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)

The rapid growth of urban populations has created an increasing demand for housing in major cities, prompting debate about whether constructing high-rise apartment buildings is the most effective solution. Although I agree that tall residential buildings can accommodate large numbers of people while making efficient use of limited land, I do not believe they are the best solution in every circumstance, as well-planned low- and medium-rise developments can also provide adequate housing.

The strongest argument for high-rise housing is its efficient use of land. In densely populated cities, where developable land is scarce and expensive, building vertically allows a large number of homes to be provided on a relatively small area. This can help governments and developers accommodate population growth without continuously expanding cities into surrounding agricultural or natural areas. Moreover, concentrating residents in high-rise developments can make it more practical to provide public transport and essential services within a limited urban area, potentially reducing dependence on private vehicles.

However, relying predominantly on tall apartment blocks can create significant urban and social problems. Very high-density developments may place excessive pressure on roads, water supplies, sewage systems and other infrastructure if they are not carefully planned. They can also provide less private outdoor space and may create an impersonal living environment for residents. In contrast, a combination of medium-rise housing, compact neighbourhoods and carefully planned suburban development can accommodate substantial populations while providing better access to open spaces and community facilities. Therefore, the most effective approach is likely to combine different forms of housing according to the characteristics of each city.

In conclusion, high-rise apartment buildings are an efficient way of providing large quantities of housing where land is limited, and they can support more compact urban development. Nevertheless, I disagree that they are universally the best solution, because a balanced combination of high-, medium- and low-rise housing can provide sufficient homes while creating more liveable and sustainable cities.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction, arguing that while high-rise buildings are efficient, they are not the sole solution. Each paragraph develops a distinct, relevant argument: the efficiency of land use in the second paragraph and the potential social and infrastructural drawbacks in the third. The ideas are well-supported with logical reasoning, such as the mention of infrastructure pressure and the need for a balanced urban planning approach. The conclusion effectively synthesises these points, maintaining a consistent and clear position throughout the essay.

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 of high-rise buildings and their potential drawbacks is smooth, facilitated by the use of the contrastive linker 'However'. Cohesive devices such as 'Moreover', 'In contrast', and 'Therefore' are used effectively to guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct stages of the discussion, and referencing is clear throughout, ensuring that the reader can easily follow the development of your argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is well-suited to the academic context. Phrases such as 'developable land is scarce', 'impersonal living environment', and 'sustainable cities' show a good command of topic-specific collocations. The vocabulary is precise and contributes to the clarity of your argument. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling, and the language used is natural and sophisticated enough to meet the requirements for 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 (e.g., 'In densely populated cities, where developable land is scarce...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and syntax is excellent. You use a variety of sentence forms effectively to express nuanced ideas, such as the conditional-like structure in the third paragraph regarding infrastructure pressure. The grammar is consistently accurate, with no significant errors that impede communication or distract the reader.

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

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