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 urgent need for additional housing in major cities, leading some people to argue that high-rise apartment buildings are the most effective solution. Although constructing tall residential buildings can accommodate large numbers of people while conserving scarce urban land, I disagree that this is the best approach in all circumstances, as a combination of different housing forms can provide a more sustainable solution.

The main advantage of high-rise housing is its ability to accommodate a substantial population within a relatively small land area. This is particularly important in large cities where land is both limited and expensive. By building vertically, authorities can provide more homes without continually expanding urban boundaries into agricultural or environmentally sensitive areas. Furthermore, concentrating residents in compact developments can make public transport and essential services more economically viable, potentially reducing reliance on private cars and limiting urban sprawl.

Nevertheless, making tall apartment blocks the primary means of housing provision can create problems that should not be overlooked. Extremely dense developments may place considerable pressure on transport networks, water supplies, drainage systems and other infrastructure if population growth is not matched by adequate investment. In addition, high-rise living may offer residents less access to private outdoor space and can weaken opportunities for community interaction. A more effective strategy would therefore combine high-rise buildings with medium-rise and low-rise housing, planned around accessible green spaces, public facilities and efficient transport networks. Such an approach would allow cities to accommodate population growth without compromising residents' quality of life.

In conclusion, tall apartment buildings are an efficient means of providing housing where urban land is scarce, and they can help create compact, well-connected cities. However, I do not believe they are universally the best solution. A carefully planned mixture of high-, medium- and low-rise developments is more likely to provide sufficient housing while maintaining liveable, sustainable urban environments.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position from the introduction, arguing that while high-rise buildings are efficient, they are not the sole solution. Your ideas are well-developed, with the first body paragraph explaining the benefits of vertical construction and the second paragraph providing a balanced counter-argument regarding infrastructure and community. The conclusion effectively synthesizes these points to support your nuanced stance. The arguments are relevant, logical, and consistently focused on the prompt throughout the essay.

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 living and the potential drawbacks is handled smoothly using cohesive devices such as 'Nevertheless' and 'In addition'. The use of referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is logical, guiding the reader through your argument without any confusion. The flow is natural, and the cohesive devices are used with flexibility, contributing to a professional and academic tone throughout the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases such as 'urban sprawl', 'economically viable', and 'environmentally sensitive areas' show a high level of lexical control. You use less common items with precision, and there are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation. The language is sophisticated and contributes to the clarity and impact of your arguments. The vocabulary is consistently accurate and fits the formal tone required for an IELTS Task 2 essay.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Although constructing tall residential buildings can accommodate...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and syntax is excellent. There are no significant grammatical slips, and the complexity of your sentence structures enhances the readability of the text. You have successfully maintained a high level of accuracy throughout, which is indicative of a strong command of English grammar.

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