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 useful, 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 relevant throughout, meeting all requirements for a high band score by providing a nuanced perspective rather than a simple agreement or disagreement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the benefits of high-rise living and the potential drawbacks is smooth, facilitated by effective cohesive devices such as 'Nevertheless' and 'In addition'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas. The flow of information is natural, and referencing is precise, ensuring the reader can easily follow your argument from the introduction to the final conclusion. The use of linking words is sophisticated and unobtrusive, which is characteristic of high-level writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary. Phrases such as 'accommodate a substantial population', 'environmentally sensitive areas', and 'economically viable' show a high level of precision and academic tone. The word choice is consistently appropriate for the topic, and there are no noticeable errors in collocation or spelling. You successfully incorporate less common lexical items to convey complex ideas, which contributes to the overall clarity and sophistication of the essay. The language is natural and precise throughout.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You effectively use complex sentences, such as the conditional-like structure in the introduction ('Although constructing... I disagree...') and the participial phrase in the second paragraph ('By building vertically...'). Punctuation is used correctly to manage sentence flow. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the few complex structures attempted are handled with control. There is a good balance between simple and complex forms, ensuring the writing remains readable while demonstrating grammatical maturity.

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