Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-08

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)

In recent years, the number of multistorey buildings has increased significantly in metropolitan areas as a result of rapid population growth. Many urban planning authorities regard this as a positive development because high-rise residential buildings can accommodate a large number of people within a relatively small area. From my perspective, I strongly agree that constructing tall apartment blocks is one of the most effective ways of addressing the growing demand for housing in large cities.

One of the primary reasons for adopting high-rise housing is the increasing shortage of residential space in densely populated urban areas. This problem is exacerbated by the continuous migration of people to cities in search of better employment and living opportunities. Compared with conventional rows of one- or two-storey houses, apartment towers can provide accommodation for considerably more residents on the same plot of land. For instance, cities such as Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore have highly populated urban areas where numerous high-rise residential buildings accommodate thousands of people. Without such vertical development, these cities would have to expand further into surrounding areas to meet the demand for housing.

Another significant advantage is the more efficient utilisation of scarce urban land. Although cities can expand their geographical boundaries to some extent, the availability of land within established metropolitan areas is inherently limited, while demand for housing continues to rise. Consequently, building vertically is generally a more practical solution than constructing houses across increasingly large areas of land. Furthermore, well-planned high-rise residential complexes can incorporate shared amenities such as parks, gyms and recreational spaces within the same development. This not only allows developers to house more people but also enables residents to benefit from facilities that might otherwise require additional land.

Admittedly, high-rise developments can create certain social and practical challenges. For example, people living in large apartment complexes may have fewer opportunities for meaningful interaction with their neighbours, potentially weakening traditional forms of community connection. In addition, there are restrictions on constructing tall buildings in certain locations, particularly near airports and other areas subject to aviation safety regulations. Nevertheless, these disadvantages can largely be addressed through thoughtful architectural design, the provision of communal spaces and strict compliance with urban planning regulations.

In conclusion, I strongly agree that tall apartment blocks are an effective means of providing sufficient housing in large cities. Their ability to accommodate a substantial population while making optimal use of limited urban land makes them particularly suitable for densely populated metropolitan areas. Although such developments must be carefully regulated to address social and safety concerns, their overall benefits make vertical housing a highly practical solution to the urban housing challenge.

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 focus on land efficiency and the inclusion of shared amenities. You provide relevant examples, such as the mention of Indian cities like Mumbai and Bangalore, which effectively support your argument. The counter-argument regarding social challenges is acknowledged and refuted, demonstrating a balanced and sophisticated approach to the task. The response is well-structured and directly answers the question of 'to what extent' you agree.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Consequently', 'Furthermore', and 'Nevertheless', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the text. Referencing is consistent and clear throughout the response. The structure is professional and follows a standard academic format, making the argument easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases like 'metropolitan areas', 'vertical development', 'scarce urban land', and 'inherently limited' show a high level of lexical control. You successfully incorporate topic-specific terminology without forcing it, which enhances the academic tone of the essay. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is consistently appropriate for the context of urban planning and housing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and varied sentence beginnings. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is excellent. You use modal verbs and conditional structures appropriately to express your arguments and counter-arguments. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the overall flow is natural and sophisticated. The grammatical accuracy is consistent throughout the entire piece.

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