Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

The best way to provide enough homes in large cities is to build tall apartment blocks.

It is often argued that constructing tall apartment buildings is the most effective solution to the housing shortage in large cities. I mostly agree with this view because high-rise developments can accommodate more people in limited space, although they should be combined with good urban planning.

One major advantage of tall apartment blocks is that they make efficient use of valuable land. In densely populated cities, land is scarce and extremely expensive, making it difficult to build enough houses. By building upwards instead of outwards, governments and developers can provide homes for thousands of residents while preserving land for parks, schools, and transport infrastructure. For example, cities such as Singapore have successfully used high-rise housing to meet the needs of their growing populations.

Furthermore, apartment buildings often offer better access to public services. When many people live in one area, it becomes easier to provide public transport, healthcare facilities, supermarkets, and other essential amenities. This can reduce commuting time and encourage a more sustainable urban lifestyle, especially when residential towers are located near metro stations and business districts.

However, relying entirely on tall buildings may create problems. Poorly designed apartment blocks can lead to overcrowding, traffic congestion, and a lack of green spaces, which may negatively affect residents' quality of life. Therefore, city planners should ensure that high-rise housing is accompanied by adequate open areas, recreational facilities, and community services.

In conclusion, I agree that tall apartment blocks are one of the best ways to address housing shortages in large cities. Nevertheless, they are most successful when they form part of a balanced and well-planned urban environment.

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 and maintained it throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the arguments regarding land efficiency and the accessibility of public services. You also provide a balanced view by acknowledging the potential downsides of high-rise living, such as overcrowding, which adds depth to your argument. The use of Singapore as a specific example effectively supports your point. The response is well-structured and directly answers the question of 'to what extent' you agree.

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 buildings and the potential drawbacks is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Furthermore', 'However', and 'Therefore', which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The flow of information is natural and easy to follow throughout the entire piece.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic task. Phrases like 'efficient use of valuable land', 'transport infrastructure', and 'sustainable urban lifestyle' show a strong command of topic-specific language. The vocabulary is used naturally and accurately. While the range is sufficient and precise, incorporating a few more sophisticated or less common collocations could elevate the score further. Overall, the lexical control is consistent, and there are no errors that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'By building upwards instead of outwards, governments and developers can...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. There are no significant grammatical errors that distract the reader. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of accuracy, fitting well within the criteria for a high band score.

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

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