Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-05

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)

Large cities around the world face severe housing shortages, and high-rise apartment buildings are often presented as the most effective solution. I agree that such developments are essential in densely populated urban areas.

The main advantage of tall apartment blocks is that they use scarce urban land efficiently. A single high-rise can accommodate hundreds of households on a relatively small site, whereas low-rise housing requires far more land for the same number of residents. Increasing housing density can also help cities limit outward expansion, thereby protecting surrounding farmland and reducing the need for lengthy commutes.

However, constructing tall buildings does not automatically produce affordable or desirable homes. In many cities, new towers consist mainly of expensive apartments aimed at wealthy buyers or investors, doing little to help ordinary families. Poorly designed high-rise estates may also suffer from overcrowding, limited green space and social isolation. In addition, these buildings require costly lifts, safety systems and ongoing maintenance. Cities must therefore ensure that developments include affordable units, communal facilities, schools, parks and reliable transport infrastructure.

Other forms of housing can also make an important contribution. Medium-rise apartment buildings, the redevelopment of unused commercial land and the conversion of vacant offices may provide homes while preserving a more human-scale urban environment. Governments should also discourage property speculation and bring empty homes back into use.

In conclusion, I agree to a large extent that tall apartment blocks are one of the best ways to increase housing supply in major cities because they make efficient use of limited land. Nevertheless, their success depends on affordability, good design and supporting infrastructure, alongside a diverse range of other housing solutions.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses the prompt by taking a clear position and supporting it with well-developed arguments. You effectively balance the benefits of high-rise buildings, such as land efficiency and reduced urban sprawl, with the necessary caveats regarding affordability and infrastructure. The ideas are extended logically, and the conclusion reinforces your stance while acknowledging the complexity of the issue. The response demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the topic, meeting all requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the benefits of high-rise buildings and the potential drawbacks is handled smoothly using cohesive devices like 'However' and 'In addition'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points, and the referencing is clear throughout. The flow of the argument is natural and easy to follow, demonstrating a high level of control over the structure of the essay.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, using precise terms such as 'densely populated', 'outward expansion', 'property speculation', and 'human-scale urban environment'. The word choices are natural and contribute to the academic tone of the essay. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is used with precision to convey complex ideas effectively. This level of lexical control is consistent with a high band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and varied sentence beginnings. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used accurately to enhance clarity. You maintain a high level of grammatical control throughout the text, with no significant errors that impede communication. The use of modal verbs and conditional structures is handled with precision, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence.

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