Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-07

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)

As the populations of major cities continue to grow, providing sufficient housing has become an increasingly pressing challenge. Some people argue that the most effective way to address this problem is to construct tall apartment blocks. I completely agree with this view because high-rise housing makes efficient use of limited urban land, accommodates large numbers of people, and can support more sustainable and well-connected cities.

The primary reason for constructing tall apartment buildings is that they allow cities to accommodate a substantial population within a limited amount of land. In large metropolitan areas, available land is often scarce and extremely expensive, making the widespread construction of detached houses both impractical and unaffordable. By building vertically, developers can provide hundreds of homes on a relatively small plot of land. This is particularly important in densely populated cities, where demand for housing is significantly higher than the supply. As a result, high-rise developments can help reduce housing shortages while making better use of valuable urban space.

Another important advantage is that tall apartment blocks can contribute to more efficient urban development. When large numbers of residents live in concentrated areas, essential services such as public transport, schools, shops and healthcare facilities can be provided within a relatively small geographical area. This can reduce the need for lengthy commutes and encourage people to use public transportation rather than private cars. Moreover, concentrating housing within existing urban areas can limit urban sprawl and protect surrounding agricultural land and natural environments from being replaced by residential developments.

Furthermore, high-rise housing can be designed to provide modern and affordable accommodation for a diverse urban population. Large apartment complexes can incorporate shared facilities such as recreational areas, green spaces, childcare centres and community facilities, thereby improving residents' quality of life. With appropriate planning and investment, these developments can offer safe and comfortable homes while also creating vibrant communities. Therefore, the disadvantages sometimes associated with high-density living can be substantially reduced through thoughtful architectural and urban planning.

In conclusion, I strongly agree that constructing tall apartment blocks is the best way to provide sufficient housing in large cities. Their ability to accommodate large populations while using limited land efficiently, reducing urban sprawl and supporting accessible public services makes them a highly practical solution to the growing demand for urban housing.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. Each paragraph introduces a distinct, relevant argument—land efficiency, urban infrastructure, and quality of life—which are well-developed with logical explanations. The ideas are extended effectively, providing a comprehensive answer to the question. There is no tendency to over-generalise, and the arguments are consistently supported by sound reasoning, demonstrating a high level of task engagement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'The primary reason', 'Another important advantage', and 'Furthermore'. Referencing is clear, and the use of linking words is natural rather than mechanical. The structure is balanced, and the conclusion effectively synthesises the main points without introducing new information. The paragraphing is skilful and contributes to the overall clarity of the argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases such as 'increasingly pressing challenge', 'densely populated', 'urban sprawl', and 'vibrant communities' show a sophisticated command of language. There is a good awareness of collocation and style, appropriate for an academic context. You avoid repetition and use less common lexical items effectively to convey your meaning. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling, and the vocabulary is consistently accurate throughout the text.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and varied sentence beginnings. The majority of sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. For example, the use of conditional-like structures and participial phrases ('By building vertically, developers can...') demonstrates a high level of grammatical flexibility. There are no significant errors that impede communication, and the writing flows naturally, reflecting a high degree of accuracy and control over complex grammatical forms.

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