Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)

Introduction:

In rapidly growing cities housing shortages are the big issue. some people thought that constructing tall building apartments is the effective solution. I agree on this statement because while high rise buildings can solve the problems. This is a good idea to build colonies and societies.

On the one hand building tall apartments in small place of city. The land in city centres is extremily limited. Buildings is upward better than outward. The main benifit of these apartments these are in small place and thousand of families live together. For example, cities like Hong Kong have successfully used high rise apartments to accommodate millions of people. this approach also reduces urban sprawls, which helps to protect farmland and greenspaces.

however relying only on tall building apartment create many problems. Because the concentration of people pressure on transport water and electricity systems leading to traffic jams and power cuts. due to this issue pollution is contributed. Secondly living in tall building negatively effect people's on well being. Residents lack of private gardens and community spaces which can lead to feeling of isolation. In Lahore for instance many old tall buildings have poor maintenance and proper ventilation.

In conclusion:

I agree that all tall buildings apartments are good solution of shortage of place. These buildings are situated on very small place but accommodate millions of people. Government should invest in other option such as affordable suburban housing and public transport. A balanced approach is the best way of forward.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses the prompt and maintains a clear position throughout. However, the essay is slightly under the 250-word minimum, which impacts the overall development of ideas. While the arguments regarding land efficiency and infrastructure pressure are relevant, the supporting points could be more thoroughly explored to reach a higher band. The conclusion introduces a slight contradiction by suggesting a 'balanced approach' after stating agreement with the prompt, which slightly weakens the consistency of the position. To improve, ensure all arguments are fully expanded with clear examples and maintain a consistent stance throughout the essay.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'On the one hand', 'however', and 'Secondly', though some transitions feel mechanical or slightly forced. The progression of ideas is generally clear, but the referencing is occasionally imprecise, such as the use of 'this approach' or 'due to this issue', which could be more explicitly linked to the preceding sentences. Paragraphing is used appropriately, but the internal flow within paragraphs could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words to connect sentences more fluidly.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the range and precision required for higher bands. There are several instances of awkward phrasing and word choice, such as 'constructing tall building apartments' instead of 'high-rise residential buildings' and 'small place of city' instead of 'limited urban space'. Spelling errors like 'extremily' and 'benifit' are present, though they do not significantly impede communication. To achieve a higher score, focus on using more precise collocations and academic vocabulary, and ensure consistent spelling and word formation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally affect readability. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues ('Buildings is upward better', 'tall building apartment create') and missing articles or prepositions ('lack of private gardens', 'solution of shortage of place'). While the meaning is generally clear, the frequency of these errors prevents the essay from reaching a higher band. To improve, focus on proofreading for basic grammatical accuracy, particularly regarding pluralization, verb agreement, and the correct use of articles.

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

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