Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

The problem of finding affordable housing is a major issue in many large cities around the world. Some people believe the only solution is to build very tall apartment blocks. While this idea has some benefits, I disagree that it is the best way. I think this approach creates new problems and ignores other important factors.

On the one hand, building tall buildings is an efficient method to create more living spaces. In cities where land is scarce, the only option is to build upwards. This allows city planners to accommodate a growing population without expanding the city's borders. For example, in New Baneshwor, a busy area of Kathmandu, developers have built projects like Newroad Heights, which consists of two 14-storey towers with many modern flats. This project has successfully provided homes for many families and shows the efficiency of building upwards in a crowded city.

However, the focus on tall buildings often leads to a neglected quality of life. These developments can make a city feel crowded and impersonal. Building upwards is not a solution if the infrastructure, such as roads and water supply, cannot support the new residents. For instance, in New Baneshwor, many new apartment buildings are 4 to 6 storeys high with lifts and parking. However, projects like Apartment Rupas are mostly service apartments meant for short-term business visitors or medical tourists. The predominant users are not local families but wealthy visitors, and the prices are still too high for ordinary people.

In conclusion, building tall blocks is an unavoidable part of city growth, but it is not the perfect answer. City leaders need a more holistic plan that improves roads, water, and community life. A good city needs more than just tall buildings.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, clearly stating a position that disagrees with the idea that tall apartment blocks are the 'best' way to provide housing. The argument is well-supported with relevant examples from Kathmandu, such as 'Newroad Heights' and 'Apartment Rupas'. The ideas are extended and developed, though the discussion could be slightly more nuanced by exploring alternative solutions (like urban planning or infrastructure investment) in greater detail to fully justify why tall blocks are not the 'best' solution. Overall, the position is consistent and the response is well-focused on the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'However', and 'For instance' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the topic. The progression of ideas is clear, moving from the benefits of vertical expansion to the drawbacks regarding infrastructure and social equity. The flow is natural and the relationship between ideas is easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for the task. The student uses topic-specific terms such as 'urban planning', 'infrastructure', 'holistic plan', and 'accommodate a growing population'. There is some attempt at less common vocabulary, such as 'impersonal' and 'unavoidable'. While the range is adequate, it could be further enhanced by incorporating more sophisticated collocations or academic phrasing to reach a higher band. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication, and the tone remains consistently formal and academic throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. For example, the use of conditional and contrastive structures ('While this idea has some benefits, I disagree...') shows good control. Most sentences are error-free, and punctuation is used correctly. There are no major grammatical errors that hinder understanding. To improve, the student could experiment with a wider variety of complex grammatical forms, such as passive voice or inverted structures, to demonstrate greater flexibility and reach a higher level of grammatical sophistication.

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