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)

In large cities, providing enough accommodation for the increasing population is becoming a major challenge. Some people believe that constructing tall apartment buildings is the best way to solve this problem. I partly agree with this view because high-rise buildings can provide a large number of homes while using less land, but other solutions are also necessary.

There are several reasons why tall apartments can be an effective way of providing housing. Firstly, large cities usually have limited land, and building vertically allows more people to live in a small area. For example, instead of constructing houses over a large amount of land, a high-rise building can provide homes for hundreds of families on the same piece of land. Secondly, apartments can be constructed near workplaces, schools and public transport. This can reduce the distance people need to travel and may also help to reduce traffic congestion.

However, building tall apartments alone may not be the best solution for every city. If too many people live in a small area, it can put considerable pressure on public services such as water, electricity, roads and sewage systems. Furthermore, some people prefer living in houses with gardens because they provide more privacy and space, especially for families with children. Therefore, governments should also consider building affordable houses in less crowded areas and improving transport systems between cities and suburbs.

In conclusion, I believe that tall apartment buildings are an effective way to provide sufficient housing in large cities because they make efficient use of limited land. However, they should not be considered the only solution, and governments should use a combination of high-rise housing, suburban development and improved public transport.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, providing a clear position that is maintained throughout the essay. The argument is well-developed, with the student acknowledging the benefits of high-rise buildings while also presenting a balanced view by highlighting potential drawbacks like infrastructure strain and the need for diverse housing options. The ideas are relevant and supported by logical reasoning, such as the mention of land efficiency and the impact on public services. The conclusion effectively synthesizes the main points, ensuring the response is fully developed and focused on the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, starting with an introduction that outlines the position, followed by body paragraphs that explore the advantages and disadvantages, and a concluding summary. Cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'However', and 'Furthermore' are used effectively to link sentences and paragraphs. The referencing is clear, and the flow of information is smooth, making the argument easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for the task. The student uses a range of topic-specific terms such as 'accommodation', 'high-rise buildings', 'traffic congestion', and 'infrastructure'. While the vocabulary is functional and accurate, it lacks a high degree of sophistication or idiomatic usage that would characterize a higher band. However, the word choice is precise enough to convey the intended meaning without any errors that impede communication. The range is adequate to discuss the topic with clarity and precision.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates a good control of grammatical structures. The student uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as 'If too many people live in a small area, it can put considerable pressure on public services'. Punctuation is accurate, and the sentence construction is generally error-free. While the range of complex structures is not exceptionally wide, the existing sentences are well-formed and demonstrate a solid grasp of English grammar. The writing is clear and professional, with no significant errors that affect readability.

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

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