Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-06

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 8.0)

While constructing high-rise residential buildings offers an efficient solution to urban housing shortages, claiming it is the single best approach oversimplifies a complex issue. While I agree that high-density vertical development is essential for accommodating growing populations, it must be combined with improved public transit, regional satellite town development, and sustainable urban planning to truly address housing demand.

The primary advantage of constructing tall apartment blocks is land efficiency. In metropolis areas where space is severely constrained and land values are astronomical, building upwards maximizes the number of living units per square meter. Vertically integrated buildings allow thousands of residents to live near central business districts, reducing commute times and making efficient use of existing municipal infrastructure like public utilities, waste management, and public transit systems. For example, high-rise developments in densely populated cities like Tokyo and Singapore have successfully provided affordable and accessible housing options while preventing urban sprawl into surrounding agricultural land.

However, relying exclusively on tall apartment blocks presents significant drawbacks. High-rise construction and ongoing maintenance—such as elevator systems, fire safety measures, and structural engineering—are exceptionally expensive, which often drives up housing costs and renders units unaffordable for low-income residents. Furthermore, dense high-rise developments can create infrastructure strains, leading to traffic congestion, overcrowded public services, and environmental issues such as urban heat islands. High-density vertical living can also lead to social isolation if inadequate public or green space is provided for community interactions.

A comprehensive solution requires a diversified housing strategy rather than relying solely on high-rises. Governments and urban planners should simultaneously invest in developing suburban satellite towns linked to major cities via high-speed public transportation networks. Repurposing unused commercial buildings, developing mid-rise mixed-use housing, and encouraging decentralized commercial hubs can distribute population growth more evenly across regions.

In conclusion, while building tall apartment blocks plays a crucial role in maximizing land use in densely populated urban centers, it is not a standalone solution. A balanced combination of high-rise developments, regional expansion, and diversified urban planning offers the most sustainable way to meet housing demands in large cities.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear, nuanced position from the outset, arguing that while high-rise buildings are an efficient solution, they are not a standalone answer. Your ideas are well-developed, with the first body paragraph focusing on the benefits of land efficiency and the second on the economic and social drawbacks. You support your arguments with relevant examples, such as Tokyo and Singapore, and provide a balanced conclusion that synthesizes your points. The response is consistently focused on the task throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct central theme, and the transition between the benefits and drawbacks is smooth, facilitated by effective cohesive devices like 'However' and 'Furthermore'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct arguments. The use of referencing is precise, and the flow of information is natural, making the essay easy to follow. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, reflecting a high level of control over the structure of the argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary, which is used with precision and natural control. Phrases such as 'astronomical land values', 'vertically integrated', 'urban sprawl', and 'diversified housing strategy' show a high level of lexical flexibility. The collocations are generally accurate and appropriate for an academic context. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling, and the vocabulary effectively conveys complex ideas without being repetitive or overly simplistic. This is a strong performance in terms of lexical range and accuracy.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with multiple clauses, such as 'While constructing high-rise residential buildings offers an efficient solution... claiming it is the single best approach oversimplifies a complex issue.' The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and syntax is excellent. You use a variety of verb forms and subordinate clauses effectively to express nuanced opinions. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the overall control is consistent throughout the text.

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