Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

The rapid growth of large cities has created a serious shortage of housing. Some people believe that the best solution is to construct tall apartment blocks. I partly agree with this view because high-rise buildings can provide homes for many people, but they are not the only effective solution.

One major advantage of tall apartment buildings is that they make efficient use of limited land. Large cities often have expensive land and a growing population, so building upwards allows more people to live in a relatively small area. For example, instead of constructing hundreds of separate houses over a large area, a high-rise building can accommodate many families on the same piece of land. Furthermore, apartments can be built near workplaces, schools and public transport, which can reduce commuting times and traffic congestion.

However, relying entirely on tall buildings can also create problems. High-density housing may lead to overcrowding and put pressure on public services such as roads, schools and hospitals. In addition, some people prefer houses with gardens and more private space, particularly families with young children. If cities focus only on high-rise apartments, residents may have fewer opportunities to enjoy green spaces and a quieter environment.

Therefore, I believe that a combination of different types of housing is a better approach. Governments should construct some tall apartment blocks in areas where land is limited, while also developing affordable houses and medium-rise buildings in less crowded parts of cities. At the same time, sufficient parks, schools and public transport should be provided.

In conclusion, tall apartment blocks are an effective way to increase the supply of housing in large cities because they use land efficiently. Nevertheless, I disagree that they are the best solution on their own. A balanced approach involving different types of housing would be more suitable for the needs of a growing urban population.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction, maintaining it consistently throughout the essay. The arguments are well-developed, providing a balanced view by discussing both the benefits of high-rise buildings (efficient land use, proximity to services) and the potential drawbacks (overcrowding, lack of green space). You support your ideas with relevant examples and logical reasoning. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your points, reinforcing your stance that a mixed approach is superior. The response is well-structured and directly answers the 'to what extent' question by providing a nuanced, partially-agreeing perspective.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression. Each paragraph has a central topic, and ideas are sequenced effectively. You use a variety of cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'However', 'In addition', and 'Therefore' to link your points smoothly. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each section serving a distinct purpose in the overall argument. The transition between the advantages and disadvantages is handled well, ensuring the reader can follow your line of reasoning without difficulty. The use of referencing is clear, and the overall structure is coherent and professional.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'efficient use of limited land', 'traffic congestion', and 'high-density housing' are used accurately and in the correct context. While the vocabulary is functional and clear, it could be elevated further by incorporating more sophisticated or less common lexical items to reach the highest band. However, the current range is more than adequate for the task, and there are no significant errors in word choice or collocation that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay displays a good command of grammatical structures. You successfully use a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as 'Instead of constructing hundreds of separate houses over a large area, a high-rise building can accommodate many families on the same piece of land.' Punctuation is accurate, and the majority of your sentences are error-free. There is a good level of control over complex forms, and the occasional minor slips do not interfere with the clarity of your message. The grammatical range is sufficient to support your arguments effectively.

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