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 task. You have taken a clear position from the introduction, arguing that while high-rise buildings are efficient, they are not the sole solution. The 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 your position. The response is well-structured and provides a logical progression of ideas, meeting the requirements for a high band score by maintaining a consistent focus on the prompt throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the transition between the advantages and disadvantages is smooth, using cohesive devices like 'Nevertheless' and 'In addition' effectively. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points. The use of referencing is clear, and the flow of the argument is natural. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive linking; instead, the cohesion feels unobtrusive and supports the reader's understanding of your argument throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases such as 'accommodate a substantial population', 'environmentally sensitive areas', and 'economically viable' show a sophisticated command of language. You successfully use less common lexical items to convey your meaning clearly and naturally. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is well-suited to the academic nature of the task. The language is precise and contributes significantly to the overall quality of the 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...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and syntax is excellent. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The use of modal verbs and conditional structures is accurate and appropriate for expressing your opinion and discussing potential outcomes. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of grammatical control.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.