expanding cities into surrounding rural areas. For example, cities such as Singapore and Hong Kong have made extensive use of high-rise housing because of their limited land availability. In addition, apartment blocks can be built close to public transport, workplaces and essential services, potentially reducing commuting times and traffic congestion.

On the other hand, relying too heavily on tall buildings can create several problems. Very high population densities may put pressure on infrastructure such as roads, schools, hospitals and public transport. If new apartment blocks are constructed without adequate planning, residents may experience overcrowding, limited green space and a lower quality of life. Furthermore, not everyone wants to live in a high-rise building. Families with young children, for instance, may prefer houses with gardens or access to open spaces. Therefore, constructing more low-rise housing in suburban areas, together with improving transport connections, can also be an effective way to meet growing demand.

In conclusion, I agree that tall apartment blocks are an effective means of increasing housing supply, but I do not believe they are the single best solution. A combination of high-density urban development and well-planned low-density housing is more likely to meet the needs of rapidly growing cities.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have taken a clear position from the introduction, arguing that while high-rise buildings are an efficient solution, they are not the only one. Your ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of Singapore and Hong Kong to illustrate land scarcity. The arguments are balanced, acknowledging both the benefits of vertical expansion and the potential drawbacks like infrastructure strain and lifestyle preferences. The conclusion effectively synthesises your position, ensuring the response remains focused throughout.

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 benefits and drawbacks is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'In addition', and 'Furthermore'. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate distinct arguments. The flow of information is natural, and referencing is clear throughout the text. The structure is coherent, and the relationship between ideas is easy to follow, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic context. Phrases such as 'urbanisation', 'densely populated', 'infrastructure', and 'high-density urban development' show a strong command of topic-specific language. The word choice is generally precise and natural. While the vocabulary is effective and accurate, it could be slightly more sophisticated to reach the highest band, but it is certainly sufficient for a high score. There are no noticeable errors in spelling or word formation that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional clauses ('If new apartment blocks are constructed...') and relative clauses. The majority of sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and grammar is strong. There are no significant grammatical slips that distract the reader. The use of modal verbs and passive voice is accurate and contributes to the formal tone of the essay. Your grammatical control is consistent throughout the response.

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